Page 17 - Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture Booklet

Now the samples looked quite different, with outer and inner layers that looked very
similar to those of 20- to 40-year-olds. "I don't want to over-hype the results, but, really,
it was pretty remarkable to see," said Dr. Tarnopolsky, himself a middle-aged exerciser.
Under a microscope, the volunteers' skin "looked like that of a much younger person, and
all that they had done differently was exercise."

Stress reduction

The connection between psychological stress and skin-health is suggested by the effect it
can have on pre-existing conditions of the skin.

Based upon population studies, there is evidence for a high and increasing correspondence
between mental distress and chronic skin diseases. Many studies show that the intensity of
chronic skin symptoms such as pruritus correlate with psychological conditions.
Depression is not uncommon in dermatological diseases and stress is known to
exacerbate the severity of atopic dermatitis. The new onset of psoriasis is also frequently
preceded by stress as well as by stressful life events
.
While the exact mechanisms involved are not well understood, what is known is that
chronic stress stimulates various nervous and hormonal systems and that the protracted
activation of these systems can result in immunological dysfunction, increased
production of free radicals, inflammation, and DNA damage. Of course, these factors are
also well known to contribute to the premature aging of skin, among other issues.

An effective anti-aging strategy, then, should include at least some stress relieving
elements such as regular exercise, good sleeping practices, a healthy diet, abstention from
smoking and the use of other stimulants, maintenance of a supportive social network, and
arranging for regular rest and relaxation related downtime, to name a few options.