Why does stress make us age faster?

I am 32 years old, recently I have been stressed and pressured, so my skin has wrinkles and aging. What is the cause of this condition and how can I improve it? (Nhu Quynh, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

The skin and brain are linked, triggering problems through the brain-skin axis. The nerve endings in the skin are closely connected to the nervous system, and this connection is bidirectional.

When stressed, the brain releases large amounts of cortisol (the stress hormone). Cortisol has a direct negative impact on the skin's immune function.

When in a bad mood, cortisol levels increase, weakening the skin's protective barrier, allowing bacteria to penetrate, causing dermatitis, acne, and peeling skin. This hormone also indirectly causes the skin to age quickly, become dry, dark, wrinkled, and sag prematurely.

Stress causes difficulty sleeping, insomnia, headaches, making it difficult for the body to recover and regenerate, accelerating the natural aging process, which is clearly visible on the skin.

The vicious cycle of stress causes insomnia, insomnia leads to stress which makes aging faster and more severe.

Skin is easily affected when the body is stressed. Photo: Freepik — Skin is easily affected when the body is stressed. Photo: *Freepik*

A healthy brain is the foundation of beautiful skin. The brain accounts for about 2% of body weight but consumes 20-25% of the body's oxygen and energy. More than 60% of the brain's composition is unsaturated fatty acids, which are easily oxidized. Therefore, the brain's metabolism is strong, producing many free radicals.

However, the brain's anti-free radical system is weaker than that of other organs. Therefore, the brain is very sensitive and vulnerable to free radical attacks, causing neuronal degeneration.

You need to build a scientific lifestyle, rest and exercise regularly, get enough sleep to reduce stress. Eat healthy, increase vegetables, fruits, seafood, fatty fish rich in vitamins and minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, omega 3, antioxidants..., contributing to maintaining brain and body health. From there, provide large amounts of oxygen and nutrients to cells, including nerve cells, skin cells.

Natural extracts from blueberry and ginkgo biloba have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, activate free radical-fighting enzymes, help sleep well, reduce stress, reduce cortisol levels, and benefit the skin. Skin care also requires a combination of many solutions that require expert advice, including diet, rest, exercise, and essential nutrient supplementation.

If stress and insomnia persist, you should see a neuropsychiatrist for advice and appropriate treatment.

Doctor Hoang Quyet Tien
Medical Information Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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