Source: Liz Vaccariello, Editor-in-Chief, PREVENTION, on Mon Dec 8, 2008 11:33am PST
Remember the last time you caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror after a particularly harrowing day? Your skin probably didn’t look as smooth and glowing as it usually does (never mind the furrowed brow). The reason: Cortisol, a hormone your brain pumps out when you’re feeling stressed, literally gets under your skin and can make you break out, dry out, or just look tired and blah. Stay pretty all season with these tips:
STRESS SYMPTOM: ACNE
Stress increases the inflammation that leads to breakouts. To beat ’em, use a lotion containing skin-sloughing salicylic acid or bacteria-busting benzoyl peroxide, plus a noncomedogenic (read: won’t clog pores) moisturizer to keep skin soft. (Here are some tips on how to break bad habits that may be increasing your stress.)
STRESS SYMPTOM: DRYNESS
When that pesky hormone cortisol is present, your skin can’t hold onto water, which cases dryness and zaps your luminous glow. Fix it with hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products. These have a lower pH that prevents further dryness and inflammation. Wash your face with lukewarm water; hot temperatures strip skin’s oils. Then slather on your face cream while skin is still damp to lock in moisture (If it’s in the AM don’t forget to use one with an SPF of at least 15—even in winter.) (Here are fantastic ways to turn the clock back without overspending.)
STRESS SYMPTOM: TIRED EYES
When you’re stressed, you don’t sleep well—and if you’re hitting one too many holiday parties and downing a few extra cocktails you’re probably not getting the best sleep of your life. Cold cucumber slices are such a popular remedy because the chill constricts the blood and lymph vessels that bring fluid to the area (plus their round shape and size make this veggie particularly eye friendly). Another easy trick: Pile up some pillows and sleep with your head slightly elevated to prevent fluid from pooling. (Here are some great strategies on how to get the rest you need.)
Remember the last time you caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror after a particularly harrowing day? Your skin probably didn’t look as smooth and glowing as it usually does (never mind the furrowed brow). The reason: Cortisol, a hormone your brain pumps out when you’re feeling stressed, literally gets under your skin and can make you break out, dry out, or just look tired and blah. Stay pretty all season with these tips:
STRESS SYMPTOM: ACNE
Stress increases the inflammation that leads to breakouts. To beat ’em, use a lotion containing skin-sloughing salicylic acid or bacteria-busting benzoyl peroxide, plus a noncomedogenic (read: won’t clog pores) moisturizer to keep skin soft. (Here are some tips on how to break bad habits that may be increasing your stress.)
STRESS SYMPTOM: DRYNESS
When that pesky hormone cortisol is present, your skin can’t hold onto water, which cases dryness and zaps your luminous glow. Fix it with hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products. These have a lower pH that prevents further dryness and inflammation. Wash your face with lukewarm water; hot temperatures strip skin’s oils. Then slather on your face cream while skin is still damp to lock in moisture (If it’s in the AM don’t forget to use one with an SPF of at least 15—even in winter.) (Here are fantastic ways to turn the clock back without overspending.)
STRESS SYMPTOM: TIRED EYES
When you’re stressed, you don’t sleep well—and if you’re hitting one too many holiday parties and downing a few extra cocktails you’re probably not getting the best sleep of your life. Cold cucumber slices are such a popular remedy because the chill constricts the blood and lymph vessels that bring fluid to the area (plus their round shape and size make this veggie particularly eye friendly). Another easy trick: Pile up some pillows and sleep with your head slightly elevated to prevent fluid from pooling. (Here are some great strategies on how to get the rest you need.)
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