The Litmus Test: Why It’s Time to Let Skin In
When deciding what belongs in NHS public health messaging, we can apply a simple litmus test:
· Does it prevent illness?
· Is there strong evidence?
· Can the advice be translated into simple lifestyle changes?
· Are the behaviours clear and easy to follow?
· Can it be delivered regularly and systematically?
By that test, skin falls through the cracks. Aside from cancer prevention, our largest organ is missing from NHS lifestyle messages — despite being visible, relatable, and closely linked to the very same factors already promoted for other organs.
This is a common-sense framing — not an official NHS framework — to show how easily skin could be included.
The Gap
Every organ has its place in NHS and DHSC campaigns.
· Teeth: “Brush twice a day, see your dentist.”
· Heart and circulation: “Eat 5-a-day, move more, cut back on alcohol.”
· Mental health: “Every Mind Matters” guides on stress, anxiety, resilience.
· Sleep: dedicated “Sleep and Tiredness” guidance.
· Eyes, ears, lungs, liver, reproductive health: all covered with clear lifestyle or screening advice.
Skin? Only mentioned in relation to cancer.
Yet the skin reflects — and is affected by — all of these same factors. It is our most visible organ, and one the public are already deeply engaged with.
Every Organ Counts… Except Skin:
Where Skin Fits in NHS/DHSC Messaging
Mapping existing public health messages to visible, actionable skin health links.
| Organ/System | NHS/DHSC Messaging | Where Skin Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Organ/SystemGeneral wellbeing | NHS/DHSC MessagingLive Well (diet, lifestyle) | Where Skin FitsVisible wellbeing |
| Organ/SystemMental health | NHS/DHSC MessagingEvery Mind Matters | Where Skin FitsStress shows on skin |
| Organ/SystemPhysical health | NHS/DHSC Messaging5-a-day, Couch to 5K | Where Skin FitsNutrition & exercise support skin |
| Organ/SystemSleep health | NHS/DHSC MessagingSleep guidance | Where Skin FitsRepair & renewal for skin |
| Organ/SystemEye health | NHS/DHSC MessagingCheck-ups, Eye Health Week | Where Skin FitsEye strain & sight changes can raise stress, which shows on skin |
| Organ/SystemEar health | NHS/DHSC MessagingNoise messaging, awareness | Where Skin FitsStress shows on skin |
| Organ/SystemTeeth | NHS/DHSC MessagingBrush twice daily, check-ups | Where Skin FitsOral microbiome & gut–skin axis |
| Organ/SystemHeart & circulation | NHS/DHSC Messaging5-a-day, alcohol limits, BP checks | Where Skin FitsCirculation affects skin condition |
| Organ/SystemLungs | NHS/DHSC MessagingStop smoking | Where Skin FitsSmoking ages skin |
| Organ/SystemLiver health | NHS/DHSC Messaging14 units, 2 clear days | Where Skin FitsSome liver disease has skin signs |
| Organ/SystemReproductive health | NHS/DHSC MessagingScreenings, check-ups | Where Skin FitsHormones affect skin |
| Organ/SystemDigestive health | NHS/DHSC MessagingAwareness campaigns, bowel screening / healthy eating | Where Skin FitsGut–skin axis |
| Organ/SystemSkin cancer | NHS/DHSC MessagingAwareness campaigns | Where Skin FitsSkin health = more than cancer |
| Organ/SystemSkin health | NHS/DHSC MessagingAbsent in general messaging | Where Skin Fits |
| Organ/SystemNHS Health Check (40–74) | NHS/DHSC MessagingCovers heart, stroke, kidney, diabetes | Where Skin FitsSkin signs can indicate systemic illness and early ageing |
Where Skin Fits
Using the litmus test, skin meets the mark:
Preventable illness: Many common skin conditions can be eased, delayed, or prevented by lifestyle awareness.
Evidence: Diet, stress, and sleep are all clinically observed to affect skin health, with evidence continuing to build.
Simple lifestyle change: Cleanse, moisturise, protect with SPF — the skin’s equivalent of “brush twice a day.”
Clear behaviour cues: Daily habits like sleep, diet, exercise, and stress management already exist in NHS messaging. Skin could be added as a visible co-benefit.
Systematic delivery: The channels are already there — Live Well, Every Mind Matters, Sleep guidance, 5-a-day, NHS Health Checks. Skin could be integrated without building new structures.
The Opportunity
Including skin isn’t about new campaigns or budgets. It’s about strengthening what’s already there.
Skin makes the invisible visible. Stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, inactivity — these are hard to measure day to day, but they often show up first on the skin. By adding skin to existing guidance, we give people a tangible way to see the impact of their choices, and a positive cue to act sooner.
The litmus test shows the gap. But it also shows the opportunity: skin is the missing piece that could make lifestyle advice clearer, more relatable, and more effective.
It’s time to let skin in.
Disclaimer
The Skin Well Project provides advocacy and commentary on gaps in public health messaging. This content is evidence-informed but does not represent official NHS or Department of Health and Social Care policy. It is designed to highlight areas for discussion and improvement, not to offer medical advice or prescribe treatment. For personal health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.