ASCP Esty Talk: Episode 341 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Psychodermatology

Release Date: August 15, 2025
Host: Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)
Guest: Benjamin Knife Fuchs, Skincare Formulator and Pharmacist

Introduction

In Episode 341 of ASCP Esty Talk, titled "The Rogue Pharmacist: Psychodermatology," host Maggie Stasik engages in an insightful conversation with Benjamin Knife Fuchs, a skincare formulator and pharmacist. The episode delves deep into the intricate relationship between the mind and the skin, exploring how psychological factors, particularly stress, manifest physically on the skin.

Understanding Psychodermatology

Psychodermatology Defined

Maggie introduces the concept of psychodermatology, highlighting its significance in the field of esthetics. While many estheticians recognize the connection between the mind and skin, they may not be familiar with the term or the depth of this relationship.

“Psychodermatology is the science that studies the relationship of this stress response or conversely the relaxation response on the skin.”
— Benjamin Fuchs [01:49]

Stress: A Double-Edged Sword

Benjamin elaborates on the nature of stress, distinguishing between eustress (beneficial stress) and distress (harmful stress). Eustress is essential for growth and strength, exemplified by activities like exercise and learning. Conversely, distress arises from chronic, overwhelming stress, leading to various health issues.

The Impact of Stress on the Body and Skin

Physiological Effects of Stress

Under distress, the body undergoes several detrimental changes:

• Digestive System Slows Down
• Thyroid Function Decreases
• Immune System Suppression
• Increased Anxiety and Obesity
• Impaired Healing and Muscle Deterioration

Benjamin explains how the body’s evolutionary response to immediate physical threats, such as evading predators, misinterprets modern stressors like financial worries or social pressures, leading to chronic activation of the stress response.

“Under conditions of distress, the body can start to break down... All of these kinds of requirements are not necessary for getting away from a lion.”
— Benjamin Fuchs [02:50]

Psychodermatological Manifestations

Psychodermatology focuses on how these stress-induced physiological changes specifically affect the skin:

• Thinning of the Skin: Reduced barrier repair leads to fragile skin.
• Barrier Problems: Compromised acid mantle increases susceptibility to infections.
• Sebaceous Secretions: Increased oil production as a protective response, leading to oily skin.
• Hyperpigmentation and Melasma: Stress hormones like cortisol and estrogen contribute to pigmentation issues.
• Acne: Combination of oily skin, bacterial susceptibility, and barrier disruption fosters acne development.

“Psychodermatology is the study of the skin's response to whether you're in stress mode or whether you're in relaxation mode.”
— Benjamin Fuchs [07:10]

The Role of Sugar in Stress and Skin Health

Benjamin highlights the detrimental impact of sugar on stress levels and skin health:

• Sugar as a Toxin: Excessive sugar consumption acts as a toxin, amplifying the body's stress response.
• Hypoglycemia: After ingesting large amounts of sugar, subsequent low blood sugar induces additional stress on the body.
• Acne Development: The interplay between sugar-induced stress, oil secretion, and barrier disruption significantly contributes to acne prevalence, especially in Western cultures where stress levels are typically high.

“Sugar will cause a stress response, will amplify stress response. For one thing, sugar is a toxin to the body.”
— Benjamin Fuchs [11:40]

Strategies to Mitigate Psychodermatological Issues

Benjamin outlines various strategies to activate the relaxation response (mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system) to counteract the negative effects of stress on the skin.

Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Breathing Techniques

• Slow, Deep, Rhythmic (SDR) Breathing: Benjamin emphasizes the importance of SDR breathing to quickly induce relaxation.

  “Slow, deep, rhythmic breathing that will put you into a relaxation mode quicker than anything.”
  — Benjamin Fuchs [14:20]

Warm Water Immersion

• Warm Baths and Showers: Immersing in warm water signals safety to the body, reminiscent of the womb, thereby activating relaxation.

  “A bath tells the body it's in the womb.”
  — Benjamin Fuchs [14:27]

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

• Muscle Relaxation Techniques: Engaging in progressive muscle relaxation helps in reducing physical tension and promoting mental calmness.

Mental Techniques

• Gratitude Practices: Focusing on things one is grateful for shifts the mind towards positivity, enhancing relaxation.

• Body Focusing: Paying attention to specific body parts (e.g., fingers, toes) anchors the mind in the present and fosters relaxation.

• Watching Vulnerable Entities: Viewing content like cat videos, or interacting with animals, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system by fostering empathy and reducing stress.

  “One of my favorite ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, you probably love this one, is watch cat videos.”
  — Benjamin Fuchs [18:30]

Nutrition and Topical Care

• Internal Nutrition: Ensuring adequate intake of micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids supports both internal relaxation responses and skin health.

• Topical Nutrition: Utilizing products rich in these nutrients can provide direct benefits to the skin, reinforcing the body's ability to repair and maintain healthy skin barriers.

  “Just like using micronutrients internally will activate the parasympathetic nervous system for psychodermological benefits, likewise topically.”
  — Benjamin Fuchs [17:15]

Combining Stress Relief with Skincare

Benjamin advocates for a holistic approach where stress reduction techniques are integrated with skincare routines. For instance, combining exfoliation (a controlled stressor) with nutrient-rich topical treatments can enhance skin barrier repair and collagen production.

“The combination of exercise or stressors on the skin that activate the stress response with a topical nutrition which tell the body it's safe and activate the parasympathetic or relaxation response is the perfect topical strategy for leveraging psychodermological benefits.”
— Benjamin Fuchs [18:05]

Integrating Stress Reduction with Skincare

Benjamin emphasizes that addressing psychodermatological concerns requires both internal and external strategies. By activating the relaxation response through various techniques and supporting the skin with nutrient-rich products, estheticians can offer comprehensive care that addresses both the mind and the skin.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Maggie thanking Benjamin for his valuable insights. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Benjamin through Truth Treatments Pro for more information and to explore further resources on psychodermatology and holistic skincare.

“If you just can't get enough of Ben Fuchs, the ASCP's rogue pharmacist, you can find him @truthtreatments.com for more information on this episode, or for ways to connect with Benfuchs, or to learn more about ASCP, check out the show notes.”
— Maggie Stasik [19:25]

Key Takeaways

1. Psychodermatology explores the profound connection between psychological stress and skin health.
2. Chronic Stress (Distress) negatively impacts various bodily functions and manifests visibly on the skin through conditions like acne, eczema, and hyperpigmentation.
3. Stress Reduction Techniques such as SDR breathing, warm water immersion, gratitude practices, and watching calming content can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting skin and overall health.
4. Holistic Skincare involves both internal nutrition and external topical treatments to support the skin's resilience against stress-induced damage.
5. Integrative Approach combining stress management with tailored skincare protocols offers estheticians a comprehensive strategy to address clients' skin concerns effectively.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for estheticians to understand and leverage the principles of psychodermatology, ultimately enhancing their practice and fostering healthier, more resilient skin in their clients.