Skin is remarkable. It’s not just the largest organ of our body but also occupies 15% of our body weight, which makes it such an important part of who you are. But, it also is one part that is seen first & that visually plays a very important role in our lives. But the same skin has its concerns, which can have an impact on our mental health.
As much as we would like to believe how confident we are in our skin, some things are not in our control & the connection between skin & mind is certainly not.
In today's world, appearances play a significant role in shaping our self-esteem & mental well-being; unfortunately, skin concerns can have a profound impact on both. Whether it's acne, eczema, pigmentation or any other skin condition, the emotional toll these issues take on individuals cannot be underestimated.
In the social media culture, the pressure to have a perfect, glass-like skin really impacts mental health & anything less than perfect becomes unacceptable. Miscommunication about how “perfect skin” looks is often imposed & the goal to achieve healthy skin is left far behind.
Everyone has skin problems & just like health issues, why do we not seem to take it seriously is alarming. It is crucial to take skin health into consideration & take care of it.
But, the question remains, how does skin really affect your overall well-being & what can we do to start embracing ourselves a little more? Let’s delve into the complex interplay between mental health & confidence & how skin concerns can disrupt this balance but how you can make it better.
The Skin as a Reflection of Self:
Our skin is not just an outer layer; it's a canvas that reflects our inner health, emotions, & self-esteem. When it's clear & glowing, it often corresponds to a sense of well-being & confidence. However, when skin concerns arise, they can trigger a cascade of emotional responses.
Acne, the most common skin condition, affects millions of people worldwide, often during their formative years. The emotional toll of acne extends beyond the physical symptoms. It goes above & beyond the scars it might leave behind. Acne can lead to feelings of embarrassment, self-consciousness & low self-esteem. Individuals with acne may feel like they are being judged based on their appearance & this perceived judgment can be a significant source of anxiety & depression.
As per the study, "The Psychosocial Impact of Acne Vulgaris" (2016), it was found that there is a significant psychological impact of acne vulgaris among adolescents. It reported that acne had adverse effects on self-esteem, body image & overall quality of life among teenagers.
(Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029236/ )
Eczema, characterized by itchy, inflamed skin, can disrupt one's daily life & self-image. The constant itchiness & visible redness can be not only physically uncomfortable but emotionally draining. The visible nature of eczema can lead to self-consciousness & social withdrawal, affecting an individual's confidence & overall mental well-being.
Results from an National Eczema Association (NEA) survey of eczema parents & caregivers show that at least one in five children with eczema will be bullied at school this year because of their disease.
In a survey conducted by National Eczema Association, more than 75% of parents of children who have been bullied due to their eczema report their child experienced lowered self-esteem as a result.
(Source:https://nationaleczema.org/blog/students-with-eczema-have-lowered-self-esteem-due-to-bullying/ )
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that results in the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to thick, scaly patches on the skin's surface. Though less common than acne, its impact on mental health can be massive. The visible nature of psoriasis can lead to feelings of shame & isolation, as individuals may fear judgment & misunderstanding from others.
As per the study, “Body Image, Self-esteem, and Quality of Life in Patients with Psoriasis”, Psoriasis may negatively affect quality of life, self-esteem, & body image & may also cause psychosocial problems.
(Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5621194/)
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition categorized by facial redness. It can exert significant mental stress & affect overall well being. Rosacea patients are often noted to have low self-confidence & more often that not struggle with social interaction.
In National Rosacea Society surveys, 90 percent of rosacea patients said rosacea’s effect on personal appearance had lowered their self-esteem & self-confidence.
The relationship between skin concerns & mental health is not a one-way street; it's a loop where each factor affects the other.
When individuals experience skin concerns, it can trigger anxiety & depression. Anxiety often arises from the fear of judgment & social rejection due to one's appearance. Depression may follow as individuals isolate themselves & avoid social situations, leading to a sense of loneliness & despair.
Stress, which is closely linked to mental health, can worsen skin conditions. The release of stress hormones can lead to increased inflammation. It's a vicious cycle where stress can worsen skin conditions.
But, what can really be done in this case. Of course, maintaining a skincare routine is obvious but does it help?
Skincare as Selfcare
It’s just as simple as it sounds. Having a dedicated skincare routine for yourself can do wonders, not just for your skin but also for your mental health. By taking a few minutes out from your routine to cleanse, treat & moisturize your skin is nothing but caring for your well-being, which is often ignored.
A daily routine has the power to provide you with some stability & consistency throughout & it is also in a way, practicing mindfulness.
But again, maintaining a healthy skin-care routine can be challenging for individuals with skin concerns. They may spend hours trying various products, only to see minimal improvement. This struggle can lead to a sense of hopelessness & further erode their self-confidence. But with customized skincare, it can become a little easier, as the products are targeted towards specific skin concerns & are just right for them.
As per, “The Impact of Routine Skin Care on the Quality of Life. July 2020)” a quality and efficacious skin care regimen can have a positive impact on the quality of life of consumers.
The relationship between mental health & skin concerns is a complex one. These conditions can have a profound impact on self-esteem, self-worth & overall well-being. However, it's important to remember that there are ways to break free from this cycle & regain confidence.
Through seeking professional help, building support systems & practicing self-care, individuals can manage their skin concerns & improve their mental health. It's crucial to remember that one's worth is not solely determined by their appearance & everyone deserves to feel confident & comfortable in their own skin, regardless of any imperfections. It’s also very important to understand that you’re not alone, we’re all in this together.