Emotional AGEING

Negative emotions can affect the skin here's how to put on a happy face

- REPORT: CASSIE STEER.

Think back to when your skin looked its absolute best.

Chances are it wasn't post-breakup or during a particularly sleepless, stress-filled week at work. That elusive holiday glow? It’s not just vitamin D or finding the mental capacity to grapple with a face mask, it's your fascia unfurling and your body releasing the year’s built-up stress.

As neurocosmetics move from niche to mainstream, research is confirming what we've long suspected: our emotions are etched into our skin. Trend forecasting agency WGSN predicts that, by 2026, skin will be seen as an outer reflection of our inner emotional state, ushering in a new era of “emotional beauty”. From oxytocin-boosting skincare to functional fragrances, the beauty industry is already racing to support the skin-brain connection. But beyond the stress spots and redness flareups lies a deeper question: can emotions actually influence how we age?

FACE FACTS