Your skin is a window into your health. If you're not moving your body, if your nutrition is poor, if you're chronically stressed, it's going to show up on your skin. With so many connections between lifestyle and skin health it's a wonder that many people overlook the power of, well, connections!
Research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development showed that close relationships help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes [1]. Whats more is that maintaining quality relationships is also associated with slower cellular aging [2]. This research would suggest that creating and nurturing friendships, familial ties and partnerships may actually help you stay younger longer and avoid disease [2, 3].
Scientists think it could be the happy hormones released when we interact with others in a positive way, the reward and dopamine centres, and how these chemicals impact protein regeneration [3]. Since research on quality relationships cellular aging is primarily done by testing telemeters (the protective ends of our DNA) the findings could be true for most human cells including those that make up skin [2].
Since our bodies don't discriminate between the relationships we have with friends, romantic partners, or family making a variety of connections may help boost the health of your skin! The bottom line: find people you like and spend time with them to keep you glowing inside and out!
Forming and maintaining strong social ties is one of strongest parameters impacting longevity and has powerful influence over the look and function of our skin. Maintaining good health, rooted in the four dimensions of wellness is the key to discovering your best skin. After all, everything is connected.