Lifestyle & Environmental Factors in Skin Health

Factor-by-Factor Overview

1. Exercise (Clinically Observed - Blue)

Large international studies (e.g. Nurses’ Health Study) show regular physical activity reduces psoriasis risk and improves inflammatory markers. Dermatologists often observe better outcomes in active patients, yet despite this, ‘skin health’ isn’t currently listed as a benefit of exercise in national guidance for general skin health. 👉 See: Happy Movement, Happy Skin

2. Stress / Mental Health (Clinically Observed - Blue)

Stress is known to worsen eczema, psoriasis, acne and more. While NHS guidance for psoriasis includes stress management, broader national guidance doesn’t currently list skin health as a benefit of improved mental wellbeing. 👉 See: Happy Mind, Happy Skin

3. Home Environment (VOCs, Mould) (Emerging - Amber)

Scientific evidence is growing, and both Government guidance and Allergy UK now acknowledge that mould and VOCs can worsen eczema. Broader national guidance doesn’t currently list skin health as a benefit of improvements in the home environment. 👉 See: Happy Home, Happy Skin

4. Diet / Gut Health (Clinically Observed - Blue)

Research shows that dietary improvements can benefit skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. Yet broader national guidance doesn’t currently list skin health as a benefit of better diet. 👉 See: Happy Gut, Happy Skin

5. Sleep (Proven - Green)

There is strong scientific and clinical evidence that poor sleep can impair skin barrier function and increase the severity of conditions like acne and eczema. Studies have shown that disrupted sleep contributes to inflammation and delays skin repair. While some NHS-affiliated services - such as Oxford Health CAMHS and St George’s Hospital - acknowledge this connection, it is not yet widely integrated into national NHS public health messaging. This makes sleep one of the more under-communicated yet well-supported lifestyle factors in skin health - where broader national guidance doesn’t currently list ‘skin health’ as a benefit.’ 👉 See: Happy Sleep, Happy Skin

6. Relationships (Emerging - Amber)

Hostile or lonely environments have been shown to delay wound healing and worsen inflammatory skin conditions by elevating cortisol and reducing immune function. This connection is supported by both psychosomatic medicine and wound healing research. Yet broader national guidance doesn’t currently list skin health as a benefit of meaningful or positive relationships. 👉 See: Happy Relationships, Happy Skin

7. Sun Exposure (Proven - Green)

This is one of the most clearly established links between lifestyle, environment, and skin health. UV exposure is directly associated with pigmentation, premature ageing, and skin cancers. NHS and NICE both list skin health as a benefit of safe sun practices, offering comprehensive and accessible guidance on sun protection. 👉 See: Happy Sun, Happy Skin

8. Workplace Stress / Environment (Clinically Observed - Blue)

Skin hazards in the workplace, such as irritants and allergens, are recognised under COSHH and UK health and safety law. However, broader influences like chronic stress, poor air quality, and prolonged screen exposure are not explicitly addressed in relation to skin health. Yet the workplace is increasingly linked to flare-ups of conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne. Broader national guidance doesn’t currently list skin health as a benefit of improved workplace environments.👉 See: Happy Work, Happy Skin

9. Skincare Products (Clinically Observed - Blue)

Preservatives and fragrances are known triggers for contact dermatitis. Several MCI/MI leave-on preservatives were banned following UK regulatory action. NHS guidance advises avoiding these ingredients for sensitive skin or skin with existing conditions, but barrier-focused skincare is still not widely recognised as a general public health benefit. Broader national guidance doesn’t currently list skin health as a benefit of reduced exposure to known irritants in everyday skincare products.👉 See: Happy Skincare Products, Happy Skin

10. Pollution (Clinically Observed - Blue)

Air pollution is now clinically linked to skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, with recent Biobank studies reinforcing this connection. While dermatologists increasingly acknowledge the impact of pollution on skin, national public health guidance continues to focus primarily on respiratory effects. Improved air quality is not yet listed as a benefit to skin health in broader national guidance. 👉 See: Happy Air, Happy Skin

11. Hormones (Proven - Green)

Hormonal influences on the skin, such as acne and pigmentation, are widely recognised in treatment protocols. NHS and dermatology associations openly discuss these links, especially in the context of puberty, menopause, contraception, and hormone therapy. However, broader national guidance doesn’t currently list skin health as a benefit of improved hormonal balance - it is more often treated as a symptom to manage. 👉 See: Happy hormones, Happy Skin

12. Dental Health (Clinically Observed - Blue)

Gum disease is linked to systemic inflammation and has been associated with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. While evidence supporting the oral-skin connection is growing, this link is rarely reflected in public messaging. Broader national guidance doesn’t currently list skin health as a benefit of improved dental health. 👉 See: Happy Smile, Happy Skin