When the body is subjected to constant stress, the body's qi becomes congested.

As the skin is an organ, it is natural that, like the rest of you, your skin is also affected by congested qi and can look unhealthy and tired.

And even if stress does not actually show up on the skin as one of these conditions, it is one of the chief contributors to an increased population of free radicals in the body, which, in turn, has been discovered to be a major cause of premature aging.

Emotional or mental trauma can cause you to screw up your face or frown, and constant muscular contractions can eventually become permanent fine lines and wrinkles.

So take control of your stress, you must learn to relax.

Here are some techniques to relieve and reduce stress that will eventually give you a better look:

Meditation and breathing exercise can be very effective in controlling stress.

Change the way you see your situation and seek alternative viewpoints. Give yourself messages as to how well you can cope rather than how horrible everything is going to be.

Alcohol and drugs can cause stress. Decrease your intake of dietary fat, sugar and salt. Eat more fresh fruit, vegetables and high-fiber foods.

Therapeutic massage is a relaxing way to reduce stress. And the relaxing atmosphere of a spa can have a very powerful healing effect on your body and soul.

Find the right skin care treatment. Clinique's soon-to-be-launched Superdefense SPF 25 PA Age Defense Moisturizer is an updated product that offers new technology designed to defend against the effects of emotional and psychological stress on skin.

(Shanghai Daily November 19, 2008)