Here it is. The end of another year is approaching. In the blink of an eye, 2022 is coming to an abrupt halt. Hopefully everyone is ready for it! I sure am. 

This month’s topic weighs heavy on the skin care profession. As the industry and those apart of it have become more educated and increasingly aware of the inner-outer body connection, the topic of hormones has leapt to the forefront of influencing factors for skin. 

There was once a time when the topic of hormonal changes was tied to teenage puberty and acne. Then it spanned to pregnancy, menopause, and the manifestation of both acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation. 

Although the above scenarios remain hot hormonal topics, the last several years have given rise to a considerably broader spectrum of consideration. This is the indiscernible link between stress and anxiety, their influence on hormonal changes, and the impact on skin.  

There is no doubt that this is an era of heightened levels of stress and anxiety. It has been emerging for years with excessive workloads, long days, sleepless nights, and in some cases, outrageous life expectations (often self-imposed). Then came March 2020, and the world changed. If stress and anxiety was thought to be prevalent before, it Is socially tapped out now. 

No, skin care professionals are not therapists. But perhaps for a few minutes, they can help clients escape to a calmer place. More importantly, it is essential to understand that the chaos in clients’ lives triggers hormonal imbalances that result in skin sensitivity, acne breakouts, acute on-set rosacea, and never before experienced rashes, hives, and hair loss. 

Take the time to explain the connection to clients and help them understand that everything in their life shows up on the surface of their skin. A little laugher helps. A smile helps. A knowledgeable skin care partner helps even more. 

Round out the year with kindness. Calm the soul. Soothe the skin.