What physiological change occurs in the outer layer of the body as a person experiences chronic stress?

When a person experiences chronic stress, one of the physiological changes that can occur in the outer layer of the body, particularly the skin, is that it may become tougher. This is related to the body's adaptive response to stress, which can lead to increased production of certain hormones like cortisol. These hormonal changes can influence skin quality by initiating a thicker dermal layer as a protective mechanism against perceived threats.

Increased toughness of the skin could potentially be a survival adaptation but can also lead to unwanted effects, such as reduced elasticity or increased vulnerability to certain conditions due to environmental damage and stress. Understanding how chronic stress biologically affects the body can help in recognizing the importance of stress management for overall health and well-being.

Other options like cognitive processing improving or enhancements in vision do not accurately reflect the effects of chronic stress on the exterior layer of the body. Instead, they imply benefits or different physiological adaptations that do not occur in this context.