Tatler UK - 10.2019

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Tatler Schools Guide 2020 tatler.com

PSYCHODERMATOLOGY

INVESTIGATIONS

1. Be aware of the vicious cycle With some dermatological conditions,
   there is the potential for a vicious cycle to be set up whereby the worse
   our skin looks, the more stressed we get, and the more stressed we get,
   the worse our skin looks. Being aware of this and intervening, not just
   externally (with topical treatments), but also internally, through stress
   management and self-care, is vital.


2. Listen to your skin Get a diary and draw a line down the middle of the
   page. On one side, write down every time your skin flares up; down the
   other side, note what is going on in your life, how you are feeling, how
   busy, stressed or anxious you are. Compare to see if you can spot any
   patterns in your emotional state and skin health.


3. Don’t put your life on hold Don’t let your skin limit your world. Don’t
   wait for it to clear up before you book the holiday, ask out the girl or go for
   that job interview. Instead, minimise the impact that it has on you by
   getting on with your life regardless.


4. Develop strategies to deal with uncertainty One of the hardest
   things is that you are constantly having to adapt to a change in
   appearance and, consequently, your body image. Engage in both
   short-term strategies like concealing or treatment but also in deeper,
   long-term strategies like pursuing activities you enjoy and finding
   support to talk about your feelings.


5. Don’t be defined by the condition Skin conditions are often visible to
   others and, as a consequence, we may feel our condition begins to
   define us. It doesn’t. Don’t feel obliged to answer questions about it.
   Instead, when you engage with people, talk about your interests and the
   things that matter to you. If you are asked about it, have a stock answer
   that assures them that you are fine with it.

LA ROCHE-POSAY

Effaclar Duo[+]

This anti-blemish moisturiser uses

a natural prebiotic to balance skin

bacteria and helps to prevent

hormonal breakouts. £16.

laroche-posay.co.uk

NATALIYA ROBINSON

Teen Skin Treatment

This facial to address early skin

complaints is best for calming and

controlling sensitive or acne-prone

skin – aimed at 12- to 19-year-olds.

£130. nataliyarobinson.co.uk

DR ARIEL HAUS

HydraFacial

A prescriptive cleansing and skin

nourishing treatment including a

her dermatology consultation. ‘It

was weird, because I’ve had ecze-

ma since I was so little, I’d never

really thought about it as more

than a skin problem or even an

addiction – all the scratching and

touching my face, and all these

little tics,’ she explains. ‘I never

considered it may be beneficial to

think about it in a different way.’

CBT offered through psycho-

dermatology clinics is one of the

best ways to stop the itch-scratch-

pick cycle that can lead to infec-

tion and scarring. In Miriam’s

case, however, it was recommend-

ed that she listened to a specially

prepared mindfulness CD every

night. ‘Through that concentra-

tion, the itch became less impor-

tant and less on my mind and that

helped,’ she says.

Psychodermatology has been

transformational for Miriam.

‘Yes, my eczema is still here,’ she

explains. ‘I have A-levels coming

up and there are flare-ups, so I’ve

got to be careful, but I’m in such a

good routine now, thanks to Tess,

that I can control it a lot better

than I used to and so it affects me

far less.’

The impact of skin conditions

on mental health can be serious,

but psychodermatology is helping

teenagers accept their skin and

empowering them not to be held

back by it. Though currently only

available in a few specialist der-

matology clinics, those patients

who’ve been helped testify that

the physical and mental benefits

of psychodermatology are truly

life changing. (

For further information, visit:

British Association of

Dermatologists (bad.org.uk)

Eudelo Clinics (eudelo.com)

Oxford University Hospitals

Dermatology Service (ouh.nhs.

uk/services/departments/specialist-

medicine/dermatology)

Dr Linda Papadopoulos

(drlinda.co.uk)

Mind over matter

Leading psychodermatologist, psychologist and broadcaster Dr Linda

Papadopoulos offers five ways to help teens overcome skin conditions

Here are a range of cosmetic solutions to help calm and control

In a spot of bother?

deep pore cleanse, exfoliation,

hydration and key ingredients to

control sebum production in the

skin. £220. drhausdermatology.com

YOUNG LDN

Bespoke Acne Facial

A customised treatment plan will

ensure your concerns are taken

care of both inside and out. From

£78.youngldn.com

SKINADE

Targeted Solutions Clear

Designed to target specific

concerns and support normal skin

function. It is naturally flavoured

with pineapple and available in

30-, 60- and 90-day courses. £90

for a 30-day course. skinade.com

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