Stress – it is a combination of various physiological responses triggered in response to certain internal or external changes. A sharp and short-term increase in the level of the stress hormone in critical situations allows the body to respond appropriately to potential danger: blood sugar levels rise to ensure a constant flow of energy, heart rate and breathing increase, blood pressure rises. When dangerous circumstances are left behind, the state of the body returns to normal.
However, chronic stress affects the state of health in a very negative way – All physicians agree with this statement. Dr. Stephanie Williams, dermatologist and chief medical officer at European Dermatology Private Clinic (London) talks about the role of stress in skin aging and how to counteract it.
Not all stress is the same: what is the difference between eustress and distress
There are two types of stress:
- Eustress – favorable temporary stress that allows the body to adapt to the stressor.
- Distress – unfavorable chronic stress, as a result of which the protective function of the body weakens, as well as its ability to adapt, which leads to the development of various diseases.
An interesting study confirmed the subjective perception of stress by a person. During the study, experts assessed the level of stress among volunteers in leadership positions, which are characterized by high demands and great responsibility. Accordingly, it is logical to assume that stress affects "leaders" more. However, in fact, it turned out that in such people the level of cortisol stress hormone, as a rule, is lower than that of their subordinates.
Next we will look at:
- how stress affects the skin;
- how oxidative stress affects telomeres;
- how to deal with the negative effects of stress.
How exactly does stress affect skin aging – action of stress hormones
Cortisol – an important hormone that is produced in the human body in response to stress. Under normal conditions, cortisol levels are highest in the morning and gradually decrease throughout the day. However, chronic stress affects the levels of cortisol and other stress hormones.
Being a catabolic hormone, cortisol suppresses the body's immune response and leads to the breakdown of collagen in the skin. This is why dermatologists use cortisol injections to break down excess collagen to help eliminate keloid scars.
Elevated cortisol levels are also associated with elevated blood sugar levels, which can lead to collagen cross-linking and glycation end products formation.
High blood sugar, whether caused by dietary habits or exposure to stress, leads to increased production of insulin, which promotes inflammation, further increases cortisol levels, and disrupts some of the "youth hormones".
It is known that chronically elevated cortisol not only negatively affects health and shortens life, but also leads to premature skin aging.
Chronic stress also contributes to hormonal imbalances, which manifests itself in a decrease in the level of anabolic "youth hormones", including:
- DHEA;
- growth hormone.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) – a precursor of sex hormones, including testosterone, with anti-inflammatory properties: it reduces the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improves immune functions. When applied topically, DHEA enhances collagen production and improves the structure of the dermis.
DHEA and growth hormone (GH) levels decrease with age. Growth Hormone – anabolic hormone that plays an important role in tissue formation. Reduced GH levels lead to age-related muscle loss and fat accumulation, as well as thinning of the skin.
How oxidative stress affects telomere length
Free radicals appear in every cell of our body, which are products of metabolism that takes place at the cellular level all the time. Free radicals are neutralized by antioxidants.
However, chronic stress greatly increases the amount of free radicals that antioxidants are unable to neutralize. The results of this are oxidative stress and cell damage.
Moreover, chronic stress significantly reduces the amount of glutathione (a major antioxidant) and impairs mitochondrial function, leading to increased oxidative stress.
Chronic stress also affects the length of telomeres – protective end segments of our chromosomes that maintain the integrity and stability of genetic information, therefore telomere length is considered a marker of a person's biological age (as opposed to chronological age).
In skin cells, a particularly rapid decrease in telomere length is observed, associated with the rate of their proliferation and susceptibility to DNA damage as a result of oxidative stress.
How to deal with the negative impact of stress on the health and youthfulness of the skin
Stress and subsequent hormonal and metabolic changes provide the fight-or-flight response, which involves movement, so the negative effects of stress on the body can be avoided through physical activity – so you can quickly restore the balance of hormones and normalize metabolic processes.
Because stress affects sugar levels, it is important to avoid sweets and other forms of fast carbohydrates during stressful situations so that glucose and insulin levels do not rise even further. The same goes for coffee – under stress, this drink is absolutely not needed by the body.
Positive attitude, smiles and laughter – powerful means of dealing with stress. Biofeedback allows you to deceive the brain and minimize stress.
Research also proves the effectiveness of meditation in:
- reducing the level of stress hormones;
- decrease in the level of C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation);
- an increase in telomere length;
- increased levels of serotonin and melatonin.
Insufficient sleep duration and/or quality also leads to increased cortisol levels. Sleep is also needed for:
- cell regeneration;
- normal functioning of the immune system;
- growth hormone synthesis;
- melatonin production.
Lack of sleep associated with:
- systemic inflammation;
- acceleration of aging processes;
- reduced insulin sensitivity;
- formation of a large number of advanced glycation end products;
- decreased telomere length;
- impaired immune function.
Stress negatively affects the entire body, including the skin, accelerating the aging process under the influence of free radicals and glycation end products. Therefore, it is very important to provide a comprehensive approach to neutralize the effects of stress on the body, which includes healthy sleep, meditation, proper nutrition and a positive attitude. This will help maintain youthful skin and minimize the negative effects of stress hormones on the body.
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