Can Anger and Stress Speed Up the Aging Process?
As people age, they may choose to fight the signs of aging or embrace the changes. The expression of having “wisdom lines” certainly holds true because the older someone is, the more experiences they have had in life. More life experiences provide insight and wisdom that is often shared with others. Those who seek skincare products, visit professional dermatologists, and have procedures done to counter the signs of aging may be surprised to find out that one’s attitude can have effects on the aging process.
Starting in adulthood, our skin cells change gradually due to cell damage and molecule buildup. There is a theory related to skin aging due to stress called hormonal theory. Hormonal therapy suggests that stressful situations and environments, especially sustained over time, can disrupt cell functions, causing more damage, which reveals itself in aging skin.
How Stress Can Stress Out the Skin
Stress releases cortisol, which can lead to flare-ups on the skin and will worsen existing conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. Research shows that stress, which can be caused by being in an angered state, can cause the skin to get dry and flaky, leading to patches of redness and irritated skin. Many people chew their cheeks, pick at, or chew their nails when stressed. These are not ideal habits to foster during stress and do not reduce stress. There are many things that a person may do when stressed that have adverse effects. Skin is only millimeters thick, so it needs to be considered for everyone experiencing stress or anger issues. Acne may be a symptom for those with high stress or sustained feelings of anger due to overactive sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil that our skin needs, but when overactive, it can cause outbreaks and slow down healing from scrapes, scratches, and wounds on the skin. The cortisol surge from stress and feelings of anger causes the body to react chemically, which leaves skin vulnerable to other skin conditions. Itchiness, redness, and
Stress Speeding Up the Signs of Aging
The effects of stress on a person’s skin go beyond the rubbing of the temples people tend to do when they feel overwhelmed. Our skin is strong and protects our bones and organs, but it also needs to be treated with care. As cells get older, they reach the senescence phase, where they are unable to repair themselves any longer. Stress can bring this phase on earlier, and that is why negative emotions and prolonged stress can speed up the signs of aging.
Although a person’s chronological age is the number of years they have been alive, the biological age is the number of years of age plus environmental and developmental factors. A person’s biological age is the collective condition of the body, and signs of aging are more noticeable when that is higher than chronological age. Over time, those enduring stress and high anger may see these signs earlier and more pronounced. Chronic heightened emotions and stress can lead to a myriad of health concerns, including cosmetic skin concerns. Some claim that reducing stress and controlling feelings of anger can lower biological age.
Improving Skin Through Lower Stress
Learning to manage stress and strong emotional reactions is an essential part of overall health as well as skin health. Stress is a well-known factor attributed to many concerns that land people at the doctor’s or dermatologist’s office. If you are concerned stress may contribute to your overall health or skin concerns, find ways to identify stress triggers and explore ways to manage them when they arise. Some people do yoga, breathing, meditation, or exercise. There are many ways to manage stressors, so take this opportunity to find one that works for your lifestyle and the typical things that cause you stress or anger. Getting rest and regular exercise promote healthy lifestyles because both can help control cortisol and benefit the skin.
Skin Care is Health Care
Taking care of the skin is as important as caring for the body. The skin is the body’s largest organ! Visits to the dermatologist should accompany regular visits to the doctor. Hair, skin, and nail care concerns can be diagnosed and treated by a skilled dermatologist. Buckhead Dermatology is the best dermatologist in Atlanta. Dr. Sherrie Straughn has decades of experience serving clients in the area and enjoys welcoming and working with new patients. Dr. Straughn has experience working with all skin types and has a unique certification working with darker skin tones. She is dedicated to helping clients address skin concerns, stay ahead of signs of skin cancer, and help those who come to her achieve their optimal skin goals.
If you want to learn more about taking care of your skin and reducing the signs of aging, contact Buckhead Dermatology today for an appointment.