Psychodermatology
Psychodermatology, is a term that refers to the study of how stressors and other psychological issues have an impact on one’s skin. Studies, have shown that dermatologists are much more accepting of this field, and psychologists are becoming more involved in helping dermatologists with certain patients and their skin concerns. This deep dive allows dermatologists to help their patients navigate through skin concerns such as acne, psoriasis, hives, and more whose root could be, after exploring all avenues, due to stress or the lack of a healthy lifestyle.
Mental Health and It’s Impact on the Skin
It is estimated that 40 million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety every year. And according to the CDC, more than 264 million adults suffer from depression. How is this relevant? Stress has been shown to illicit a chemical response in your body which causes one’s skin to become more reactive, sensitive, and if it’s healing from something then causes a delay in the healing process. Anxiety and stress has been shown to trigger and or aggravate psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, rashes and more.
It doesn’t help either, that irritated skin is a powerhouse for fuelling insecurities, stress, depression and more. It’s almost a two way street, or a catch-22 rather.
As such it is important to strive to achieve equilibrium. One must create balance.
Routines and their Positive Impact
Interestingly, while anxiety and stress or depression has a negative impact on the skin, building a skincare routine or any routine of sorts is beneficial for one’s mental health. As such a skincare based routine would not only address your skin concerns, but also help reduce the negative effects of stress, anxiety and or depression.
A study published in June of 2018, found that people who have less consistent routines throughout the active parts of their day are more likely to suffer from depression, loneliness anxiety and the like.
As such, it is always encouraged to take a healthy pause, if you’re feeling overworked, overwhelmed or stressed, take a break, start your holiday as the festive season approaches with this Self-love checklist!
Sources
Clay, Rebecca A. “The Link between Skin and Psychology.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, Feb. 2015,
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2015/02/cover-skin.
“Anxiety Disorders - Facts & StatisticsA.” Anxiety & Depression Association of America, https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics#:~:text=Did%20You%20Know%3F,of%20those%20suffering%20receive%20treatment.
Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-90. doi: 10.2174/1871528113666140522104422. PMID: 24853682; PMCID: PMC4082169.
Lyall, Laura M. Et al. “Association of disrupted circadian rhythmicity with mood disorders, subjective wellbeing, and cognitive function: a cross-sectional study of 91 105 participants from the UK Biobank.” The Lancet Psychiatry, May 15, 2018; 5(6): 507 - 514. Doi:
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30139-1
