Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/834468
SECRET AGER #1: CULTURAL STRESS Cultural stress is a modern kind of stress and supercedes every other kind of stress we have. We may not even know we're experiencing cultural stress because it exists like an incessant buzz in our lives, and it is manmade. Cultural stress includes long commutes, noise and light pollution, terrorism, environmental toxins, constant digital connection, political unrest, social media, and the 24-hour news cycle. Essentially, cultural stress lowers our ability to process and handle other forms of everyday stress. We're less able to cope with it all, and this causes high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which encourages glycation and damages collagen, making it less flexible or rigid. The result of this is an increase in the appearance of lines and wrinkles. On the inside, our connective tissue is hardening, too, causing cardiovascular disease and promoting diabetes. Psychological stress also encourages skin disorders and can aggravate skin conditions. Researchers call this the "brain-skin connection." During psychological stress, skin cells upregulate lipid production, inflammatory cytokines, and melanocyte activity, while skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, eczema, dermatitis, swelling, redness, skin discoloration, and even hair loss may occur or get worse. Psychological stress prevents normal cell repair functions, so clients with acne never see resolution, and scarring may be far greater. Moreover, wound healing from dermatologic procedures like exfoliation and deep peels can be problematic for those who are excessively stressed out. Cultural stress has given way to a new syndrome—cultural stress anxiety syndrome— the hallmarks of which are depression, anxiety, sedentary lifestyle, and profound isolation. As we become more connected through digital means, we lose real relationships. This can take an enormous toll on our psychological well-being. We are now in an age when we must work to acquire and maintain regular face- to-face relationships—they don't just happen anymore. Ironically, we're living more isolated and depressed than ever. The solution? Eyes up! Make a conscious decision to disconnect from digital devices. Be social. Use exercise to process excess stress and try to find more life balance.