Some say that the eyes are the window to your soul. But, at summer + bloom, we think your skin does a pretty good job of reflecting how you feel inside.

Have you ever turned a fetching shade of red when someone has embarrassed you? Or developed a spot right in the middle of your chin when you are nervous about a first date?

Then, you’ll know just how much your skin can reflect your emotions!

The idea that your brain and your skin are connected has gained momentum in recent years. In fact, the study of the idea that your brain and skin are connected even has a name - pyschodermatology.

Let’s look at how your mental health affects your skin health and vice versa. Plus, we’ll explore what you can do to make it better. Hint - it involves summer + bloom’s fab skincare range.

How Skin Health Is Linked To Mental Health

Your Mental Health Affects Your Skin

When your mental health is suffering, you may notice that your skin shows the consequences. Your skin can act like a warning light that things aren’t quite right. Perhaps you aren’t drinking enough water or getting enough sleep, or perhaps stress is getting on top of you. All these things can be reflected in the condition of your skin. You might find that even if your skin is quite good, normally when you are stressed, your skin loses its shine. You might get more breakouts than usual or find your skin dries out.

If you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, then at times of stress, you probably find they flare up. This is because the brain and nervous system can influence how the skin cells react through chemical messages. When you are stressed, your body produces more hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. They make it harder for your immune system to control inflammation which in turn leaves you prone to flare ups.

Other mental issues such as Seasonal Affected Disorder, which is linked to a lack of sunlight and Vitamin D during winter, can also affect your skin health.

Your Skin Affects Your Mental Health

If your skin is not in good condition, it can have a negative effect on your mental health. People with conditions like psoriasis, eczema or rosacea often report feelings of low self-confidence and low esteem. This stress can often lead people into a vicious cycle with feelings of depression and stress making skin problems even worse.

Even if you don’t have a serious skin condition, carving out some me time to look after your skin can bring enormous benefits for your mental health. Self-care is an essential part of your mental health toolkit, and it makes you take time out from your busy life and focus on yourself, not others. Taking time each day or week to look after your skin can relax you, especially if you make it a ritual.

Your daily skincare routine might be basic, but each week why not treat yourself? Find a special facemask or scrub, light some candles or put on your favourite music and tune the world out for a while.

Improve Yourself Inside And Out With Natural Ingredients

So now you know that keeping your skin healthy can also help your mental health; what can you do to boost your skin and your mood?

Firstly, ensure you are giving your skin the best start. Eat well with a variety of foods and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Secondly, make sure you are drinking enough - preferably water - to keep your skin hydrated.

Then, get your hands on some summer + bloom skincare products and book in that me time ASAP.

We want you to feel confident in your best skin. So we developed a range of high-quality but affordable skincare products that can be used at home by people with a range of skin types.

And even better, all our products are made from plant-based ingredients, so what you are putting on your skin is super good for you.

Shop our full range online or reach out with any queries, and we’ll be happy to help.