The mind-body connection is evident in many aspects of our physiology, particularly in the skin—our body's largest organ. Mental health affects the appearance of our skin, and skin conditions in turn affect our psychological wellness. Understanding this cyclical relationship and managing both sides can be challenging, but there are plenty of tools and techniques that can help. 

Psychodermatology: An Essential Synthesis

If you've never visited a psychodermatologist, you're not alone, but the number of these specialized practitioners is growing every year due to the clear clinical link between mental health and skin health. There are three main types of disorders that psychodermatologists can treat: skin problems impacted by stress and other psychological sources, mental health issues exacerbated by skin disorders, and psychiatric disorders that manifest through the skin. 

In our modern world of social media filters and Photoshop perfection, the appearance of our skin can be directly related to our emotional health and self-esteem. Unlike many other aspects of our physical health and wellness, conditions affecting the skin are right there on the surface, making it difficult to keep such issues private or hidden. 

For people who suffer from skin issues like acne, psoriasis, scarring, vitiligo, or eczema, years of battling flare-ups or trying different treatment strategies can be mentally exhausting and stressful. In a cruel twist of physiology, anxiety and stress can also stimulate or exacerbate breakouts on the skin, leading to a vicious cycle of psychodermatological cause and effect. Body image is inherently tied to the body we show the world, but a combination of environmental, genetic and psychological factors also impact this complex interconnection of self-image and skin health.

Research has suggested that the majority of people who suffer from visible skin conditions also struggle with lowered self-esteem and self-confidence, anxiety, depression, and the tendency to be socially avoidant. In the growing field of psychodermatology, there are certain therapeutic interventions that can be beneficial, including hypnosis, meditation, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and support groups, among others. Coming from the other direction, there are also more traditional dermatologic treatments to aid skin health, and consequently boost mental wellness.

How to Boost Skin Health with Hyaluronic Acid

For those who prefer to treat skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, itching or inflammation directly, there are countless moisturizing and anti-inflammatory options in the skincare market. Depending on your particular diagnosis, you may opt for an antimicrobial, exfoliating, or emollient product. In recent years, one of the most common ingredients in skincare solutions has been hyaluronic acid.

Produced naturally in the body, and found mainly in the joints, eyes and skin, our production of this emollient substance decreases as we age, which can affect collagen levels, leading to fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sagging skin. When it comes to skin conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis and others, hyaluronic acid has been proven to reduce inflammation, irritation and discomfort, thanks to its moisturizing and soothing qualities.

By delivering proven results, products containing hyaluronic acid can be a reliable intervention for flareups, as well as a proactive strategy to keep your skin well-moisturized and content. Once you break the cycle of stress-induced flareups and subsequent struggles with self-image, you can take another healthy step on the road to mental wellness.  

A New Moisturizing Solution

When it comes to affordable and well-designed serums for overall skin health, NeuLuna's Day and Night Cream is an excellent option. Featuring hyaluronic acid as its primary ingredient, along with a healthy dose of rosehip oil, this therapeutic cream features a patented delivery system that penetrates to deeper dermal layers for optimal results at the source of the issue. This carefully engineered cream absorbs readily into the skin, offering relief from inflammation and a new tool in your self-confidence care kit. 

Visit our website to learn more about this twice-daily cream and avoid your next trip to the psychodermatologist.