More often than not, indulging in skincare and cosmetics are seen as acts of vanity, nothing but window dressing and self-indulgence. The reality is that taking care of your skin is so much more than just looking good. Our mental and physical health can have a direct effect on our skin, and vice versa. It’s important to take control of your skin care and your self-care for the sake of your health.
Ever noticed than when you get stressed or anxious your skin flushes or you start perspiring? That’s the connection between our brains and our skin. When we’re stressed our body starts pumping out stress hormones that cause increases in sweat and oil production, which can cause severely congested and dehydrated skin. These stress hormones also suppress our immune systems so that we can’t adequately fight off inflammation and bacteria. This then leads to flare-ups, rashes, hypersensitivity and possibly even infections. Even skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis worsen when stress goes unchecked for too long.
Our brains, skin, and immune systems are all in constant communication with one another. Stressors can be difficult to avoid but working on managing it can start to make big impacts on how you look and feel. Your skin probably won’t be glowing after your first meditation session, but once you learn the proper tools and techniques of stress management you skin will radiate with positivity.
So, stress and our mental state unquestionably takes a toll on our skin, but it works the other way as well. Our appearance can absolutely have a big impact on our mental health.
A bad skin day can have a tremendous impact on our self-esteem. For some a terrible skin day can even lead to missed days of school or work. In fact, a national survey of those with rosacea found that over 80% of people with rosacea said it had a negative impact on their overall outlook on life. That number jumped to 90% for those with moderate to severe redness. Those numbers are just devastating.
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Its important to note that its not necessarily the skin condition that causes people to feel this way, but rather it’s the fear of being judged on our appearance. It’s also important to remember that no one is alone in feeling this way. The society we live in, one that spends its time on socials, with filters and touch ups, looking at others we get slowly conditioned inflate the value of our appearance and how others perceive it.
It can take time and lots of conscious effort to learn how to cope with these insecurities and develop a healthy relationship with ourselves. Often the initial steps are realising that everyone feels exactly the same sometimes. Keep in mind that if you are having a particularly difficult time, make it a point to speak with a professional.
Once your skin starts looking better, it can do wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. That being said, there is nothing inherently wrong with imperfect skin. Flaws should be celebrated and having pimples or acne scarring is no indication of your self-worth.
One of the easiest things to do as part of your self-care is to have a consistent skin care regimen, a ritual that you follow every morning or evening which can actually be quite meditative in itself. Something non-negotiable that is just for you, to take care of yourself.
A daily routine can provide some stability and consistency. Even if something goes a little sideways and causes some undue stress, you can always take that time out and show your skin some love. Your skin, mind and body will only thank you for it.
Editor
Corinna YapCredit
Lead image: courtesy of Asaya Hong Kong