Connecting with ourselves and our community

Our skin, the largest organ of the human body, is known to be deeply connected to our physical, psychological, and social well-being. A reactive organ, the skin responds almost instantaneously to external stimuli like changes in the weather and even our moods. Whether it is the cold weather, a sweaty workout session, an argument with a friend or a much-awaited text from that special someone, more often than not, the skin shows what it is feeling, emotionally as well as physically.

Research suggests that psychological issues like shame, the fear of disconnection, anxiety, and low self esteem are common among people experiencing acne and other skin conditions. As human beings we are neurologically wired to form connections, but individuals with acne often avoid social settings, which leads to uncomfortable emotions like embarrassment, anger, guilt, and self-consciousness. Such emotions can impact one’s self-confidence and hinder the ability to form and maintain social relationships. The fear of rejection and disconnection, even if there’s no real threat, means that people with acne will consciously avoid social situations, further worsening feelings of loneliness and isolation, which over time, can result in serious issues like depression.

Emerging studies suggest that we look at the skin as a reflection of our emotional state, and our emotional state as a reflection of the perceived state of our skin. Studies show how support from friendships, romantic relationships, and even peer groups and community support can positively impact skin health, particularly in relation to acne and other skin conditions like psoriasis. Understanding the connection between relationships and skin health can help one manage acne more effectively.

The impact of social media.

Before addressing the impact of relationships on skin health, it is important to note the most relevant topic for the younger generations - social media. Today, on social media platforms, we often relate and communicate with others, and much like our other relationships, these interactions can be both beneficial and detrimental.

The biggest issue here is that the more we believe the idealised, and often heavily edited and filtered images we see on social media, the more we perceive a difference between our own appearance and these ideals. The perceived gap, and it is important to emphasise that it is almost always simply perceived, can lead to greater unhappiness, regardless of how others might actually view our appearance. Studies show that our happiness with regards to physical appearance is not directly correlated with how we actually look, but rather with our perception of how well we align with society’s beauty standards.

When discussing relationships and skin health it is important to note that certain skin conditions can be a barrier when it comes to social bonding. People experiencing acne may believe they will not be socially accepted as they are and often feel that they are not worthy of love and belonging. The emphasis on appearance over other personality aspects demonstrate the need for a more holistic approach to skin care.

Tackling acne holistically means that we need to focus not only the physical aspects of acne but also the psychological well-being, self-confidence, sense of self-worth, and overall self-esteem of the patient. And this is where our relationships come in.

Romantic relationships and skin health

It is a known fact that a healthy romantic relationship can work wonders for one’s physical and mental health. A recent study conducted with 34 couples, explored how different attachment styles influence skin barrier recovery. The skin barrier is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and therefore an important part of acne care. Not surprisingly, the study showed that secure attachment styles, or feeling confident in our ability to rely on one’s partner and being comfortable with both intimacy and independence, promote a more robust and resilient skin recovery process.

This means that when we feel safe, both in a relationship and on our own, it leads to better skin health. This means that addressing attachment-related anxieties, both individually and in relationships, could be a valuable component of acne care.

Friendships and skin health.

Friendships are crucial for a well-rounded and fulfilling life. These close relationships and the support we get from them protects us against overwhelming stress, a known trigger for acne flare-ups. Good friendships help ease loneliness and anxiety, reducing the physiological stress response and lowering cortisol levels in the body. Positive social interactions can also promote a boost in endorphins, a hormone associated with happiness and reduced stress, which helps with better skin health. As we may know from our own experience, a network of good friends helps us manage challenges and difficulties in our life more effectively. Whether it’s emotional support, practical help, or simply spending time together, every close friendship plays a positive and very important role in skin and acne care.

Social relationships and skin health.

Peer groups and other social groups are known to be as essential as good friendships for maintaining a healthy life. Our social circles often help shape our body image, self-esteem, and how we see ourselves, especially as young adults. As discussed above, acne can have a negative impact on self-esteem, can even result in avoiding social interactions and situations. Strong community support from acquaintances plays an important role in limiting the negative effects of acne by providing a sense of belonging and acceptance. One’s social groups can influence one’s perception of self and in both how we see as well as treat acne. Positive inputs about good skin care routines, shared experiences and practical advice can encourage healthy routines, while negative comments or peer pressure, both regarding products, habits and comments on appearance, are known to make it worse. Encouragement from an empathetic community that is understanding and compassionate rather than judgmental, can significantly limit the stigma around acne. Programmes that focus on inclusivity and reducing stigma around acne, have a positive effect on both mental and skin health. Such initiatives help people cope with the emotional and psychological challenges associated with skin conditions and over time help make one feel more comfortable in one’s own skin.

Self-love and skin health

The ultimate goal on our Skinfulness journey is self-compassion and self-acceptance. Rather than seeking perfection, we want people to feel comfortable in their own skin. This foundation of self-love is pivotal, as true skin care extends beyond topical treatments and clear complexion. It's rooted in a deep connection to self. Scientific research highlights the intricate link between our emotional state and the health of our skin. Stress, negative self-perception, and a lack of self-compassion can disrupt the delicate balance of our internal systems, manifesting as inflammation and skin imbalances. Cultivating self-acceptance and practicing consistent self-care can, therefore, be a powerful ally on our journey towards clear, radiant skin and emotional wellbeing. By nurturing a loving relationship with ourselves, we can create an environment where our skin can thrive, reflecting the inner peace and harmony we've cultivated.

Summary

Our relationships - whether it is friendships, romantic relationships, relationships with communities and peer groups, or our relationship with ourselves - impact our skin health. Social connections can play an important part in acne care by providing social support, reducing stigma, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Furthermore, self-care and self-compassion are essential for building resilience and navigating the emotional challenges associated with skin conditions.

By paying more attention to the psychological and social dimensions of skin conditions like acne, we can find more effective approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which is focused on improving confidence and reducing social distress along with a focus on building meaningful social relationships. Understanding and addressing the psychosocial impacts of skin conditions can help break the cycle of dissatisfaction and social withdrawal, enabling individuals to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. By focusing on holistic self-care, the personal care industry can play a pivotal role in helping individuals synchronise their inner and outer selves, enhancing both their physical and psychological health.

References

• Robles, T., Brooks, K., Kane,H., Dunkel Schetter, C. (2013): Attachment, skin deep? Relationships between adult attachment and skin barrier recovery.
• Pasterfield, Madeline, Sally-Anne Clarke, and Andrew R. Thompson: The Development of a Self-Help Intervention to Build Social Confidence in People Living with Visible Skin Conditions or Scars: A Think-Aloud Study
• Fordham, B., Griffiths, C., & Bundy, C. (2014): A pilot study examining mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in psoriasis. Psychology, Health & Medicine

• Bundy, C., Borthwick, M., McAteer, H., Cordingley, L., Howells, L., Bristow, P., & McBride, S. (2014): Psoriasis: Snapshots of the unspoken: Using novel methods to explore patients' personal models of psoriasis and the impact on well-being. British Journal of Dermatology
• TED. (2011, January 3): The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown | TED [Video]

• Steventon, Katerina: Psyche, Skin and Synchronization." Cosmetics & Toiletries, 29 Aug. 2023
• Heapy, C., Montgomery, K., Ersser, S., Gass, M., Goad, N., & Thompson, A. R. (2020): A Psychosocial Support Website From the British Association of Dermatologists for People Living With a Skin Condition: Mixed Methods Evaluation. JMIR Dermatology

02.04.2024

02.04.2024

02.04.2024

02.04.2024