Does your skin need to see a therapist? The hottest rage today may be this new field of skin caregivers (called psychodermatologists) and having your own personal “skin shrink,” but Dr. Northrup has long recognized that, although seen on the surface, your skin reflects issues that run much deeper. Like a child who can sometimes be blatantly honest, our skin will speak for us—especially when we have cast aside emotional issues that need our attention. So, when stress levels rise, our self-esteem is affected by what people think about us, or we are angry at a circumstance or relationship we are in, our skin will get our attention.

To understand this, you have to first understand what your skin does for you and how it does it. Dr. Northrup explains that the skin is derived from the embryonic layer known as the neuroectoderm, the same tissue layer that becomes the brain and the peripheral nervous system. “It functions as a kind of external brain, gathering information about our outer environment through its abilities to sense pressure, temperature, pleasure, and pain.” Talk about a mind/body connection!

The skin is both an internal and an external organ that functions as an inner and outer barrier. It is the largest and most important part of the immune system—80 percent of our immunity is located at the openings to our skin (where the mucous membranes are). Quite literally, it protects us on a physical level, forming our external armor. Psychologically, we feel “thin-skinned” if we lack protection from emotional factors.

It’s well known in dermatology today that patients may need simultaneous treatment of their skin and their mind and emotions for the best results, Dr. Northrup points out. Dermatitis and hives, she says, are two of the conditions known to be caused by a mixture of psychological and physical factors, while disorders such as psoriasis, hair loss, and eczema may also be affected by psychological factors.

Haven’t we all had the experience of developing a large pimple in a prominent area of our face just when we were most concerned about looking our best for an important event, breaking out in cold sores just before a hot date or even getting itchy hives when starting a new job or moving to a new city?

“The condition of your skin says a great deal about how well you’re fitting into and feeling supported by your current environment. There’s an unmistakable glow emanating from women who are happy and satisfied with their lives that no amount of cosmetic surgery can create.”

In her more than 20 years dedicated to helping women (and the men who love them) create vibrant health in their lives, Dr. Northrup says, “The secret to beautiful skin, and health on all levels, is to heed the warning signals sent by your emotional guidance system. Your reflection will indicate whether you’re facing life’s challenges or trying to bury them beneath the surface.” She applauds those dermatologists who help patients explore this truly significant mind/body connection.