Does Stress Make You Ugly?

If you've had a lot going on lately and suspect that your looks are suffering as a result of stress, then you may be right. Think about it: nails splitting faster than you can file, pimple breakouts, dark circles under your eyes, thinning hair...if any of these issues sound familiar, read on. Stress just might be making you ugly! Ever notice when you've got a big event coming up - class reunion, wedding, prom, etc. - then your face decides to stage a revolution and break out in zits? Studies show that in times of stress, sebaceous (oil-producing) glands go into overdrive and clog pores. Another nasty effect that stress has is helping wrinkles along. Stress hormones release free radicals, which have a negative, drying effect on cell membranes. As cell membranes lose water, they lose elasticity and can speed wrinkles and even dark circles under eyes because it affects circulation.