“Scars, burns, but also pigment spots and wrinkle formation: your skin leaves the traces of life. In addition, it is also part of your identity and plays an important role in who you are and how others see you,” says skin therapist Van ‘t Klooster.
nervous system
According to Van ‘t Klooster, your skin is an extension of your nervous system. “The nervous system is a network of cells that absorbs and processes information. The nervous system connects all parts of the body and through this network all information is sent from the brain to the other parts of the body and vice versa. So your skin and nervous system communicate with each other. That’s why you can turn red during an argument and turn white when your brain senses something exciting. When excited, you can even measure the electrical charge on the skin.”
The close connection between the skin and the nervous system already develops during the embryonic phase. This period runs from the moment the egg is fertilized until the embryo is eight weeks old. Your skin and nervous system even evolved from the same embryonic germ layer. “One half is used for the skin and the other half helps the nervous system with its development. This close relationship is very noticeable.”
Stress
“That’s why long-term stress affects not only your mind and well-being, but also your skin. Due to stress, the immunity deteriorates, which means that the protective function of your skin does not work as well. For example, it is less able to retain its own moisture and heal wounds, but it also ages faster (thinner) and sebum production increases. When you suffer from skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis or acne, you often see that this increases due to stress. The tricky part is that patients with these skin conditions often end up in a visual circle, because the skin conditions also cause stress.”
That is why learning to deal with stress is extremely important. If you are more resistant to this, this kind of flare-up of the skin can be partly prevented. But how do you do that? “Scientific research into stress shows that mindfulness training is proven to be effective. It contributes to better concentration, relationships (work and private) and resilience to stress. It can help enormously if you press that pause button a few times a day. Put your phone aside and try to really concentrate on what you are doing at that moment with a cup of coffee or tea. It also helps to close your eyes every now and then and then breathe in and out three times. You will notice that such moments help you to put things into perspective.”
To feel good
According to Van ‘t Klooster, skin irritations or flare-ups of skin disorders that are caused by stress can be prevented with certain mindfulness techniques. It is also important not to forget that the skin is our largest organ and also needs the right care. “There is no quick fix for the skin. It needs time and attention. Apply sunscreen and clean your skin daily, but please don’t go overboard with the care products. There are young women who are doing too much to their skin these days. When you get started with a lot of aggressive substances, you will find that it only backfires. Your skin has a strong regenerating capacity and usually doesn’t need all that fuss. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your own skin.”
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