Everything to Know About How Stress Affects Your Skin

Cortisol, the hormone released in response to stress, is the natural enemy of collagen, breaking down the connective tissue that keeps your complexion taut and firm. But beyond damaging collagen, anxiety "can also cause us to hold certain facial expressions, such as furrowing the brow," says Jamal. Eventually, "this can cause permanent wrinkling on the forehead and around the eyes." And Sherber adds that, "jaw clenching can cause the masseter muscle to grow stronger, making your face look more square."