Freepik Mental Health

[Carlito Roby]

Have you ever noticed how stress and anxiety seem to affect your skin? It's not just a coincidence. There's a whole field of science dedicated to studying this connection. It's called psychodermatology, and it's all about the complex links between our mind, our skin, and our overall health. One of the most fascinating areas of study within psychodermatology is the gut-skin-brain axis. Research in this area explores how our gut microbiome, our skin health, and our mental health are interconnected.

The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. These microorganisms play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mental health. An imbalance in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis) has been linked to various health issues, including inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Numerous studies have shown that stress can exacerbate skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Stress leads to the release of neuropeptides and hormones (for example, cortisol) that can trigger inflammation and worsen skin disorders.

The skin also has its own microbiome, which helps protect against pathogens and maintain skin health. An imbalance in the skin microbiome can lead to skin conditions and inflammation. The skin is an active immune organ, and the state of the gut microbiome influences its health through systemic inflammation and immune responses. Studies show that a healthy diet rich in prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber can improve gut health, benefit skin health, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can promote gut dysbiosis, leading to increased inflammation and exacerbation of skin and mental health issues.

The gut-brain axis is well-established, showing that gut health directly affects mental health. Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters (like serotonin) that influence mood and cognitive function. Stress and anxiety can alter gut microbiota composition, leading to a cycle where mental health issues exacerbate gut problems, which in turn affect skin health.

New research shows that what we put on our skin can, directly and indirectly, influence the gut-skin-brain axis through multiple pathways, including improving skin barrier function, reducing inflammation, maintaining microbiome balance, and providing psychological benefits. By understanding these connections, you can choose skincare products that not only enhance your skin health but also contribute to your mental well-being.

Topical products like moisturizers, emollients, and barrier creams can strengthen the skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier prevents the penetration of harmful pathogens and irritants, reducing inflammation and stress responses. By maintaining a healthy skin barrier, topical products can reduce the overall burden of inflammation in the body, positively affecting the gut and brain.

Active ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing skin inflammation can decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can otherwise enter systemic circulation and impact the gut and brain. Less skin inflammation means less physical discomfort and stress, contributing to mental health.

Topical products containing probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (food for these bacteria) can help maintain a balanced skin microbiome. A healthy skin microbiome can prevent dysbiosis and reduce inflammatory signals affecting gut microbiome and brain function. Also, more skin microbiome diversity can improve overall skin health and reduce inflammation, positively influencing the gut and brain.

Many skincare products include essential oils and pleasant fragrances that can calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. The sensory experience of applying skincare can also promote relaxation and mindfulness. Applying skincare products can be a soothing ritual, contributing to mental well-being and reducing psychological stress.

Using effective skincare products can improve skin appearance, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Enhanced self-esteem can reduce stress and anxiety, positively influencing gut health and brain function.

Topical products that reduce skin inflammation can help modulate the immune system, reducing systemic inflammation and its impact on the gut and brain. This can help break the cycle of inflammation that links skin, gut, and brain disorders.

Consider integrative treatments that address gut health (through diet and probiotics), skin health (through topical treatments), and mental health (through stress management and therapy) for comprehensive care for skin conditions. Dermatologists and mental health professionals can collaborate to create personalized treatment plans for patients with psychodermatological conditions. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods can support gut health and reduce inflammation. Regular physical activity and stress reduction techniques can also significantly contribute to maintaining a healthy gut-skin-brain axis.

Research on skin microbiome is still in its infancy. Improving mental health with skin products is an exciting avenue for discovery. Look out for future research on the details of direct skin-brain microbiome connection.

Rave Mobile Safety (Rave) released its 2021 Mental Health and Emergency Response Survey results. The findings show that Americans are concerned about mental health generally and want to see first responders, including 9-1-1 call takers, police, EMS and fire fighters, improve emergency response involving mental health crises.

To understand if Americans believe mental health is a pervasive issue and how first responders should respond to emergencies involving mental health, Rave Mobile Safety partnered with independent research firm Researchscape to survey more than 1,000 American adults nationally in April 2021.

Almost all (94%) respondents are concerned about the state of mental health of Americans, and one in three respondents are extremely concerned. That worry has grown one year into the pandemic; two-thirds of respondents say they are more concerned about the state of public mental health now than they were this time last year.

Respondents expressed the collaboration of first responders with mental health professionals as a desired approach. Eighty percent of respondents said first responders and mental health professionals together are best suited to respond to emergency situations involving mental health crises. Ninety percent of respondents completely or somewhat agree that 9-1-1 call centers should have the ability to dispatch mental health professionals as well as police, fire and/or EMS services.

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Digital mental health services have emerged as a critical tool in addressing mental health issues, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of technology in delivering these services has been instrumental in overcoming traditional barriers to mental health care, such as geographical distance, stigma, and limited availability of mental health professionals. This blog post will explore the role of technology in delivering effective digital mental health services, drawing from the findings of two scientific articles: "Digital Mental Health and COVID-19: Using Technology Today to Accelerate the Curve on Access and Quality Tomorrow" and "From Research to Practice: Ten Lessons in Delivering Digital Mental Health Services."

Digital mental health services (DMHS) have been shown to effectively deliver psychological treatment via the internet. These services have been successfully implemented in routine care in countries like Australia and Canada, providing not only treatment but also information and assessment services. Key to their success is the recognition that DMHS require robust systems for training and supervising therapists and that specialist skills are required to operate DMHS.

Technology plays a crucial role in the delivery of DMHS. It allows for the provision of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) and other mental health services as part of routine care. The use of clinical software platforms and text-based communication tools are essential for engaging with patients and delivering individualized care within structured frameworks.

Moreover, technology enables the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMS), which are infrequently used in traditional services. These measures serve as a therapeutic tool for guiding discussions or decisions about treatment and as a method for improving the quality of care.

Despite the benefits, operating DMHS is not without challenges. These include the evolving funding, policy, and regulatory context, as well as increasing expectations from consumers about DMHS. However, the benefits of such services for the broader community significantly outweigh these challenges.

The use of technology in delivering DMHS also presents opportunities for innovation. For instance, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning could potentially enhance the personalization and effectiveness of digital mental health interventions.

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