Happy Relationships, Happy Skin

Understanding the Link Between Relationships and Skin Health

Positive relationships don’t just make us feel good - they can also benefit our skin. Connection, laughter, and emotional support reduce stress hormones like cortisol and boost ‘feel-good’ chemicals like oxytocin, which promote skin healing and balance. Whether it’s family, friends, or a partner, nurturing healthy relationships is an integral part of overall well-being and glowing skin.

How This Can Present on Skin

Healthy relationships can influence skin in several ways:

• Reduced Stress: Less cortisol means fewer breakouts, reduced inflammation, and a calmer complexion.

• Better Sleep: Positive interactions improve sleep quality, allowing skin to repair and regenerate.

• Healthier Habits: Supportive relationships can encourage better self-care routines.

• Enhanced Immunity: Emotional well-being supports the immune system, helping skin fight infections and inflammation.

On the flip side, toxic or stressful relationships can lead to heightened stress, which may manifest as acne, eczema flare-ups, or dull, tired skin.

Tips for Building Healthy Relationships and Healthier Skin

Prioritise Connection - spend quality time with loved ones and share meaningful conversations.

Practice Gratitude - appreciate those in your life to strengthen emotional bonds.

Set Boundaries - protect your emotional energy by limiting time with toxic influences.

Laugh Often - laughter reduces stress and releases feel-good endorphins - your skin will thank you!

Communicate Openly - honest, kind communication can reduce tension and build stronger relationships.

Support Each Other’s Self-Care - encourage those you care about to take care of themselves too - it’s contagious!

Need Extra Support?

Nurturing relationships is vital for well-being. If you’re navigating relationship challenges, a counsellor or relationship coach can provide tools and support. A qualified skin therapist, such as a corneotherapist - trained in skin barrier care, can provide tailored skincare advice to support your skin barrier and promote long term resilience.

Trusted Sources:

NHS – Mental Health
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Explains how supportive relationships can reduce stress — a key factor in many inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne.

Mind – Relationships and Wellbeing
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/relationships/
Highlights how healthy relationships support mental wellbeing and why connection, kindness, and communication matter.

Mental Health Foundation – Sleep and Mental Health
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/sleep
Explores how good sleep (often improved by emotional wellbeing) helps the body and skin repair and recover.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
https://www.bacp.co.uk
Provides access to qualified counsellors and relationship therapists if you need support navigating emotional challenges.

British Skin Foundation – Stress and Skin
https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk
Shares how stress can trigger or worsen skin issues and why managing emotional wellbeing matters for healthy skin.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.

Version: [March / 2025]

© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.