What Is ‘Fanxiety Face,’ Causes and Treatments

Do you ever find yourself experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions while watching your favorite team play? From elation to disappointment, disgust, and relief, being a sports superfan can take you on a wild ride of feelings that you often display through various facial expressions like grimacing, squinting, or raising your eyebrows.

While being deeply invested in sports can have mental health benefits, the intense faces you make during the game, known as “fanxiety face,” may actually be aging your skin. Fanxiety face is the stress that sports fans experience during high-stakes games, causing them to make severe facial movements in response to the excitement and pressure of the moment.

The repeated facial movements associated with fanxiety face can lead to wrinkles, laugh lines, and crow’s feet, according to experts. These dynamic wrinkles are created by excessive muscle activity and can become more pronounced over time, especially as collagen levels decrease with age. Additionally, the hormone cortisol released during stressful times can further exacerbate skin changes and contribute to the formation of wrinkles.

While it may seem like facial exercises, like face yoga, could counteract the effects of fanxiety face, the clinical proof is lacking. Some believe that targeted facial movements through face yoga could help tone facial muscles and improve circulation, but others argue that it may not be effective in reducing wrinkles or altering facial structure.

To combat wrinkles and other signs of aging, establishing a basic skincare routine with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen is crucial. Dermatologists may also recommend nonsurgical treatments like Botox, fillers, chemical peels, or laser therapy to address specific skin concerns. In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as facelifts or liposuction may be considered.

Ultimately, finding ways to stay calm during stressful situations, like watching sports, can help minimize exaggerated facial expressions and potentially reduce the impact of fanxiety face on your skin. Taking care of your skin through proper skincare and seeking professional advice when needed can help maintain a healthy and youthful appearance over time.