What Are Stress Wrinkles And How Can You Prevent Them?

For patients who want to reduce wrinkles that are linked to aging and other causes, the best strategy may be a filler, such as RHA® or Restylane® or Juvederm®. Bryn Mawr and Newtown Square’s Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa explains that these facial fillers are hyaluronic acid-based gel-like substances that add volume to make wrinkles less noticeable.

The types of wrinkles that form in the skin vary from person to person. Static wrinkles, which remain permanently visible even when the face is at rest—form when supportive molecules like collagen and elastin that provide structure and flexibility to the skin start to break down. While normal aging and smoking are the most obvious causes of this change, there are other lesser-known causes that aren’t talked about as much, including sun damage, exposure to pollution, consuming too much refined sugar, dehydration, alcohol, and even squishing your face into your pillow when you’re sleeping.

While occasionally being hyper-alert is sometimes advantageous, a prolonged state of stress, known as chronic stress, can have negative effects on a person’s health. Psychological stress can have a negative impact on the skin as high amounts of the stress hormone cortisol can damage the skin’s collagen and elastin, eventually leading to the development of wrinkles.

Additionally, chronic stress causes increased inflammation in the body which interferes with the body’s ability to repair itself. This inflammation also makes the skin’s existing collagen stiffer and less flexible.

Another way stress can cause wrinkles to form at an accelerated rate is by causing insulin resistance. When insulin is inhibited, there are higher levels of blood sugar, which can trigger a process known as glycation that causes a loss of elasticity in the skin tissue. The presence of excess glucose in skin fibers reduces the skin’s elasticity, and wrinkles occur at a faster rate as a result.

See below for some ways to prevent stress wrinkles. 

Prioritize Sun Protection 

Throughout the year, including the winter months, you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen on the face that has an SPF of at least 30. Wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to slow skin aging. Sunglasses, hats, and UV-protective clothing can also help. 

Consider Cosmetic Treatments 

Injectables treatments such as fillers and neuromodulators are a great way to reduce the look of stress wrinkles on the face. Consult with a board-certified dermatologist to learn the ideal treatments for your unique face and goals.

Get Lots of Sleep 

Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, as this will help you cope better with stress and give your body the chance to repair skin damage. 

Get Exercise 

Staying active has been shown to lower levels of stress hormones in the body and gives you a chance to take your mind off bothersome thoughts. 

In addition to stress wrinkles, chronic stress can affect the facial skin in other ways as well. When your body produces high levels of the hormone cortisol, it can stimulate excessive oil production from the sebaceous glands. The excess oil could block your pores and cause acne breakouts to occur. When you repeatedly furrow your brows due to stress or concentration, it can also cause dynamic wrinkles to form on the forehead area and between the eyebrows as the skin’s proteins break down.

Stress can also cause bags under the eyes due to sleep deprivation, dry skin when the skin’s outer layer isn’t functioning properly, rashes due to a weakened immune system, graying hair or hair loss, permanent damage to the teeth due to grinding, facial flushing, sore lips, and other unwanted health issues. 

Want more advice about reducing stress wrinkles? Contact Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa by calling 610.525.5029 or fill out a contact form to schedule a consultation if you would like to find out more about dermal fillers and other facial treatments.