Acne is a common skin condition that affects adolescent and teen populations, but what many people do not know is the connection between acne and mental health. The relationship between acne and mental health is strongest among young people. According to research, adolescents with moderate-to-severe acne were more likely to experience symptoms of depression than those without it. This connection may be due in part because teens who suffer from acne often feel self-conscious about their appearance which can lead to anxiety or depression.
Improving your mental wellbeing starts with understanding the connection between mental health and acne breakouts.
How Mental Health and Acne are Connected
The connection between acne and mental health is most prominent among young people. Teenagers make up the majority of those who suffer from this condition, as hormonal changes during their formative years contribute greatly to breakouts. In fact, over 80% of those with acne conditions are teenagers, and research has found that teen girls are the ones who are most affected by poor mental health linked to acne. Depression, low self-esteem, and low levels of confidence can all stem from acne breakouts.
Our confidence levels can be tied to our appearance and how others perceive us, so it is not surprising to see many acne patients suffer from chronic low self-esteem. Those with chronic acne can also become withdrawn and isolated as they avoid situations where others can see their complexion. Individuals who isolate themselves are more at risk for developing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Those with chronic acne tend to believe their complexion is their fault, but the truth is acne is frequently beyond a person’s control (like from hormones or genetics). In these situations, acne breakouts have nothing to do with how often someone washes their face or lets it breathe without makeup. Acne does not always need to be chronic or severe to affect an individual’s mental wellbeing. Mild breakouts, or even the occasional zit, can cause someone’s perception of themselves to feel worse.
Not a One-Way Street
It is not a surprise that your mental wellbeing can also affect your complexion. Higher levels of stress lead to hormonal imbalances that can cause breakouts. Higher stress levels can also lead to a decline in physical wellbeing (like eating more processed junk food) which leads to an increase in facial oil production, which in turn causes more acne.
The more stressed you become, the more likely you will experience breakouts. In order to decrease the likelihood of breakouts, you must address your daily stress levels and make time to care for your mental wellbeing.
How to Improve Skin and Mental Wellness
The first thing to address is any lifestyle changes that could improve your stress levels and therefore decrease your breakouts. There are many lifestyle change options to choose from- regular exercise, a healthy diet of leafy greens and unprocessed foods, and participating in self-care activities can all improve your mental health. Chronic stress can cause mild to severe breakouts but taking the time to address your stress levels and care for yourself will help lessen those acne breakouts.
If your acne breakouts are mild or infrequent, you may be able to see improvement from using over the counter (OTC) medicines. Some ingredients to look for are salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid will help to unclog pores, while benzoyl peroxide is used as an anti-inflammatory for existing breakouts.
If OTC medicines do not help with acne, then there are always prescription options for helping to reduce acne breakouts, whether they are severe or chronic. There are a variety of options when it comes to prescription medications that help acne. Retinoids are used to unclog pores and antibiotics are used to kill bacteria that lead to breakouts. There is also hormone balancing prescription treatments like spironolactone and birth control (which can be used to help more than just menstruation).
A Final Reminder
Acne may cause embarrassment or frustration, but breakouts are just part of being human. Your complexion should not control how you live your day-to-day life, or how you view yourself. Acne breakouts do not make someone “dirty” or mean they have poor hygiene. Acne, whether mild or severe, does not always come from a lack of self-care, but frequently starts from something outside of the individual’s control.
No one deserves to feel bad about their skin. You should be able enjoy life and love yourself without feeling ashamed or embarrassed, no matter what your complexion may look like!
If you are looking to improve your complexion and your mental health, then there are options. Lifestyle changes build your self-esteem and can help stop breakouts from forming. OTC medicines can help mild acne cases, and prescription medications can help adjust hormone levels or kill bacteria that cause acne.
Sexual health is a part of your well-being, and we want to help you take care of it. We are aiming to promote healthy relationships both physically and emotionally by sharing useful information about staying protected during intercourse through use of condoms, birth control, PrEP, and more, plus looking at what sexuality means in terms of taking care our mental health. We are here to give you some tips on how to protect yourself and your partner when it comes to sexual wellness.
Birth Control
Women today have more birth control options than ever before. However, this abundance of choice can make it difficult to determine which option is the best for you. If you are looking for a safe and affordable option, there are so many possibilities that it can be difficult to know which one will suit your needs the best. The good news is with an abundance of options, finding what works isn’t hard. Options for birth control include pills, IUDs, the ring, the patch, and the shot.
Birth control pills are the most common form of birth control used. When taken exactly as prescribed, the pill is up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, while also adding the benefits of lighter periods and less PMS.
The intrauterine device, or IUD, is a long-acting but reversible contraceptive that stays inside your uterus for years at a time. Unlike other birth control methods, IUDs must be administered by a doctor. Sometimes IUDs can slip out of place, but generally they are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for anywhere from 3-10 years.
A birth control ring is nearly unnoticeable and is inserted directly into the vagina. This allows women to forget about it as they go on with their daily lives, allowing them to feel protected during sex without any discomfort or interruption of regular activities. The ring is removed after 3 weeks, with a one-week break to have a period. The ring is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The patch is another low maintenance birth control method. Simply replace the patch weekly to ensure effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. Like most forms of birth control, the patch is 99% effective.
Women who do not want to have a daily or weekly routine when it comes to birth control but are not ready for a long-term commitment should consider the benefits of getting the birth control shot. The shot’s effectiveness lasts 3 months and provides 99% protection against preventing pregnancy. The shot can be administered by a healthcare provider, or at home.
Condoms
Thankfully, condoms have come a long way since the days they were made from sheepskin (and were reusable!). Both male and female condoms not only prevent unwanted pregnancies, but also protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Keeping condoms readily available is a great way to always be prepared for safe sex. When used correctly, male condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you are a woman looking for an effective, non-hormonal birth control option, condoms are your best bet.
For those allergic to latex, the female condom is a safe, hypoallergenic alternative to male condoms.
Emergency Contraceptive
If you are a woman who is sexually active, then being aware of your emergency contraceptive options is important. If your condom breaks or if anything unexpected happens during sex, having the morning-after pill on hand can save you from an unintended pregnancy. Most emergency contraceptives do not require a prescription and are readily available for both adults and adolescents. Morning after pills are not meant to stop or terminate an already existing pregnancy. Rather, they prevent fertilization from occurring in the first place by preventing ovulation and/or impeding sperm mobility. If a woman has already become pregnant, these medications will be ineffective at stopping her unborn baby’s development since conception has already occurred.
PrEP
PrEP stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis” and is up to 99% effective at preventing the contraction of HIV when taken correctly. Unfortunately, one in seven individuals in the US who are living with HIV are unaware they have it. Your medical provider may recommend practicing safe sex with proper condom use or starting a PrEP prescription. It is important to start your HIV prevention journey by knowing your current HIV status. In order to start a PrEP prescription, you must test negative for HIV first. Those who have a partner who is HIV positive, or those who have partners of unknown HIV status should consider talking to their healthcare provider about PrEP.
Our goal at TIN Rx is to not only to make sure that we can provide comprehensive Telehealth and pharmaceutical services, but also ensure that you have all the information necessary on any topic related to health and wellness. We want to help you take care of your whole body and well-being, which is why we are taking the time to talk about how important it is for us to address our sexual wellness.
The emotional and physical symptoms of stress can have a devastating impact on your life. It has been shown that chronic stress weakens the heart, increases blood pressure, disrupts the digestive system, and can cause depression and anxiety. With all of this in mind, is it really a surprise that stress would affect the quality of your erections? The erectile process involves signals flowing from the brain to stimulate blood flow in response, but stress can interrupt this communication between your mind and body, leaving you psychologically aroused but without an erection. An overwhelming amount of stress can be triggered by a number of factors. There is pressure from work, psychological issues like anxiety or low self-esteem leading to more serious conditions such as depression; there are also traumatic events, such as financial problems, that give us severe stress. If you think stress might be the cause of your ED, talk with a healthcare provider and discuss how it’s affecting other aspects of life.
How to Treat Stress Related ED
If stress or high-stress events are the cause of your ED, there are many strategies to help reduce it.
One of the best options for alleviating stress is through talk therapy, whether it’s personal counseling or couples’ sessions; exploring different approaches can help you find healthier means for dealing with any stress or anxieties you may be having.
You may find that making lifestyle changes improves your mental and physical well-being. These include cutting back on the amount of tobacco or alcohol you consume, getting more exercise each day by walking (or even taking up yoga), practicing mindful thinking techniques like meditation which can help reduce stress levels while also enhancing erectile function through improved blood flow at rest.
You should discuss these options with a doctor if they are unfamiliar territory for anyone who has frequent trouble achieving an erection during sex because there could be other underlying health conditions causing it – but this does not need to stop them altogether.
Exercise is an incredible way to not only lower stress levels, but also help reduce symptoms of ED. Staying physically active can bolster testosterone levels, provide an emotional boost, increase self-confidence, and reduce depression. All of these factors have been shown to improve sexual health in men.
High-fat and processed foods should be avoided in order to lower stress levels and a strive for a healthier libido. Adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your daily diet is the best way to improve your mood, and therefore your sexual performance and intimacy. The time it takes to see improvement in erectile health after adjusting diet varies for every individual. Some people may experience noticeable changes within weeks, while others only notice minor changes over a few months.
Many men will increase tobacco and alcohol use during stressful times, but this only increases stress levels and lowers libido. Alcohol is actually a depressant, which means that if you are drinking regularly or heavily then both your libido and your mood are going to be down. Regular tobacco use causes the chemicals found within cigarette smoke to injure the lining of your blood vessels and damage the function of your heart, lungs, and yes, your erectile health. However, quitting smoking can improve symptoms for those with erectile dysfunction.
If stress reduction is not enough to resolve your ED, you still have options.
There are plenty of prescription options for treating erectile dysfunction if you can’t, or don’t want to, go the natural route. Two of the most common medications for ED are Sildenafil and Tadalafil, which come in pill form for oral consumption. Sildenafil and Tadalafil are the generic versions of Viagra and Cialis, which means you can have all the same benefits of a name-brand prescription without paying the high price. There is no chemical difference between the name-brand or the generic version- the only difference is how much you pay for your prescription.
Stress is unavoidable, but it does not have to be a debilitating force in your life. You can take proactive measures to lower stress levels that may contribute to ED by adopting healthy habits and engaging in self-care strategies you enjoy. Erectile dysfunction is not something that should go unmentioned; instead of shying away from this tough topic with embarrassment or shame, it is time to learn all about erectile dysfunction so you will know what it means for your health. When it comes to erectile dysfunction, you have options for treatment. It can be difficult to keep your sex life alive when you’re experiencing ED, but do not delay in talking with a healthcare provider. They will help find the solution that is right for you and resolve other health problems before they become bigger than what should be happening.
Starting a PrEP prescription can feel like a daunting process. There are many steps that need to come before you are actually able to take your first dose- including taking an HIV test and making an appointment to consult with a healthcare provider. Problems can arise- you may not have time to go see your healthcare provider, maybe you struggle with finding an HIV test kit, or maybe your insurance will not help cover the prescription. Fortunately, there are ways to simplify the process.
First…what is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, and it is a safe and reliable way to prevent the spread of HIV — it is up to 99% effective when taken as prescribed. PrEP is for those who are HIV negative, and have partners who are HIV positive, or partners who have an unknown HIV status. PrEP is a prescription pill that must be taken daily in order to offer the most protection.
Reducing HIV Starts at Home
Despite knowing how to reduce the spread of HIV, a staggering 38,000 Americans become HIV positive every year. The key to eliminating HIV is by knowing your HIV status. Many people believe they do not have access to testing, or they are unwilling to get tested, which means they are risking their lives without even knowing it. 1 out of 7 Americans with the virus do not know they carry it, and half of teens and young adults are also not aware they are HIV positive- these statistics show HIV is continuing to be passed along.
The number of new HIV infections in America is alarming, but it can be reduced by making sure that all those who are at risk get tested. We know there can be anxieties that come up with testing, and that is why we at TIN Rx provide free at-home testing kits. HIV testing is done by looking for HIV antibodies in either the blood or saliva. Our testing kits are mailed directly to your door with clear instructions on how to use them and send them back to us. Once your results come back negative, you are able to take the next step to start your PrEP prescription.
What Does a PrEP Prescription look like?
PrEP is a daily medication, so it is important to hold yourself accountable when it comes to staying on schedule. If taken every day, PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV. In order to remember to take your prescription, we recommend creating reminders on your phone, setting alarms, or keeping your prescription bottle in sight. It is crucial to stay motivated to stay safe.
While on PrEP, you will want to make sure to check-in with your healthcare provider every three months to re-test for HIV and make sure your kidneys are functioning properly.
What Should I Consider?
There are a few things to consider before beginning your PrEP prescription. It’s important to remember it is okay to open up and seek support. In the event that you are feeling lost or confused about this process, seek out a trusted friend for support. Whether it’s someone in your family who has been there before or an experienced mentor – any person can be helpful when navigating through prescription options and their associated processes. And, of course, our team at TIN Rx would love nothing more than to help provide clarity and advice- so do not hesitate to reach out if assistance is needed!
Something else to consider about a PrEP prescription is that while it protects against HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. Condom use is still recommended to protect the sexual health of yourself and your partners.
It is also important to stay motivated about your sexual health and keep planning ahead. Scheduling your check-ins and testing ahead of time can help keep your prescription organized and simple.
Ready to start?
The future of HIV prevention is now. A PrEP regimen can transform the way we protect ourselves from this disease and it has never been easier than right now to get started with your prescription for this life-saving medication. It may take time and effort to prioritize your sexual health and safety, but it is definitely worth it. Starting a PrEP prescription protects you, but also any partner of yours as well.
We all want a healthy, beautiful complexion that will make us look and feel great. But what do you need to know in order to get the most out of your skincare routine? What is the best way for you to take care of your skin type? We are here to guide you through everything from cleansers and moisturizers to toners and facials, so that no matter what your skin type or preferences are, you can find something perfect for you!
The search for the perfect skincare routine can be overwhelming. You have probably read about all kinds of different beauty trends, but maybe you are still not sure how to find products that work well with your skin type or needs. Maybe you have acne problems or struggle with dryness or sensitivity. The right skincare routine is essential for every skin type. The best way to find your perfect match? Understand what lies beneath!
What should be part of your Daily Routine?
Skincare can be broken up into four main steps: cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and protecting.
Cleansing is the first crucial step in a solid skincare routine. Oils, dirt, dead skin cells, and even air pollution particles collect in and around your pores, so the first step in any skincare routine should be removing them and starting on a clean slate. It is also important to remember to wash your face both in the morning and at night because these particles can accumulate overnight as well as during the day.
Toning can be a way to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Toner helps balance the composition of our naturally occurring oils while replenishing what gets washed away with dirt or makeup every day. Toners should be added to your nightly skin regime unless the product says otherwise. Toners can be added with serums, eye cream, or peels.
Moisturizer is important for everyone, no matter what your skin type is. Moisturizers work to maintain hydration in your skin, but also keep your pores safe from clogging with excess oils.
You might not think that sunscreen is necessary when it’s sunny and warm outside, but you should always be sure to protect your skin from the sun. Non-irritating SPF 30 or higher will provide adequate coverage for outdoor activities in susceptible areas. Too much exposure can result in dry skin, premature wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, and even cancer.
So what ingredients should you look for?
One of the most important steps in maintaining your youthfulness is to protect and nourish skin with anti-aging ingredients like retinol. It can help slow down the appearance of aging, improve already developed wrinkles and fine lines, while also removing dead cells that cause acne outbreaks or blackheads. Retinol is a key component in anti-aging.
Hyaluronic Acid is naturally derived hydration. There are many different forms of hyaluronic acid, so it is possible to have multiple types in one product. Because hyaluronic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin, it can deliver long-lasting moisturization for healthier, glowing skin.
Vitamin C is the ultimate immune system booster! It is often sourced from citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, or lemons. In skincare, it helps protect your cells against free radical damage which makes you healthier with a brightened complexion-and even protects against sunburns!
We all want to know and understand what our skin needs. The right routine can make a huge difference in your complexion, so it’s important to remember that there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to skincare. It is time to start listening to your skin and give your complexion the extra attention it deserves.
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