by, Sana Mehmood

Everyone has heard that smiling makes you look beautiful; now, there’s science behind it.  As it turns out, if you feel down for a prolonged time period, it takes toll on your physical appearance.  Read on to learn more …

Anxiety, Anxiety, Anxiety

Negative emotions tend to trigger the release of chemicals that lead to hair loss, eczema flair ups, acne and even wrinkles.  While acne can be easily treated with products such as Murad’s Acne Complex, there can be more serious side effects to constant anxiety and stress.  One of those side effects is wrinkles.  Stress can make women prone to wrinkles and will make you look older, faster. 

So what to do?

NEEM recommends that South Asian women reach into their rich heritage for some home-remedies for stress.  Drink soothing ginger tea, massage your head with soothing oils, and do yoga at least once a week.  Melt away your stress with aromatherapy candles that are infused with lavender.   And take time out to spend with family and friends.

Depression Galore

Crying your eyes out once in a while is a great tool for cleaning out the emotional baggage.  But prolonged sadness can wreak havoc on your skin and body.  Dull hair, skin acting up, and weight gain are all the gifts brought by the blues.  Women often turn to tasty, yet extremely bad-for-you, foods to turn their frowns upside down.

So what to do?

NEEM recommends that South Asian women put down the remote, let go of the carb-filled parathas and start making small improvements in their mental state day by day.  recongize the normalcy of the blues and set actual time limits for those “self-loathing” or “pity party” moments.  And get happy by working out – instead of staying in.  Studies prove that women who work out beat the blues faster than those that choose to stay inactive.  It’s a hard one to do, especially by yourself, but no one can bring the change that you can.  So lighten up – your mood, your attitude, and yourself!

Happiness Rejuvenates

One thing is universally true; when you are happy you look more beautiful. Your skin will appear healthier and your hair and nails can actually grow faster, according to studies done by Dr. Richard Fried, a dermatologist in Pennsylvania.  All in all it’s been found that women who smile and feel good about themselves improve their overall life substantially – their posture, their skin, their hair, their weight – it all comes together for them.  So go out there and put on a happy face!