British Skin Foundation has partnered with ITN Business to co-produce an innovative new programme that shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by individuals living with various skin conditions. The programme, titled "Skin: Below the Surface," will explore the psychological impact of these conditions and delve into the connection between the skin and the mind.

Skin conditions affect millions of people worldwide, causing not only physical discomfort but also emotional distress and psychological challenges. "Skin: Below the Surface” aims to shed light on the often, overlooked psychological consequences of skin conditions, emphasising the need for empathy, support, and effective treatments.

Anchored by presenter and journalist Louise Minchin from the ITN London Studio, the programme will feature compelling interviews with individuals who have personally experienced the mental toll of living with different skin conditions.  Viewers will gain insights into the daily struggles, stigma, and emotional burden that individuals with skin conditions face, helping to foster a greater understanding and compassion within society.

Furthermore, "Skin: Below the Surface" will present expert opinions from renowned dermatologists, psychologists and the following organisations providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between psychological well-being and skin health, the different skin conditions effecting daily lives and the innovative treatments options:

Watch the introduction to Skin: Below the Surface 

Living with a skin condition can have a significant impact on quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Psychodermatology takes into account the connection between the skin and the mind, and particularly looks at the psychological impact. We want to raise the awareness of this link and provide advice on what to do, should you be affected. Featuring Dr Eleanor Chatburn, Clinical Psychologist and Dr Mary Sommerlad, Consultant Dermatologist. 

Sixty percent of people in the UK currently suffer from or have suffered from a skin condition. Some can be particularly distressing to the individual and below the surface, can influence their everyday life – how they feel, behave and how they are perceived by others. In this film, we hear first-hand accounts of the effects of living with a skin condition.

Keratosis Pilaris is a common condition that gives skin a rough, dry, and bumpy texture. It effects an individual not just physically, but psychologically too and, with no treatment available on the UK market, it inspired the dermatological skincare brand, Ameliorate to be founded. Following, what they say are, transformative results, they have developed a range of clinically proven products to help not just Keratosis Pilaris, but people struggling with other skin concerns too.  

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects people of all ages and can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Skincare company Balmonds has developed an extra gentle balm to support individuals with eczema to keep their sensitive skin in good condition as well as promoting a healthier well-being. Featuring Lucy Gulland, PR & Community Manager at Balmonds, and Ruth Holroyd who is a Balmond’s brand ambassador and an award-winning blogger on eczema and allergies.

Epidermolysis Bullosa is a genetic skin condition that causes the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. People living with it are in constant debilitating pain, and in some cases it can be fatal.  DEBRA, the butterfly skin charity, want to increase the awareness of the condition and the daily challenges faced by those living with it, and that with support, there could be some hope on the horizon. Featuring Simon Weston CBE, President of DEBRA and Academic, model and DEBRA Ambassador Lucy Beall Lott, who lives with Recessive Dystrophic EB.

The role of the pharmacy within the community has evolved, with customers now using the service as the first stop when it comes to finding a solution to a problem. One of London's oldest pharmacies – John Bell & Croyden – place innovation, within skincare, nutrition and wellness, at the heart of all they do, aiming to plug the gap between healthcare and lifestyle with a patient centric, more holistic approach.

Taking care of our skin is important for our overall well-being, as it not only impacts our physical health but also our emotional state. LYMA has pioneered a skincare protocol, created by an expert team of dermatologists, plastic surgeons and biochemists, to offer effective solutions to individuals struggling with skin conditions, aiming to enhance their overall quality of life.  

For patients suffering with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a painful skin condition which causes abscesses and scarring, the journey from diagnosis to receiving a targeted treatment takes an average of 7 years. And due to a lack of knowledge about the condition, the diagnosis itself is often hard to reach. Pharmaceutical company Novartis is working to raise awareness about the condition.  

Stress and strains of life can negatively impact our skin. Whether it's lack of sleep, sun damage, or busy lives, each can contribute to our skin's health. No7 has developed a world-first peptide technology to combat skin damage through its new range of products, helping people look and feel their best.

A diagnosis of any kind can have a psychological impact on an individual, but a cancer diagnosis can be particularly frightening, with treatment potentially being accompanied by unpleasant side effects. Medical device company, OncoBeta, have developed a safe, non-invasive therapy for non-melanoma skin cancer which could greatly improve patient experience and outcomes.

Developed and funded by Sanofi. 

The evolution in the management of atopic eczema in the past few years has been considerable. It is crucial to emphasise the potential solutions available for individuals coping with the condition as this enables them to receive the appropriate support and care necessary for improving their quality of life. Sanofi is spreading a message of optimism that there are solutions available and managing the condition is possible. 

With thanks to Ameliorate, Balmonds, DEBRA, John Bell & Croyden, Lyma, Novartis, No 7, OncoBeta and Sanofi. We’d also like to thank those who shared their skin stories and the professors, doctors and experts for sharing their knowledge.

Matthew Patey, CEO of British Skin Foundation ‘We are delighted to launch our new programme in partnership with ITN Business. Skin: Below the Surface amplifies patient voices and creates awareness around the psychological impact of skin conditions. We know the enormity of the impact skin conditions can have on mental health and how isolating that can sometimes feel. Working with ITN Business has given us a fantastic opportunity to highlight the issue and the important work being done to help by both ourselves and our partners.’

Nina Harrison-Bell, Head of ITN Business, expressed her excitement about the programme, stating, "We are thrilled to launch 'Skin: Below the Surface' as a pioneering initiative that brings attention to the often, neglected emotional impact of skin conditions. By delving into the psychological aspects of these conditions and exploring the connection between the skin and the mind, we hope to generate meaningful conversations, challenge misconceptions, reduce stigma, improve mental well-being and foster greater empathy and support for those affected.”

For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information, please contact: [email protected]

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