Acne and Its Relation to Mental Health with Despoina Stylidou
We are excited to welcome Despoina Stylidou, a Pharmacist Prescriber specialising in Dermatology with a background in primary care and Skin+Me, as well as a member of the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), to the blog this week.
In this feature, she delves into the intricate connection between acne and mental health, offering expert insights into the often-overlooked psychological aspects of acne.
This blog aims to raise awareness about the profound link between acne and mental health, encouraging readers to embrace a more holistic approach to managing skin conditions. By addressing both the physical and mental aspects, we hope to inspire more open conversations and help individuals find lasting relief from the impact of acne.
Does Acne Link to Mental Health?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles can become clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Acne can create a significant impact for people of all ages. However, the psychological consequences might often be overlooked.
"This topic holds significant importance for me," says Despoina, "because skin conditions need to be addressed holistically to fully understand their impact on our overall health." Treating symptoms can provide temporary relief, but Despoina stresses that examining acne in its entirety leads to longer lasting positive outcomes.
"A condition like acne is deeply intertwined with our brain and, subsequently, our mental health," she explains. "The two are mutually dependent, and focusing solely on one aspect can easily trap us in a vicious cycle."
Introducing Pyschodermatology
This brings us to the concept of psychodermatology—a dermatology subspecialty that examines the connection between the mind and skin. It explores how emotions like stress or anxiety can affect your skin and how skin problems, in turn, impact mental health.
Psychodermatology also considers how the brain can sometimes convince patients that a skin issue exists even when it may not be clinically present. This field bridges dermatology with psychology and psychiatry, addressing two main areas: patients with psychiatric conditions that manifest as skin-related symptoms (e.g., delusional infestation) and patients with primary skin disorders who also face psychological or social challenges, such as those dealing with acne.
"A deeper understanding of psychodermatology could be the key to helping patients achieve long-term relief, both physically and mentally," says Despoina.
Evidence and Personal Experiences
During her work in dermatology clinics within the NHS and private settings, Despoina witnessed firsthand the immense psychological toll that acne can take on a person's mental health. "Many patients struggled to leave their homes because their self-esteem had been severely affected," she recalls.
"The anxiety triggered by acne often leads to elevated cortisol levels, which in turn causes acne flare-ups—a never-ending vicious cycle." Studies support this, showing that the rates of anxiety and depression among individuals with acne are significantly higher than in those without the condition. This highlights the critical importance of addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of acne treatment.
Despoina’s Tips
"It’s crucial to recognise that acne is not the only issue; we must adopt a holistic approach," advises Despoina. "While treating the symptoms of acne can improve the skin’s appearance, once treatment stops, the symptoms often return. A multilevel strategy is essential."
Seek Professional Psychological Support: "Working on mental well-being is key,"
Seeking support can help manage the mental stress associated with acne.
Incorporate Mindful Habits: "Doing activities we love, allowing space and time for ourselves, and slowing down can be helpful in moments of desperation," says Despoina.
"Developing mindful habits with the guidance of a mental health professional can be incredibly beneficial in the long run."
Build Emotional Connections: "Strong emotional connections with family, friends, and loved ones are vital," she notes.
"A solid support network can provide much-needed comfort during challenging times."
Journaling: "Journaling about how we feel about our skin can also be insightful," suggests Despoina.
"Tracking progress helps us better understand the unique relationship between acne symptoms and our mental state."
Adopt Healthier Lifestyle Habits: "Adopting healthier eating habits and incorporating regular physical activity can contribute to better hormonal balance," she advises.
"This is key to controlling and managing the condition in the long term."
At Revouza, we emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to health and well-being. As Despoina points out, " Acne is not just a skin condition; it has an impact on both mind and body affecting our overall well-being." By recognising the interconnected nature of our health, we can work towards more comprehensive, effective solutions for skin conditions like acne.
The team at Revouza extends a sincere thank you to Despoina Stylidou for her valuable contribution to our blog. Her insights and expertise offer a profound understanding of the connection between acne and mental health, and we are grateful that she has shared her knowledge with us.
