Our skin, which serves as both a protective envelope and a barrier to exchanges, extends over nearly 2 m2 of surface. It is a central organ of our appearance as well as our physiology. First-rate emunctory, it accompanies all types of toxins towards the exit thanks to the sweat glands (nitrogenous waste: urea, uric acid) and the sebaceous glands (lipid waste: sebum). Richly innervated and vascularized, it harbors the sense of touch and brings together arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels on its surface. Its importance for everyone's well-being and health no longer needs to be demonstrated… But did you know that during the development of the embryo, it develops together with the nervous system? Coming from the same sheet, the ectoderm, they both form at the same time, during the 21st day of life.
The influence of the mind on our skin is therefore not a legend! Finally understand what is at stake and how to harmonize the relationship between our head and our body envelope.
Make the connection between emotions and skin problems
Nowadays, outbreaks of chronic skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, herpes, acne or even skin allergies… are largely attributed to stress and/or strong emotions. The medical profession is increasingly making this link - and we also feel it intuitively - without, however, associating it with an educational explanation or a concrete solution. To put it simply, a period of stress, an emotional shock or annoyance causes the nervous system to release neurotransmitters, propagating the signal from one neuron to another.
However, these neurotransmitters have an impact on the skin: modification of tissue thickness, production of collagen and sebum, immune response, etc. Under their influence, the skin is expressed, more or less violently. This natural mechanism is rather virtuous: it makes it possible in a way to regulate a non-verbalized emotion, to exteriorize it.
The fact remains that we are bothered by these involuntary manifestations in our daily life, often more marked at the extremities, where the nerve endings are numerous but also where our skin is most visible (face, hands, feet). These skin problems themselves generate stress, and a vicious circle is set in motion.
One way to identify cause and effect may be to keep a relapse diary. How did I feel a few hours before this new discomfort? What happened in the days that preceded? Who did I interact with? How? Has my behavior changed as a result (sleep, diet, etc.)?
If this impact is true in the context of chronic skin diseases objectified by a medical diagnosis, it can be generalized to imperfections of all kinds and to the beauty of the skin in the broad sense (radiance of the complexion, elasticity of tissues, glow ) .
In this regard, have you ever blushed with shame or under the influence of a love impulse?
Skin microbiota and mood fluctuations
At the same time, we hear more and more frequently about this umpteenth body flora composed of a population of microorganisms on the surface of our skin: the skin microbiota. The latter would be responsible for defending our skin against external aggressions, just as the composition of the intestinal microbiota would allow us to digest and ensure our general immunity more or less well.
Excessive hygiene or the use of inappropriate cosmetic products can unbalance this skin flora. We are talking about dysbiosis that can hinder its protective efficacy (maintenance of pH, regulation of inflammation, anti-infective and restorative roles). What if our mood swings could also be the cause of these imbalances?
Over the past decade, studies have demonstrated the link between intestinal microbiota - resonating with skin microbiota - and emotions, partially disengaging our brain from these mood fluctuations!
For all these reasons, and others to be discovered, we can indeed define the skin as a mirror of our emotions. It thus appears that taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is essential to have beautiful skin, regardless of your starting capital.
Some ideas to soothe the bubbling of our brain like a small bike , harmful to our skin health:
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soothe your mind daily through the practice of breathing exercises or meditation;
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clear your head at regular intervals by practicing a physical activity, which itself secretes feel good neurotransmitters, endorphins;
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return to the body and allow it to relax through hot baths and frequent massages;
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put on paper everything that is on your heart thanks to automatic writing, as a daily or occasional routine;
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play a role in the theater or join a choir, to bring out the emotions and forget your worries;
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in a situation of overflowing with sadness, anger, fear… trying out methods of emotional regulation such as TIPI or positive thinking;
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seek psychological support to express their feelings or work on old traumas.
In the same logic, taking food supplements nourishing the nervous system (omega 3 in the EPA/DHA form) or acting on the balance of neurotransmitters (adaptogenic plants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements) is also a good way to improve the appearance of the skin. This strategy will be all the more relevant once a deficiency or dysfunction has been identified with the help of a doctor or naturopath.
At Days of Confidence, our Serenity Complex formulated with patented KSM 66® titrated ashwagandha and patented saffron, whose effects have been validated by 32 clinical studies, natural marine magnesium, taurine and vitamin B6, helps to ensure the essential contributions to the general balance of the nervous system.
You have now become aware of the need to take care of your skin differently , but we are not stopping there: discoveries on the subtle links between the mind and the skin are still in full swing. A discipline was also born from this field of research: neuro-endocrino-psychodermatology. Who knows… In the near future, it may allow the development of treatments capable of in-depth action on the balance of our neurotransmitters and the skin microbiota?
For further :
Your skin has things to tell you from Pr Laurent Misery, Larousse
Feeling good about yourself, feeling good about yourself by Dr Danièle Pomey-Rey
The cutaneous microbiota by Alain Géloën and Alexandra Raillan, First editions - Institut Pasteur: The intestinal microbiota participates in the functioning of the brain and the regulation of moods .
