For football enthusiasts, the thrill of the game often comes with an unexpected consequence: wrinkles.
Dermatologist Dr. Muneeb Shah is sounding the alarm on “fanxiety face,” a phenomenon where the stress and intensity of watching your favorite team play could leave lasting marks on your skin.
The emotional rollercoaster of a nail-biting game might be exciting, but it’s also a breeding ground for furrowed brows, deep-set wrinkles, and stressed-out skin, reported the New York Post. According to Dr. Shah, the act of squinting and holding tense facial expressions during a game can contribute to permanent lines, much like the old saying about faces “getting stuck that way.”
The problem is particularly pronounced among younger audiences, with a Neutrogena survey revealing that 53% of Gen Z feel more stress watching football than any other sport.
This sustained tension often manifests as facial strain, leading to the dreaded “11 lines” between the brows and horizontal wrinkles across the forehead, per the Post. Stress levels during a game also lead to heightened cortisol production, a hormone that wreaks havoc on the skin.
Elevated cortisol increases oil production, worsens acne, and depletes collagen, a vital protein that keeps skin supple and youthful. Facial tension and hormonal stress create a perfect storm for premature aging.
Dr. Shah explains that prolonged stress impacts skin resilience in two key ways.
Firstly, habitual facial squinting etches lines into the skin over time, making them harder to reverse. Secondly, elevated cortisol levels degrade elastin and collagen, proteins essential for skin’s elasticity and ability to bounce back. This dual effect leaves sports fans vulnerable to a range of skin issues, from deep wrinkles to breakouts.
Stress management plays a critical role. Techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness practices can help lower cortisol levels and mitigate the skin’s stress response. Dr. Shah recommends fans take breaks during games to avoid prolonged facial tension, even if it’s just to grab a snack or stretch.
While the game may still be a source of high emotions, small steps can help maintain a healthier glow.