SEARCH THIS WEBSITE
The British Skin Foundation and ITN are working together to increase understanding of how our skin ages and of skin diseases.
They touch on common and rare conditions, along with the way dermatologists can help. The latest treatments and research on skin conditions are featured, although how we feel about our skin is an underlying theme.
Beyond being our protective organ, the skin gives us our visible presence in the world. Being comfortable with our skin plays a key role in life, in our level of confidence, how we interact with other people.
The opinions of others are influenced by our skin but these can change with greater understanding. Developing this is part of the objective of the British Skin Foundation videos, explaining a reality we all share.
A Vulnerable Covering
Few of us will go through life without developing a skin condition, or more than one, the most common reason patients see their GP. They occur from infancy to the later phases of life, as our skin and body change.
The photo shoot element of the production takes in participants from age 10 to retirement. Each one showing their character, as much as issues ranging from acne, to skin cancer, to conditions many will not know exist.
They benefited from an approach of skin positivity regardless of their medical conditions. This increased their wish to understand each other’s concerns and to encourage everyone to look after their skin.
An Intrusive Problem
As those we see reminded us, having a serious skin condition is about more than how we look. Constant medical appointments can be wearing, applying creams, lack of sleep, a need to avoid certain environments.
The origins of conditions can be genetic, or circumstantial but the predominant reason for skin changes is age. Our skin cells gradually become less efficient, less protective, their structure no longer as robust.
Hormonal changes will have an influence throughout life, from puberty to the menopause. Our skin will become drier, more sensitive, more vulnerable, appear older, although so much of this can be improved.
Accessing Good Support
Dermatology is an unusual medical field, where treating medical conditions and their aesthetic aspects blend together. As well as practical life, the impact on psychological health is a core consideration.
One of the objectives of the video series, which you can see here, is to encourage us to look after our skin. Dermatologists are there to offer support and advice on this, as well as to treat current conditions.
Concerns are expressed about the low number of dermatologists serving the UK population but clinics such as ours are available for medical dermatology and more. We know how important looking after your skin is.
If you can reach us, please do but wherever you are on our planet, worth remembering the video campaign’s core message. Whoever we may be, whatever our age, or situation, skin conditions don’t define who we are.