Expand your menu safely with ASCP's Advanced Esthetics Insurance at ascpskincare.com/aei 75
in the area that you've researched or information
on anxiety. The Anxious Calm, a website I
created, off ers a resource and community for
those doing their best to cope with anxiety.
A JOURNEY FOR CLIENTS AND
PROFESSIONALS
Navigating life with panic disorder and CPTSD has
profoundly impacted my experience with skin care
and overall well-being. The intertwining of mental
and physical symptoms presents a unique challenge,
particularly with the heightened skin sensitivity
that accompanies my anxiety. Through this
journey, I have learned that managing anxious skin
requires a holistic approach, combining minimal
and fragrance-free skin care routines with lifestyle
changes and mindfulness practices.
For skin care professionals, recognizing the signs
of anxiety-induced skin issues in your clients and
approaching them with empathy and understanding
can make a signifi cant diff erence. By fostering a
collaborative environment and providing resources
for holistic support, both clients and professionals
can fi nd a path toward relief and resilience.
Notes
1. Laura J. Dixon, Sara M. Witcraft, and Megan M. Perry, "How Does
Anxiety Aff ect Adults with Skin Disease? Examining the Indirect
Eff ect of Anxiety Symptoms on Impairment Through Anxiety
Sensitivity," Cognitive Therapy and Research 43 (2019): 14–23, link.
springer.com/article/10.1007/s10608-018-9942-5; Laura J. Dixon et
al., "Stress and Skin Disease Quality of Life: The Moderating Role of
Anxiety Sensitivity Social Concerns," British Journal of Dermatology 178,
no. 4 (April 2018): 951–7, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29078254.
2. Michael Davis, "The Role of the Amygdala in Fear and Anxiety," Annual
Review of Neuroscience 15 (March 1992): 353–75, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
gov/1575447.
3. Hanyi Zhang et al., "Role of Stress in Skin Diseases: A Neuroendocrine-
Immune Interaction View," Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 116 (February
2024): 286–302, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38128623.
4. Zhang, "Role of Stress in Skin Diseases: A Neuroendocrine-Immune
Interaction View."
5. Eva M. J. Peters, "Stressed Skin?—A Molecular Psychosomatic Update
on Stress-Causes and Eff ects in Dermatologic Diseases," Journal of
the German Society of Dermatology 14, no. 3 (March 2016): 233–52,
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddg.12957.
6. Jim Folk, Anxietycentre.com, "Skin Symptoms Caused by Anxiety," last
modifi ed May, 19, 2021, anxietycentre.com/anxiety-disorders/symptoms/
skin-symptoms-anxiety.
7. Jonathan I. Silverberg et al., "Symptoms and Diagnosis of Anxiety
and Depression in Atopic Dermatitis in U.S. Adults," British Journal
of Dermatology 181, no. 3 (September 2019): 554–65, academic.oup.
com/bjd/article/181/3/554/6764914; Chao Sun, Yali Ren, and Wanhong
Zhang, "Association Between Skin Disease and Anxiety: A Logistic
Analysis and Prediction," Annals of Translational Medicine 11, no. 2
(January 2023): 115, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36819527.
8. Lynne Harris, University of Sydney, "Explainer: What Are Panic Attacks
and What Happens When We Have One? " March 4, 2016, sydney.edu.
au/news-opinion/news/2016/03/04/explainer--what-are-panic-attacks-
and-what-happens-when-we-have-.html; Kristeen Cherney, Healthline,
"Eff ects of Anxiety on the Body," last modifi ed November 13, 2023,
healthline.com/health/anxiety/eff ects-on-body.
9. Scientifi c Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products,
"Opinion of the Scientifi c Committee on Cosmetic Products and
Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers Concerning Linalool,"
December 9, 2003, ec.europa.eu/health/ph _risk/committees/sccp/
documents/out248 _en.pdf; Scientifi c Committee on Cosmetic Products
and Non-Food Products, "Opinion of the Scientifi c Committee on
Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers
Concerning Essential Oils," June 24–25, 2003, ec.europa.eu/health/ph _
risk/committees/sccp/documents/out218 _en.pdf; Anton C. de Groot,
"Fragrances: Contact Allergy and Other Adverse Eff ects," Dermatitis
31, no. 1 (January/February 2020): 13–35, contactderm.org/UserFiles/
fi le/Fragrances_ _Contact_ Allergy_ and_Other_ Adverse.3-1.pdf;
Scientifi c Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products,
"The Scientifi c Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food
Products Intended for Consumers Opinion Concerning Fragrance
Allergy in Consumers," December 8, 1999, ec.europa.eu/health/ph _risk/
committees/sccp/documents/out98 _en.pdf.
10. Sun, "Association Between Skin Disease and Anxiety: A Logistic
Analysis and Prediction."
For a list of support
resources for your spa,
contact Jeanne Retief at
hello@docjeanne.com.
