Even your emotions can affect the health of your skin

Mumbai-based Nilay Kadam, a 35-year-old businessman, went through a stressful time. He had a two-year history of psoriasis, which had been managed, but a recent increase in problems in his personal and professional life worsened his condition and red spots and rashes on his skin reappeared.

While his psoriasis is now under control with medication and phototherapy, he has been advised to take up a hobby and de-stress through yoga and meditation.

Constantly going through emotional turmoil followed by stress, anxiety, irritation and depression can aggravate your skin problems, says Shareefa Chause, dermatologist and cosmetologist, Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai. “I have many patients with conditions such as melasma, psoriasis, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, where stress plays an important role. You don’t just need medication for stress-induced conditions, you also need to follow careful practices that have helped prevent relapse in many patients,” says Dr. Chause.

Our emotions have a significant influence on the appearance of our skin. “When you’re feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, it can sometimes show up on your skin in the form of acne or breakouts, or make psoriasis and eczema worse. Psychodermatology is a bridge between your skin and your endless thoughts. Your body releases cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) when you’re stressed, which can also lead to itching, burning or inflammation,” says Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, Mumbai.

Like psychosomatic problems, where physical illnesses or conditions are caused or aggravated by conflict or stress, psychodermatology states that your skin conditions are also influenced by your physiological state. Not all skin conditions are influenced by your mental and emotional health. Several skin conditions can be negatively triggered by factors such as genetics, allergies, dietary habits or environmental factors (dirt, dust particles or pollution). “There are certain limitations when it comes to psychodermatology. Focusing only on mental health can often lead to the neglect of other vital aspects. Because treating mental problems can be time-consuming and require immense patience,” says Dr. Kapoor.

The rise in the number of people with mental health and other related issues during and after the pandemic prompted Delhi-based litigation lawyer Malvika Jain to start Sereko, India’s first psychodermatology formulation brand. They address both the psychological aspects of skin diseases and the effect of skin conditions on a person’s mental health with products such as fizzy mixes, gel pen applicators and candy tablets. They have a patent-pending psychodermatology blend called NeuroCalm that has been clinically proven to reduce stress and improve mood for healthy, glowing skin. Formulated in two variants, they offer topical application and ingestion. “During covid my cousin suffered from major anxiety and developed extreme acne. After visiting various dermatologists, she was finally referred to a psychologist, who identified anxiety as the cause of the acne. I saw her skin visibly clear with her anxiety level improving. This encouraged me to research more and start Sereko,” says Jain.

If your mental workload is leading to skin problems, then consider consulting an expert who can suggest the right approach, says Dr. Kapoor. “This can be done by practicing yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises for better results. Managing stress levels can help balance hormone levels, giving you naturally clear and glowing skin. the therapist can help alleviate the symptoms.”

Dhara Vora Sabhnani is a writer from Mumbai.