With its fast-paced vibe, long commutes and job demands, living and working in the city can add up to stress. And this chronic stress all adds up to dry, dull and aged-looking skin.

What Happens?

Chronic stress increases the hormone cortisol, which impedes the skin’s ability to retain water. It’s this loss in moisture that makes the skin look dry and dull. To correct this problem, slather on a natural face cream and natural eye cream to add and trap moisture.

Stress also triggers the production of cortisol. As a result, there is an elevation in blood sugar, and its glycation process damages protein fibers, collagen and elastin that plump the skin and keep it smooth and youthful looking.

Even though you don’t realize it, stress can lead to negative emotions that result in a lot of frowning. It’s constant muscle tension like this that leads to permanent wrinkling. Using facial creams with antioxidants can help encourage collagen production and smooth out those fine lines.

Stress also leads to the inflammation that causes acne breakouts and eczema breakouts.

So what can a city gal do about city-stress besides using natural facial creams and natural eye creams?

Your Body

That old adage “take time to smell the roses” comes into play here. Take the time to read a good novel, engage in aerobic exercise or take a yoga class. While stress is impossible to eliminate, these activities help manage it. Physical activity produces endorphins, which reduce stress, improve sleep and improve mood. All around, physical activity helps the body work better, including the skin. Skip the subway and walk or bike to work.

Your Mind

Reading and listening to music also calm the mind and brain. Meditation also helps reduce stress. Even when those speeding taxis are all around you, you can focus on breathing and stay zen. Whether you engage in these activities in your city loft or sign up for a class, there are many ways in the city to city-proof your skin from stress.

Then, there’s also the oxidative stress that occurs with city living. Caused by city air pollution and UV radiation, oxidative stress breaks down protein and alters cellular skin renewal cycles. The free radicals that cause oxidative stress wreak havoc on the skin causing fine wrinkles, blotchy pigmentation and sagging skin. For protection, be sure to use a natural skin cream daily or sunscreen with a high SPF. These create a barrier between the skin and free radicals.

Knowing how the city stressors can take a toll on your complexion and solutions that are city smart will have you looking like a country mouse instead of a city mouse.

Get your best city skin on!