Skin care and mental health can be a bit of a vicious cycle. This is because lacking skin care can negatively affect your mental health whilst some mental health problems can cause skin problems for example anxiety and depression.
How absent skin care negatively affects mental health
In today’s times everyone feels they need to look ‘picture perfect’ as they feel pressured by social media. Seeing people on social media with ‘perfect’ skin when you feel yours is not can make some feel depressed. Although everything seen on social media is not what it seems. There are a lot of people using filters to make their skin look better but in reality, it’s making people feel worse about their skin.
Those who experience skin problems have said it makes them feel depressed and even anxious. It may be that they feel anxious to leave the house where people can see their skin, meaning they would isolate themselves. This can negatively impact social life, work life and overall impact mental health. Some wear makeup to cover their skin insecurities like spots but this can actually make skin worse.
Skin problems can cause you to feel ashamed and embarrassed whether it’s a teenager with acne or a woman suffering with breakouts. It can take a toll on your confidence and affect your everyday life.
How mental health can cause skin problems
As well as skin problems causing mental health, mental health conditions can also lead to skin problems. Negative emotions can affect your immune system and can lead to skin problems. Those who already suffer with skin conditions may find that their mental health can make their skin worse. The most common factor of mental health that affects your skin is stress. As well as other emotions like fear, anger and pressure these all can trigger skin problems. It can trigger skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea. This happens as a result of an inflammatory stress response induced by activating the sympathetic nervous system.
Depression and anxiety can weaken your skin’s barrier function which then allows in irritants. This happens when depression and anxiety cause an inflammatory response. It also can make your skin lose its moisture making it harder and slower for your skin to heal. Not just this but depression can lead to lack of motivation for self-care. Lacking self-care can also lead to having skin problems as you’re not cleaning your skin like you should be. This can lead to build up on your skin causing spots. As well as this everyone should be using face cream daily to help keep the skin moisturised but without this can lead to dry and broken skin.
Some mental health issues can cause bad habits like picking your skin when you have spots. This can cause your skin to get worse and not better, touching your skin creates build up of dirt on your skin. Things like stress and being anxious can cause someone to get in the habit of picking their skin. They may use it as a coping mechanism to calm themselves.
Tips for skin care
It is very important that you look after your skin and practise good skin care routines. Skin is the first thing people see so looking after your skin can play a big part in keeping pores and blemishes at bay. Here are some tips on how to keep your skin healthy and looked after.
Control your stress
Stress can make your skin more sensitive and can trigger acne breakouts as well as other skin problems. That is why you should try and keep your stress levels under control to encourage healthier skin. Take steps to manage your stress and try to keep a healthy state of mind. Make time for things that destress you, for example doing things you enjoy like hobbies. If there are particular things you find stressful like house chores try and find a way to do it that makes it more enjoyable like playing music.
Eat healthy
Eating a healthy diet can help your skin look and feel its best. Having plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins have a great effect on skin. Greasy and fatty foods can cause build up of grease on your skin and can lead to breakouts and acne. Drinking lots of water also helps skin by keeping it hydrated. Also, fish oil or supplements can promote healthier and younger looking skin.
Be gentle to your skin
Daily cleansing of your skin can take a toll on your skin so be sure to keep it gentle. When having a hot bath or shower try and limit the time you spend in there or have it warm instead. This is because hot water can dry your skin out by removing the natural oils in your skin. Also, some strong soaps and body washes can be harsh on your skin removing your skin oils. You should try using mild soaps to help keep your skin clean but not be too harsh on the skin. When you’re shaving it is important you protect your skin and use shaving foam or other products that lubricate your skin beforehand. Make sure your shaver is clean and sharp. Do not use shavers that you have had for a while and are showing signs of wear. This can cut your skin and cause infections.
Keep up a good skin care routine
Getting yourself into a good skin care routine is very important. It can be hard to remember to look after your skin especially if you have a busy life. You should remember to look after your skin and make a good habit of it. Morning and night are the most common times people should wash and cleanse their face to get rid of dirt and build up on their skin. Cleanse your skin and apply day cream and night cream to help keep skin clean and moisturised. It’s important that you find the best products that work best for your skin. For example some cleansers are for dry skin and some are for oily skin and some are for sensitive skin so make sure you get one that is suitable for your skin type.
