We all know that true beauty comes from the inside. The phrase usually refers to elements of who we are as a person, kindness, compassion, etc.
But did you know our brain has an impact on our outer beauty as well, particularly on our skin? That’s right. Mind over matter also applies to a dewy complexion and the smooth, clear skin on the rest of our body.
So, what’s a gal to do if chronic breakouts lead to a breakdown … or vice versa? We talked with Francisco Tausk, M.D., a professor of dermatology, allergy, immunology, and rheumatology. He gave us the 411 on psychodermatology, a subspecialty that treats the body and mind to heal and clear our skin to bring back our main character energy.
“Psychodermatology attends to all psychological and psychiatric aspects that influence or are the result of dermatological diseases,” he says. Dr. Tausk lists acne, psoriasis, atopic eczema, and dry skin as the most common skin health issues that appear due to a mental health struggle. It can also lead to wrinkles and signs of aging.
In his opinion, one of the most important issues is how stress impacts skin diseases. “The skin responds adversely to stress hormones, particularly norepinephrine and neuropeptides. Hyperactivity of the sympathetic system (adrenaline) is definitively bad.” To counteract stress, he recommends activating the parasympathetic nervous system with yoga, CBT, or meditation.
According to Dr. Tausk, everyone is susceptible to the mind/skin connection, which is important to remember when experiencing skin issues, stress, depression, anxiety, or any other mental health problems. Below, Dr. Tausk shares four simple tips for any psychodermatology-curious people out there that can help get your mind straight and your skin clear.
1. Calm your vibe with your vagus nerve.
Stimulate your parasympathetic system’s main nerve aka the vagus nerve. Learn to breathe. When we inhale, the sympathetic system is stimulated, and the heart rate goes up. When we exhale, the heart rate goes down. Many breathing techniques consist of a short inhale and a longer exhale.
Meditation—any meditation. Mindfulness is popular. It doesn’t matter how long, but doing it regularly is crucial.
Yoga, exercise, running—whatever best suits the person. Any movement is good.
4. Try an anti-inflammatory diet.
This consists of a whole-food, plant-based diet—not the stuff you find on the internet. Most skin ailments are secondary to inflammation. Diet is probably the most important behavior that people can modify to improve skin health.
So, if your mood and skin are in shambles, when should you consult a psychodermatologist instead of a regular dermatologist? Dr. Tausk says, “When a person suffers from picking their lesions or healthy skin. When the patient realizes that their disease gets much worse with stress. When they suffer from depression, anxiety, or distress and are not under the care of a mental health provider.”
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