May 26, 2009 11:48 am US/Eastern
HealthWatch: Economic Stress And Your Skin
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Economic stress isn't just hurting our pocketbooks – doctors say it can actually damage your skin.
So how do you look your best under stress, and on a budget?
Laura Sheehy works hard to keep her finances out of the red, but says economic stress is what led to a flare-up of red, itchy skin.
"You get overwhelmed with the big picture today," Sheehy says.
Dr. Amy Wechsler is the author of The Mind-Beauty Connection." She says it's no secret that stress is one of the leading causes of breakouts – it has to do with hormones.
"When someone is stressed, their level of cortisol, which is the major stress hormone, goes sky-high," Dr. Wechsler says. "And cortisol breaks down collagen and causes inflammation."
That can lead to common breakouts like psoriasis, adult acne, and rosacea. Collagen breakdown can result in fine lines and wrinkles.
"People are coming in and saying, 'I did not have this wrinkle last month,' or, 'this is my, you know, my post market-crashing wrinkle,'" Dr. Wechsler says.
But looking your best under stress doesn't have to cost a fortune.
"I tell my patients to keep it simple," dermatologist Dr. Debra Luftman says. "You only need three to four products."
Those include a soothing cleanser, an exfoliant, and an oil-free sunscreen.
If a pimple pops up, Dr. Luftman recommends a stick she developed.
The Therapeutix emergency outbreak stick is a treatment for acne on the go," Dr. Luftman says. "It reduces pimples within two hours."
Dr. Wechsler also says to make sure to remember the "vitamin G," her terminology for exercise.
"When we're exercising, we make more beta endorphins, and those are anti-inflammatory," Dr. Wechsler says.
Sheehy says the combo helps keep her skin clear, even when the stock market forecast isn't.
Stress also plays an important role on your overall health. It's been linked with illnesses ranging from heart disease to cancer.
Regular exercise and healthy diet reduce stress hormones in the body, and protect the mind from their negative effects.
Along with staying physically fit, doctors say socializing may also help keep your stress down and your skin clear.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths
Click to enlarge
Garnett's Jumper Gives Celtics OT Win Over Knicks 17 mins ago
Tynes' 36-Yard FG Leads Giants Over Falcons In OT 30 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments