While I am shocked that we are already publishing the penultimate issue of the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing (JAN) this year, November brings with it the busiest time of the year for medical aesthetic practitioners and is also National Healthy Skin Month, which is sponsored by the American Association of Dermatology.
National Healthy Skin Month is a great time for clinics to educate their patients on healthy skin practices, including (but not limited to) the regular and thorough use of sun protection factor (SPF); the relationship between the gut/diet and skin; and regular skin cancer screenings. This is important because many internet trends can lead to poor skin health. In a recent article, Gonzalez (2022) details the science behind the newest trend of slugging: covering the skin in an occlusive moisturiser (or, it seems, usually Vaseline) at the last step in a skincare routine to lock in moisture and boost hydration. She comments that, for certain skin types, slugging can increase the likelihood of acne formation. Additionally, occlusive agents are already found in most available hydrating lotions and creams, and slugging does not replace the need for many other necessary healthy skin practices (for example, gentle cleansing and daily SPF use) (Gonzalez, 2022).
The general population must be educated about such trends and the potential harm that they can cause to skin health, as quality of life can be severely impacted by certain conditions, such as acne. An article published in the British Journal of Dermatology reported that, ‘in the first year following an acne diagnosis … patients have a 63% increased risk of developing depression compared to patients who did not have acne’ (Vallerand et al, 2018).
For patients with acne or other skin conditions that can lessen the quality of life, following incorrect and potentially damaging advice online may exacerbate their symptoms, and, thus, their lower quality of life. Online advice not only relates to skincare products and topical treatments, but diet, too. As the information that patients receive is often not evidence-based, it can lead to them changing their diets (for example, by avoiding certain foods) to treat and manage their skin conditions. However, in many cases, there is little evidence to support that this helps the condition (Longhurst, 2019). With the widespread and increasing use of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, clinicians can fight against this onslaught of inaccurate and misleading advice and use these platforms to spread correct, reliable and researched information to members of the public. They must also remember to portray a professional image and abide by their professional code in this new age of healthcare.