If your skin has ever left you feeling low, you'll understand Lisa Coates' battle with her complexion.
Lisa, 54, spent years struggling with psoriasis, with the painful skin condition impacting so much more than her appearance. "I felt so self-conscious and the prescribed medication left me feeling depressed," she shares.
As well as psoriasis, the healthcare worker was diagnosed with Favre-Racouchot syndrome which causes blackheads, lumps and deep wrinkles.
"I'd leave consultations in tears, feeling like I was bashing my head against a brick ball and my self-confidence was in tatters."
The stress Lisa was under caused her conditions to flare up, with the 54-year-old explaining: "I've always struggled with stress and it impacts my skin. I have psoriasis on my body and legs and if I go through a difficult period it flares up within a few days.
"The stress of Favre-Racouchot took its toll on my psoriasis, and people's comments didn't help. One woman even asked, 'What's wrong with you?'.
Treating her skin conditions
Desperately seeking a remedy for her skin, Lisa's doctor suggested she try laser treatment – though it wasn't an immediate fix.
DISCOVER: Why an image overhaul can genuinely make us happier - a neuroscientist explains
"The laser treatment was brutal and afterwards my face looked burnt," Lisa explains of the treatment which she underwent at Perfect Skin Solutions with Dr. Dev Patel. However, after three more treatments, Lisa says the difference is "incredible."
"The lumpiness and blackheads have cleared up and my mental health has vastly improved too. My mood is better, I'm less anxious and I feel positive. I no longer dread looking in the mirror," she says.
The laser treatment helped with Lisa's psoriasis too, thanks to minimising her stress. "My psoriasis is even better because I'm less stressed and have put healthy habits in place to keep me calm. I walk the dog every day and delegate more too. If I don't take care of myself I notice the difference in my skin."
READ: I had tear trough filler alternative Ameela and I feel more confident than ever
Psychodermatology expert Dr. Rebecca Purewal, also known as Dr. Wisderm, explains that Lisa isn't alone in seeing her mood lifted by the improvement in her skin.
"Visible improvements in your skin can boost your self-esteem and confidence," she says. "Feeling good about your appearance can positively impact your mood and mental well-being."
Love midlife? Join Second Act today!
HELLO! originally launched its Second Act hub to reframe midlife and beyond as a celebratory, exciting new chapter full of endless possibilities. From inspirational tales of women who refuse to fade into the background, to valuable advice on navigating relationships, finances and health issues – we've featured them all. And such has been the overwhelmingly positive response from readers, we are now turning the hub into a FULL and FREE community where women like you can come together to shape something truly inspiring.
The cornerstones of the community will be two brand new newsletters. One monthly and one weekly. We are really excited about the monthly newsletter which will be themed and written by one of our roster of leading Second Act voices, including our editor at large, Rosie Green. The content will be reserved exclusively for Second Act subscribers.
We are also launching a monthly mentoring series, in the form of a five-minute video sent directly to your inbox featuring financial professionals, hormone specialists, life coaches and more. Again, it will be reserved exclusively for subscribers.
Below we have listed the inaugural benefits, and more will be added as we grow and shape the community. If you wish to help us shape our community, please take part in our one-slide survey here.
Member benefits
- Monthly newsletter written by one of our Second Act experts
- Weekly newsletter curating the best of our online Second Act articles
- Monthly mentoring videos
- Ask the expert
- Competitions
- Lots of exciting benefits to come...
Sign up to HELLO!'s Second Act newsletter today. This community is as much yours as it ours!
