The Invisible Communication System Imagine you are about to go for an important interview or stand on stage at a big event. Suddenly you feel sweat on your forehead, your hands are shaking, and your cheeks are flushed. Have you ever wondered why this happened? You had just one “thought” in your mind, but your “skin” answered it.
This is not just a coincidence but a glimpse of the deep and unique relationship that exists between our skin and our brain. In the human body, the skin is not just a covering over the bones but rather a highly sensitive “communication system” that constantly sends messages to and receives instructions from your brain
True beauty comes from within. When you achieve mental peace and self-acceptance, your skin reflects your inner health
Psychodermatology: Why Skin and Brain are Born from the Same Root
It is surprising in the world of science that when a human being is being created in the mother's womb, the part (ectoderm) from which the most complex organ of the child, the "brain," is formed, is also the same part from which its "skin" is produced. It is as if these two are twin brothers who were born in the same house and then spread throughout the body.
This is why when your brain is subjected to any shock, anxiety, or fear, it sends signals to the skin through these specific nerve fibers. This often results in skin reactions such as itching, redness, or acne breakouts. Experts call this psychodermatology, a medical field that connects the health of the skin with the health of the soul.
This is why when your brain is subjected to any shock, anxiety, or fear, it sends signals to the skin through these specific nerve fibers. This often results in skin reactions such as itching, redness, or acne breakouts. Experts call this psychodermatology, a medical field that connects the health of the skin with the health of the soul.
The Hostile Relationship Between Stress and Skin Health
When we are under tension, our body goes into a state of "war." In this state, the body is flooded with a hormone called cortisol. For a common man, think of it as the body's "military force" that comes out in an emergency. However, when we are constantly stressed, this military force itself attacks our own body, specifically the skin.
This hormone increases the production of oil in the skin, which clogs the pores and causes stress-related acne. Furthermore, chronic stress weakens our immune system so much that the skin cannot fight off minor germs, making it prone to allergies, inflammation, or wounds.
Psychological effects of specific skin diseases
Skin diseases do not only affect the body, but they also injure the soul. Let's see what changes different diseases bring about in a person:
1. Atopic dermatitis: the enemy of sleep and the cause of irritability
This disease is commonly called severe itchy allergy. Its greatest cruelty is that it traps a person in the "itch-stress cycle." When the patient itches, he feels angry and tense. This tension causes the body to produce more chemicals that intensify the itching.
Especially at night when the whole world is sleeping, the patient's sleep is ruined by itching. When a person is unable to sleep continuously for several nights, the parts of his brain that control emotions respond. The result is that the person starts to lose his temper over trivial matters, his memory is affected, and he starts to get bored with life.
2. Acne: A blow to self-esteem
Acne on the face during adolescence is often just a medical stage for most people, but for a sensitive teenager it is no less than a social apocalypse. At this age, every child wants to look good and be liked by others.
It has often been seen that when a person suffers from a skin disease, he starts distancing himself from people due to an unconscious fear. He is constantly afraid that if he goes out, people will look at him strangely, ask questions about his scars or acne, or maybe make fun of him. This thought prevents him from meeting others and going to parties. Gradually, the person is cut off from his friends and relatives and is imprisoned behind a wall of loneliness where only sadness and disappointment prevail. This loneliness not only destroys his social relationships but also makes him weaker and mentally ill from within.
When scars appear on the face, the young person fears that no one will like him anymore. He is afraid of going to school or college, keeps his eyes down while talking among friends, and always thinks that the person in front of him is only looking at his face. This "social anxiety" pushes him back in the academic field, and sometimes he even hesitates to give interviews or go for a job.
3. Vitiligo (white spots): The anguish of identity change
White spots are a disease that does not cause pain, but its psychological anguish is worse than the most severe pain. Our society is very sensitive about appearance and looking "perfect." When someone has white spots on their face or hands, they are seen as if they are some strange creature.
The patient has to give explanations everywhere that "this disease is not contagious." He feels like he is losing his identity. He feels like his old face, which people knew, has disappeared somewhere. This mental burden cuts him off from society; he avoids weddings and other celebrations and often despairs, thinking that life will never be the same again.
Treatment and a return to a balanced life
If you or a loved one is suffering from these problems, remember that you need not just an ointment but a new lifestyle:
Psychologists' help and counseling.
It is very important to pay attention to your mental state as well as your skin treatment. The first step is to acknowledge and accept your physical and mental state. If you feel that you are sad all the time or afraid to meet people because of your skin disease, then consulting a psychologist can be a very positive decision. Remember, a psychologist does not consider you "crazy" but teaches you how to live a calm life with the disease and how to block the negative thoughts that arise in you. There are countless people who have regained happiness and confidence in their lives simply with the advice of a good therapist
Quality sleep: the natural laboratory of the skin
Did you know that the greatest therapist (doctor) of your skin is inside you? But that doctor only works when you are in deep sleep. During sleep, the body produces "growth hormones" that repair damaged skin cells and create new cells.
Method: Try to go to bed between 9 and 10 pm. Put away your mobile phone an hour before going to bed because its blue light does not allow the brain to sleep.
Benefit: If you get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every day, you will see that your skin tone is clearing up and dark circles under your eyes are decreasing even without expensive creams. Sleep gives your brain time to "delete" the stress of the day.
Positive gatherings: Social support
Humans are social animals, and loneliness is the biggest enemy of patients with skin diseases. When you are alone, your mind only thinks about the disease.
Method: Choose people who make you feel that your value is not based on your face or skin, but on your personality, your morals, and your qualities. Stay away from people who remind you of your illness or give you advice.
Benefit: When you sit among positive and loving people, your body produces "oxytocin" (the love hormone). This hormone eliminates stress and creates a new desire to live within you. A good conversation can sometimes heal wounds faster than any medicine.
Breathing exercises: A natural remedy to calm the mind
When a person tenses, his breathing becomes shallow, and the body starts to lack oxygen, which has a direct effect on the skin cells. Breathing exercises (such as deep breathing) immediately calm your nervous system.
Procedure: Whenever you feel that your skin is ruining your mood or making you angry, close your eyes and take a long breath through your nose for five seconds. Then hold it for five seconds and slowly exhale through your mouth.
Benefit: This simple exercise sends a powerful signal to your brain that “the threat is over; everything is fine.” When the brain is calm, cortisol levels drop, and there is a noticeable reduction in skin redness and irritation.
Summary:
In short, our skin and our mental health are deeply connected. Skin conditions don’t just affect your body; they can also have a profound impact on your thoughts and mood. If you or a loved one is going through a skin problem, understand that it’s natural to feel anxious, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Give yourself time, take care of your mental health, and don’t delay seeking professional help when needed. Always remember that your personality is defined by your behavior, your thoughts, and your actions; your skin is just a small part of your personality, not your entire life.
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