https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stress2a.png, Julian Kücklich, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Deborah Tosline published the book “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare” in 2015. Her approach to skincare is based on a scientific background, a love of research, and over 40 years of DIY skincare experience.
When people gossip, lie, and manipulate or exhibit other toxic behaviors it negatively impacts their own and their victim’s health and our largest organ - the skin. Brain activity measurements indicate that dishonest behavior and actions correlate to negative changes in our body biochemistry and function. Psychodermatology is an established field in Europe that is beginning to be considered in the United States. Bottom line, if you want to optimize your health and skin appearance, it may be time to take action and eliminate dysfunctional folks from your inner circle to optimize your general health, skin health, and quality of life.
Psychodermatology investigates how stress and other psychological issues impact “acne, psoriasis, eczema, itching, hives and other skin problems.” Cortisol is a stress hormone produced in our body. Chronic stress and increased cortisol degrade collagen and elastin and can result in an increase in skin wrinkles.
Some folks are virtuous, they don’t gossip, lie, cheat, or take from others. They donate their time to charity and pay taxes. Other folks exhibit toxic behavior, they take what they don’t deserve, lie, backstab, cheat, exploit and steal.
Dishonesty and other toxic psychological behaviors change the body’s biochemistry. MRI analyses show functional differences in the brain activity of honest and dishonest people. The mind/body response is long lasting and is apparent during the anticipation, engagement and memory of a dishonest act.
When someone behaves dishonestly it negatively impacts their personal health, it also impacts the health of those around them. Dishonest behavior changes heart rate, breathing and how the skin conducts electricity which indicates a change in sweat gland function and the sympathetic nervous system. This increased biochemical activity directly impacts the brain, body and biologic health.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gossip_by_Charles_Haigh-Wood.jpg, Charles Haigh-Wood, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Emotional manipulation may be subtle yet it is as destructive as lying, cheating and stealing. When someone uses your vulnerability and emotions to get what they want from you or to influence your behavior, perceptions, or ideals this can be a form of emotional abuse. Someone may try to persuade, coerce or manipulate your emotions. They do this to control your behavior to maintain their power in a relationship. This stress can negatively impact your health.
One research study of 2,500 people showed that folks who were betrayed by a cheating partner subsequently developed chronic health issues.
If you view relationships as transactional or you are a source of gossip, lies, cheating and manipulation, you may unknowingly be degrading your own health. If you are a victim of dishonest behavior, you are also subject to the negative effects of these dysfunctional people. It can be challenging to break bad habits or to eliminate toxic folks from your life, but if you want to optimize your health it may be mandatory.
To understand how emotions impact the body’s biochemistry think about blushing when embarrassed. The feeling of embarrassment instantly causes a physical reaction resulting in opening every blood vessel in the skin, this is an example of the mind-body connection.
We may have to interact with dishonest and negative people at home, at work, or as we move through the world. If we have no choice, we may be continuously exposed to the stress from the dishonest and destructive behavior of others.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stressball.jpg, Andreas Schikora, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Should we remove toxic folks from our inner circle for our health? This may be easier said than done. Walking away from toxic people may seem impossible, but staying may be worse. This is an individual choice that is made on a case-by-case basis. It may seem daunting to leave folks who you love but who are destructive. Sometimes, its healthier to be alone than to continue relationships with abusive and dishonest people.
Removing people from your inner circle requires a thoughtful process weighing the pros and cons of the decision. How important is it to maintain your mental and physical well-being? Is it worth jeopardizing your health for someone else’s poor behavior?
You are your own primary care giver. What kind of life do you want for yourself? How do dishonest and toxic people impact your health? Do they cause you to feel anxious, downtrodden or depressed? It takes time, but it’s possible to create a new life for yourself. You can choose to surround yourself with uplifting, honest and supportive people.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bully_project.jpg, Allibug14, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
What if you are not able to remove dishonest and dysfunctional people from your life? Then my friend, you must manage your health carefully, establish boundaries and nurture yourself during stressful moments to support your well-being.
I rely on conscious breathing or the 4-7-8 Breath which is also known as the Relaxing Breath. The 4-7-8 breath is demonstrated in a video by Dr. Andrew Weil here. Begin with a deep inhalation through your nose for 4 counts, hold the breath for 7 counts and exhale the breath slowly through your mouth for 8 counts. This is done 3 times in a row and may be repeated as often as needed. Pause to feel the results. When your exhalation is longer than your inhalation, this is referred to as parasympathetic breathing. This type of breath tells the body that you are safe and helps to reduce stress and cortisol production.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kindness,_Dogtown_MA.jpg, John Phelan, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Seek honest, positive, uplifting people to replace the dysfunctional people in your life. Start small. Develop boundaries. Build constructive relationships to support your healthy future and give your body and skin a calm peace so that you may flourish.
If you need more information about DIY skin care, check out the local library, search the Internet, or check out my past Blog articles. It would be an honor for me if you purchased my skin care book. Thank you!
Take good care of yourselves!
XO Deborah
This article is intended to be used as general information only and is in no way intended to replace medical advice, be used as a medical treatment program, diagnosis, or cure of any disease or medical condition. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the effectiveness of the practices described in this article. Products or substances discussed herein are for educational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations of the author.