Is Psychodermatology the Answer to Your Skin Problems?
Answer: quite possibly. (BRB, calling my therapist.)


If you and your dermatologist are on a first name basis, it might be time to talk to a therapist. Yep—the issues you're dealing with emotionally could be leaving some seriously unwelcome marks on your skin. (As if puberty wasn't bad enough.)
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychodermatology is defined as the treatment of skin disorders using psychological and psychiatric techniques. In other words? The secret to getting rid of our acne, psoriasis, eczema and hives may be dealing with what's going on in your mind—not on your body.
While psychologists who practice in the field emphasize that the severity of your skin problem isn't connected to the severity of your emotional distress (translation: that huge zit could just be those hormones, girl), they stress that by dealing with the stuff going on in the inside, you should be able to see a difference on the outside.
"This is a great role for psychologists," Kristina G. Gorbatenko-Roth, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, told APA. "Dermatologists and other health-care providers are out there doing the best they can for patients, but they're frustrated, because they see their patients' emotional distress but typically have neither the time nor the tools to fully address it."
You should also check out:
4 Scary Facts That Will Convince You to Finally Stop Touching Your Face
10 Ways to Wake Up Prettier Than When You Went to Sleep
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Samantha Leal is the Deputy Editor at Well+Good, where she spends most of her day thinking of new ideas across platforms, bringing on new writers, overseeing the day-to-day of the website, and working with the awesome team to produce the best stories and packages. Before W+G, she was the Senior Web Editor for Marie Claire and the Deputy Editor for Latina.com, with bylines all over the internet. Graduating from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University with a minor in African history, she’s written everything from travel guides to political op-eds to wine explainers (currently enrolled in the WSET program) to celebrity profiles. Find her online pretty much everywhere @samanthajoleal.
-
Carrie Coon Is That Bitch (and So Much More)
Laurie's deep-set insecurities come to a head in episode 7 of 'The White Lotus,' allowing the actress to turn a "dark night of the soul" into an illuminating and wild ride.
By Jessica Goodman Published
-
Joshua Jackson Won't Let His Daughter Watch 'Dawson's Creek'
"She's going to get all sorts of ideas."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Kate and William Will Be Making More Joint Appearances
A royal expert weighed in on their plans, calling them "the world's most glamorous royal couple."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Everything You Need to Know About Marie Claire’s Skin and Hair Awards
Could your brand survive an editor testing session?
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 10 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2025, Tested by Editors
Expensive and healthy-looking hair on lock.
By Marisa Petrarca Published
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Nécessaire's Extra-Strength Deodorant Outlasts an Editor's Sweatiest Test: Fashion Week
Even with my hectic schedule, I've never smelled better.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Lily-Rose Depp’s Cool-Toned Makeup Is So ‘90s Coded
Clean girl meets grunge.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 13 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Tested by Women Over 50
It's perfect for mature complexions.
By Siena Gagliano Published