Skin Health and Self-Esteeem: Skin’s Impact on Mental Health

Our perception of how we look has a significant impact on self-esteem. That being said the primary visual with which others interact with us upon meeting is our dermis; “our skin.” Yes, our skin. It’s our largest organ and its condition, undoubtedly, can shed shadows on the perception of self and therefore does significantly influence how we feel about ourselves, how we engage with others, and how we tackle the world around us, or our ability to do so.  

It is also important to mention that the “quality” of that perception, of our outer selves, our skin, affects more than just our appearance. We can’t deny that. That “quality” not only builds a healthier body image and positive self-esteem but can even help you to live a more psychologically adept life (and I am not talking about Body Anxiety, most often related to the physical look of the shape of the body).

“Our appearance is linked to Holistic Health, the Physical pillar. Just as the quality of our inner thoughts affects our being an objective observer in our life experiences, not minding the skin affects our ability to achieve a healthy attractive self-image.”

The desire for better-looking skin is not a matter of vanity as some may allege. I apperceive it as a subconscious survival mechanism as a healthy-looking complexion can help us hold a more assertive presence of Self. This more assertive presence helps us quiet the mind, focus better, pursue our life’s purpose better, and be of better service to ourselves and others!

We human beings are aesthetic creatures. This being said good skin is paramount in a world where physical attractiveness is highly valued (again not anything to do with Body Anxiety), as skin problems can hold you back from enjoying your life with gusto. So it makes sense that along with having a negative body image (the cause of body anxiety) stemming from low self-esteem, many people with visible skin conditions also develop mental health problems along the lines of complexes, chronic shyness, anxiety, and depression. Skin Health is Mental Health, and although beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, maintaining good skin hygiene and the story that it may tell, is your and only your responsibility.

Not minding your outer self (your skin hygiene), not taking care of that precious organ we call the skin, is avoiding the health of your body’s first line of defense and therefore your health. What are the benefits of a regular skin care practice? One can expect improved skin hydration which is key to a healthy and glowing complexion and keeps the skin from drying out and looking tired and haggard; which is important for a rejuvenated appearance. Using enriching, nourishing exfoliants or mud wraps, such as those rich in Dead Sea minerals help boost skin cell turnover, the shedding of dead skin cells, and stimulates collagen production, all of which slow down the development of signs of aging. One can expect the reduction of signs of aging such as dark spots, fine lines, skin laxity, dull complexions, and enlarged pores which leads to better skin condition and a more youthful complexion (nothing wrong with that).

The cumulative results of a skin care maintenance system are evident as with any other regular practice that you incorporate into your Holistic Health routine. A disciplined regimen offers long-term benefits as your skin continues to improve over time. When your skin is taken care of, its health is a reflection on you which improves self-image and self-esteem. In other words, start a bonafide skin hygiene practice, and don’t let up, good skin comes to those who persevere!

“The care of the outside body weighs heavily on our perceptions of Self. At the present moment in addition to promoting the importance of leading an anti-inflammatory lifestyle through the philosophies of Holistic Health, and the inner you, I also promote wellness through therapeutic and professional services aimed at renewing the body, mind, and spirit.” – Dr. Sixto

When it comes to the skin I believe it plays a large role in the way we perceive ourselves.  It would be ridiculous to think of it as vanity as when we look good, we feel good, this has been proven through the test of time. Our skin is one of the first things other people notice about us, and it is probably one of the first things you notice about yourself, let’s say when you look in the mirror. The health of your outer shell has a powerful impact on your emotional and mental well-being, as poor skin tone, fine lines, and blemishes can dramatically undermine your self-confidence. Unhealthy or damaged skin can also be indicative of more serious internal problems manifesting on the surface.

Skin maintenance is all part of Self-care, and in Holistic Health keeping up and maintaining a regular regime of good hygienic habits is paramount. The skin needs to stay functional, thus clean and healthy. Healthy skin has many benefits as it increases self-confidence, helps one become more social, and is part of a healthy lifestyle.  Healthy skin affects all aspects of the 8 pillars of Holistic Health since the outer you or the outer us is just as important to nourish as the inner you. Take note: Physical Wellness takes into account the tone of the muscles, thus affecting, posture and alignment. We can consider Skin Wellness a sub-category that takes into account how our skin feels around our body, how it looks, and how it responds and reveals ailments.

Whole Body Skin Connection-A holistic approach to skin wellness

Let me be honest, your skin’s vibrancy and resilience, comfort, and radiancy depend on more than the products in your skincare routine; products are just one part of the skin hygiene puzzle. The health of your complexion also follows the rhythms of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

For example, a relatively new discipline, Psychodermatology, studies the intricate relationship between our emotional well-being and the perception of the skin. A growing body of research suggests skin disorders in some people – including eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea – can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. If the skin is in questionable shape, these conditions can even be more pronounced.

Achieving your healthiest skin calls for a holistic approach (whole self) to support the skin from multifaceted perspectives in all these areas. What is a holistic approach to skincare? Treating your skin holistically means taking a purposeful multidimensional approach to activities and habits that support skin health.  It goes beyond treating skin symptoms with skincare products. It’s about seeking to understand and address the root cause of skin challenges that are so often tied to, for example, emotional or dietary imbalances, or your environment, and let’s not forget psychosocial stressors. All of these factors are part of the pillars of Holistic Health.

Important to remember is that skin cells are in constant and rapid dialogue with the brain. The brain – and nervous system – communicate with the skin through various receptors and chemical messengers. When we’re stressed the brain releases hormones, including cortisol, to trigger numerous physiological and behavioral changes to help the body cope under pressure.  The release and activity of these hormones influence the skin’s inflammation responses, wound healing, and skin barrier function. Chronic stress can also speed up the signs of premature aging. Exploring the emotional roots of skin issues and learning to manage stress and anxiety is part of holistic skin care.

Skincare is a type of mindful self-care—so going through your skincare routine every night can be a great way to unwind. It can boost your feel-good hormones, and establishing routines can also help you maintain order and predictability in your life.

You’re not alone

There’s no shame in having anxiety about your skin or other mental health challenges. People experience their existence and its impacts differently, but there are methods to help cope and there are always people out there who can help. 

Skin health skin is not only essential for a positive self-image (self-esteem) but is also important for mental well-being and healthy living overall. This is the major reason why still today, after 23 years since the inception of issimoUSA, I promote healthy skin through holistic body treatments and a Holistic skincare line made for Men.  Check this out here:  www.issimousa.com. 

For further information on how you or a loved one could benefit from a Holistic Wellness, Whole Health path, please do not hesitate to contact me at sixto@drsixto.me.

To your Whole Health and Wellness, naturally!

Dr. Sixto J. Sicilia

Holistic Health & Nutrition Practioner

Founder, issimoUSA