Psychodermatology

The Wonderful World of Wellness

The wellness industry is booming, now worth a staggering $5.6 trillion, and it's constantly evolving with new trends, treatments, and products emerging daily. One such practice with lasting impact is Psychodermatology, also known as the mind-skin connection. It has been shown that by nurturing both our skin and mind together can lead to lasting improvements in our overall well-being.

Psychodermatology unveiled

When you think about how our emotions show up physically - like getting bloated from anxiety, blushing when we're embarrassed, or sweating when we're nervous - psychodermatology makes a lot of sense. This approach looks at skin issues through both a mental and physical health lens, which is especially important when considering how stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to more serious and long-lasting skin problems.

By focusing on evidence-based, positive lifestyle changes, psychodermatology aims to heal both the mind and body, helping clear up our skin and improve our mental well-being.

The Mind-Skin Link

The connection between the mind and skin is profound. Acne, for instance, often results from excess oil production in the skin. Anxiety and stress have been shown to elevate cortisol levels, a hormone that triggers changes in skin pores and boosts oil production. This excess oil can clog pores, leading to acne.

Moreover, cortisol can impair the immune system, slowing the healing process of acne and potentially causing more stress. This immune suppression can also lead to redness, dryness, itchiness, more pronounced wrinkles, heightened allergic reactions, and damage to the skin’s protective barrier.

Additionally, stress is known to worsen other skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, herpes, and hives.

A Holistic Approach

We have identified that when you are stressed or anxious, existing skin conditions such as acne and eczema can flare up. Conversely, dealing with those conditions can be very stressful. A combination approach is required to create a healthy mind - skin balance.

Include relaxation techniques: meditation, regular exercise, aromatherapy and herbal supplements like calming Ashwagandha  and Anti-Anx for anxiety and sleep support.

Beauty brands are developing products using stress relieving ingredients from nature like chamomile, patchouli and geranium. 

Topical medications or antibiotics, combined with relaxation techniques can help reduce severe skin conditions 

More Than A Trend

As we live longer there has been a shift towards preventative and lifestyle wellness. By adding some mindful practices into our daily routine we can all experience the benefits this holistic approach can have for our inner health and outer glow.