How stress affects your looks.
Stress happens.  It is a part of life.  Family troubles, money worries, work woes, health problems are major causes. 

But stress is not always bad.  It prepares us for “fight or flight” situations.  It helps us respond quickly to danger.  Here’s one example of how it works.  You are crossing the road.  Suddenly, a mini-bus rushes towards you.  It is not slowing down.  Your body pumps out stress hormones.  Your heart speeds up, blood rushes to your brain and muscles, you breathe faster, more oxygen is pumped to your muscles.  You run.  This is short-term stress, the good kind.

Long-term stress is the bad guy.  It pulls down your mouth; makes your eyes sad; you frown; you look haggard.  Some women twirl hair nervously, developing bald patches.  Some bite their nails, pick at them, damaging the growth plate of their nails.

I know women whose hair fall when they are worried, and women who get small rashes.  If I am frazzled, a pimple pops up.  Dermatologists say stress releases a hormone, cortisol; too much cortisol increases the oil production in the body…and tah dah…acne or pimples. 

Do you see then some of the reasons why we need to manage stress?  Check the How To section on this page for a few tips.Next week: what stress can do to you on the inside… 
Enjoy your holidays, ladies.  Be good to you, take care of you.