Stress is often blamed for wrinkles, dark shadows, and tired-looking skin. But a new study suggests that psychological stress make actually impair our skin’s ability to resist infectious germs. The skin is the first line of defense for our bodies against bacteria and viruses. It’s a naturally antimicrobial surface. When researchers reporting in the Journal of Clinical Investigation exposed mice to severe psychological stress and subsequent streptococcus, the mice developed worse infections and had higher stress hormone measures than mice who were not exposed to any stress. Though it’s only a murine study, it’s worth noting!
Later today, we’ll bring you some helpful stress-reducing tips just in time for the weekend.
On the burner at MDA: Look out for more interesting, useful articles on herbs this month, and don’t miss Mark’s Holiday Survival Guide, which starts next Wednesday.
Further reading:
A bevy of terrific stress-beating tips!
Baby your skin: try Sara’s shower tips
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