New Study Finds Surprising Link Between Skin and Emotional Health

Anyone who’s ever woken up to a giant pimple or an itchy rash knows that the state of our skin can have a major impact on our mood. But a new psychodermatology study commissioned by Clinique, titled “Skin is the Window to the Soul,” shows that the relationship between skin and emotional health is more symbiotic than we realise.

“Your mind has a huge impact on your skin and skin issues, especially stress,” says Mamina Tuergano, MD, FAAD, triple board-certified dermatologist and academic partner at Clinique. “Stress can exacerbate inflammation. There are a number of inflammatory skin conditions that can be exacerbated or made worse by stress. What we’re seeing, and what’s interesting, especially in this clinical study, is that your skin impacts your mind and emotional health. People’s self-confidence has a lot to do with the health and appearance of their skin. This study shows that it’s so much more than that.”

Psychodermatology, as defined by Dr. Tuergano, is the connection between the mind and the skin. “In traditional dermatology, when we hear the term ‘psychodermatology,’ we associate skin disorders with specific mental disorders, such as anxiety that can accompany a specific skin disorder of skin picking or hair pulling, also known as trichotillomania,” Dr. Tuergano explains. “Skin picking can lead to a skin disorder called prurigo nodularis.”

To get back to its roots, Clinique commissioned a study on psychodermatology. trend “We started as magazine editors in 1968, and for the last 55 years, we’ve delivered on our promise to create great skin, always with dermatologist guidance,” says Jess Burns, vice president of global consumer engagement at Clinique. “Through our relationships with dermatologists over the years, we’ve always incorporated many new advancements in skin science, such as psychodermatology and patient insights, to evolve our product strategy and formulations,” Burns says. “As a brand, we’ve always been interested in skin and the relationship consumers have with their skin and skincare routines. When we met Dr. Tuergano and learned of her passion for psychodermatology, we knew we wanted to work with her to learn more about how skincare impacts a person’s health from a consumer perspective, and do it quantitatively.”

The study was conducted around the world in the US, UK, Mexico, Japan and Spain, involving around 5,000 people aged between 16 and 70. Participants were asked about their skincare habits, with a particular focus on how moisturizing skin impacts mental health. “We were one of the first brands to undertake this research and be able to do storytelling around how healthy skincare habits impact mental health,” says Burns.

The “Skin is the window to the soul” study revealed that consumers believe there is a direct correlation between the condition of their skin and their mood, and vice versa. It also confirmed the importance of hydration, which is the foundation for good skin, and also influences mood. Additionally, the sensory experience of skincare is extremely important, and making space for skincare contributes to emotional wellbeing.

“We see that not only is hydration important, but the actual act of applying moisturizer really plays a key role,” says Dr. Tuergano. “95% of people said that sensory aspects of their moisturizer, like how it feels, how quickly it absorbs, and the scent, boost their mood. A consistent skin care routine delivers positive results, but using products you love not only reaps all the benefits for your skin, but also benefits you emotionally.” Dr. Tuergano adds that hydration is a sign of good skin health and a body that is functioning optimally. Dr. Tuergano hopes that the findings will motivate patients to get more out of their skin care routine.

However, Burns noted that the study found that 53% of people feel overwhelmed by complex and time-consuming skincare, making it harder to stick to a routine. Clinique will use these findings to help customers find a routine that works for them. “When you look at our product portfolio, you’ll see that there are a lot of great moisturizers,” Burns said. “One of our favorite and key products is Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. There are a lot of great moisturizers that make great claims about increased hydration. As we talk about the clinical results of our moisturizers, we can also supplement the emotional impact of moisturizing through this research. This allows us, as a brand, to tell a more comprehensive story about the benefits of our moisturizers going forward.” Dr. Tuergano’s pick is the Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Haute Replenishing Hydrator. Not only does it provide a stimulating sensory experience, it is also deeply hydrating and absorbs quickly into the skin.

In his practice, Dr. Tuergano routinely sees how psychodermatology works for his patients: Anxiety can lead to skin picking, and stress can cause everything from acne to hives, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, and even accelerated aging. “It’s hard because most people accept stress as a part of everyday life and don’t see it as something they need to address to help their skin,” says Dr. Tuergano. “But when their skin gets better, you can clearly see a change in mood.”

The results of “skin is the window to the soul” will help Dr. Tuergano steer her patients in the right direction. Even the simplest skincare routine can be transformed into a moment of meditation. Instead of mentally checking your to-do list while washing your face or ruminating about a tough day at work while massaging in moisturizer, focus on the task at hand. “The key is to make sure you’re using products that your patients enjoy. I tell my patients when they’re using their skincare, try not to think about anything else,” says Dr. Tuergano. “Focus on the texture and feel of your skin when you touch it. Focus on the temperature of the water on your skin or the feel of your fingers as you wash your face. The key is to be very mindful and present. This applies to many other aspects of self-care as well.”