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. As a highly reactive organ, the skin responds almost instantly to external stimuli and changes in our mood. Whether it is cold weather, a sweaty workout, an argument with a friend, or a long-awaited text from someone special, our skin often mirrors what we’re feeling. It can show rashes when we are stressed or embarrassed, and it can get a special glow when we feel good.

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 may consciously avoid social situations, further worsening feelings of loneliness and isolation, which over time, can result in serious issues like depression.

The powerful link between social relationships and skin health

Strong social relationships are fundamental to our overall well-being, and their positive effects extend to our skin health, particularly when it comes to managing conditions like acne. The support we receive from friends and social circles can help reduce stress, which is a major trigger for acne flare-ups. Positive social interactions boost the production of endorphins, hormones that are associated with happiness and reduced stress, leading to healthier skin. A strong network of friends provides emotional support and practical advice, helping us navigate life's challenges more effectively and reducing the physiological stress response that can worsen skin conditions.

Social circles play a significant role in shaping our body image and self-esteem. As young adults, we can be vulnerable to negative comments about our appearance, which can have a negative impact on our self-esteem. However, a supportive community of friends provides a sense of belonging and acceptance, counteracting these negative feelings. Encouragement from empathetic friends and social circles can help us maintain healthy skin habits and routines, such as proper hygiene and consistent skincare.

How Social Relationships Can Positively Impact Our Skin Health

Romantic relationships and skin health

It is a known fact that a healthy romantic relationship can work wonders for our 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.

The impact of social media

While in-person social and romantic connections can be crucial for healthy skin, in today’s world, social media adds another important layer of influence. For many, especially younger generations, social media platforms are a primary way to communicate and relate to others. Much like our other relationships, these digital interactions can be both beneficial and detrimental to our well-being and, by extension, our skin health.

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.

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 with friends, partners, communities, or ourselves — deeply influence our skin health. Social connections provide support, reduce stigma, and encourage healthier lifestyle choices. At the same time, self-care and self-compassion build resilience and help us navigate the emotional challenges of skin conditions.

By recognizing the psychological and social dimensions of acne and other skin concerns, we can break cycles of dissatisfaction and withdrawal. Stronger social bonds and holistic self-care empower individuals to live more balanced, fulfilling lives. The personal care industry has a vital role to play in helping people align their inner and outer wellbeing, enhancing both physical and emotional health.

References

• Robles T F, Brooks K P, Kane H S, Schetter C D (2013): Attachment, skin deep? Relationships between adult attachment and skin barrier recovery.
• Pasterfield M, Clarke S A & Thompson A R (2019): 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 E M & Bundy C (2014): A pilot study examining mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in psoriasis.

• 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.
• TED. (2011): The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown | TED [Video]

• Steventon K (2023): Psyche, Skin and Synchronization.
• 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.