Stress and your looks

Stress and your looks

Stress happens to everyone, but since you can’t avoid your job, bills, or life, the best thing to do is learn to manage the stress. This includes eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and taking care of yourself in general.

If you don’t, signs of stress can show up on your hair, skin, and nails in ways you won’t like. Here are a few evil things stress does to your appearance, along with ways to keep looking flawless!

Under-Eye Bags: Tomorrow’s to-do list can weigh on your mind, keeping you from getting enough beauty sleep. This can cause fluid to pool below your lower eyelid area, and what you end up with is a puffy mess in the a.m. Stomach sleepers, bad news: You can expect the puffiness of your under-eye bags to be even worse because of gravity.

Prevent and Shrink Puffiness: Get at least eight hours of sleep. Since the light from your smartphone’s screen simulates sunlight, shut off any electronic devices an hour before you go to sleep. Use your downtime to make yourself a cup of caffeine-free chamomile tea.

Dry, Flaky Skin: If you’re stressed, chances are you’re not drinking enough water. You might also be drinking coffee or soda, which can be dehydrating. And if your body doesn’t get the proper hydration it needs, your skin will end up feeling (and looking) like crepe paper.

Look Dewy and Fresh-Faced: First and foremost, drink a lot of water — eight glasses (or more!) each day. You can also down some green tea for a boost of healthy antioxidants and eat foods that have a high water content (fruits and veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, and celery are 80 to 90 percent water).