As an educator and practitioner, the moment I hear skin conditions, I immediately get goosebumps. Not only does it top the list of my favorite subjects, it is also one of the most open-ended, ever-changing topics in the skin care field, which is what makes it so darn exciting. 

I could take up this entire magazine writing on various skin conditions – what they are, what they look like, influencing factors, treatment options, associated medications, and so on. However, focusing on many facets of a skin condition that so often get overlooked or dismissed must also be done.  

Skin care professionals often have to tiptoe around their scope of practice. The fact of the matter is everything about an individual’s life has an impact on their skin. Eating habits, exercise, sleep, stress, environmental exposure, and an entire host of lifestyle habits all have an effect, whether direct or indirect. Although professionals may not be dieticians, trainers, therapists, doctors, or scientists, they still clearly understand the enormity of the inner and outer skin health connection. 

It is in identifying these influencers that professionals make real progress in the improvement of a client’s skin condition. It is their responsibility to educate clients – to open up the realm of controlling factors that may be right at a client’s fingertips, and they do not even know it. 

By having clients keep a one-week journal of everything they eat and drink, professionals can address if any food ingredients are contributing to the skin condition. Professionals can also explain to clients that a lack of sleep or disrupted sleep can affect the immune system. 

Stress can influence skin because it increases cortisol levels, lowers the immune system, and impacts the blood circulatory and lymphatic systems. As always, alcohol and smoking can have unfavorable consequences on skin health.  

While exercise helps to detoxify and promote circulation, excessive or strenuous exercise can have a negative impact due to excessive blood flow and the ability of capillaries in the face to respond. Environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays, pollutants, wind, and even chemicals all disturb skin. 

Since humans are all intricate amazing packages, improving one aspect of health must often take into account all of the other parts as well.