Stress-inducing events like job loss and divorce are undoubtedly taxing in a psychological sense, provoking feelings of grief, anxiety and fear. The body can also respond to stressful events physically through a host of unpleasant side effects. Let’s take a closer look at how stress can affect your appearance, and what to do about it.
Study: Stress Makes Us Look Older
A study published several years ago in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery looked at identical twins to determine whether specific environmental factors (like stressful events) can add years to a person’s perceived age.
The results showed that despite being genetically programed to age the same way, some of the twins looked older than their respective siblings. More specifically, twins who were divorced appeared nearly 2 years older than siblings who were married, single or widowed. Twins who took antidepressants (perhaps for anxiety and depression during a stressful time) also looked older; researchers believed that the medication caused facial muscle relaxation and related facial sagging.
The lead author of the study claimed, “The presence of stress could be one of the common denominators in those twins who appeared older.”
How Stress Affects the Face and Skin
Stress causes the body to produce more of the stress hormone cortisol, which leads to an increase in oil production. This can lead to unpleasant side effects like acne breakouts. In addition, stress can exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Stress is also a vicious cycle. For example, the acne or eczema breakout itself can cause more feelings of stress and self-consciousness, perpetuating the cycle.
In serious cases, stress may leave more permanent signs around the face. Feeling stressed can cause a person to repeatedly frown, grimace or furrow the brows. These facial expressions eventually etch lines and wrinkles around the forehead and in between the eyebrows.
How Stress Affects the Body
High amounts of cortisol prompt the body to crave sweet, salty and high-fat foods, which can lead to weight gain; cortisol also encourages the body to store fat, especially around the midsection.
Another side effect of stress is neglect of healthy lifestyle habits. A person going through a stressful time may be more likely to eat poorly, avoid exercise and not get enough sleep.
Cosmetic Treatment Shown to Improve Appearance and Mood
If the effects of stress have left you feeling self-conscious or unattractive, consider cosmetic intervention. The results of some scientific studies suggest that cosmetic treatment can not only improve your appearance, but also boost your mood.
A study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that plastic surgery patients generally experience more self-confidence and enjoyment of life after treatment. Researchers compared three groups of people: 1) first-time plastic surgery patients; 2) individuals who always wanted to have plastic surgery but did not go through with it; and 3) people who had never been interested in cosmetic surgery.
The team found that the patients who underwent cosmetic treatment “had higher self-esteem, experienced less anxiety and felt healthier overall,” according to the authors of the study. Patients also reported they were happier with their entire bodies, not just the treated area.
How Dr. Dumanian Can Help
If you’ve recently gone through a stressful time, and are feeling unhappy with the physical side effects on your face or body, Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Dumanian offers a full range of cosmetic treatment options. He is a highly skilled body contouring and facial rejuvenation surgeon that many Chicago plastic surgery patients trust to address their unique aesthetic concerns.
Dr. Dumanian encourages you to schedule an informational consultation to discuss your cosmetic needs and goals and talk about treatment options. Please call our office at 312-695-6022 or send us an email today.