Skin: Below the Surface

Presented by Louise Minchin

Understanding the daily struggles, stigma, and emotional burden

The impact of living with a skin condition

Sixty percent of people in the UK currently suffer from or have suffered from a skin condition. Some can be particularly distressing to the individual and below the surface, can influence their everyday life – how they feel, behave and how they are perceived by others. In this film, we hear first-hand accounts of the effects of living with a skin condition.

Approved by the BSF

The link between the skin and the mind

Living with a skin condition can have a significant impact on quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Psychodermatology takes into account the connection between the skin and the mind, and particularly looks at the psychological impact. We want to raise the awareness of this link and provide advice on what to do, should you be affected. Featuring Dr Eleanor Chatburn, Clinical Psychologist and Dr Mary Sommerlad, Consultant Dermatologist.

Approved by the BSF

Partner films

Inspiring research into Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is a common condition that gives skin a rough, dry, and bumpy texture. It effects an individual not just physically, but psychologically too and, with no treatment available on the UK market, it inspired the dermatological skincare brand, Ameliorate to be founded. Following, what they say are, transformative results, they have developed a range of clinically proven products to help not just Keratosis Pilaris, but people struggling with other skin concerns too.

Improving quality of life for people living with Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects people of all ages and can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Skincare company Balmonds has developed an extra gentle balm to support individuals with eczema to keep their sensitive skin in good condition as well as promoting a healthier well-being. Featuring Lucy Gulland, PR & Community Manager at Balmonds, and Ruth Holroyd who is a Balmond’s brand ambassador and an award-winning blogger on eczema and allergies.

Living with Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis Bullosa is a genetic skin condition that causes the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. People living with it are in constant debilitating pain, and in some cases it can be fatal. DEBRA, the butterfly skin charity, want to increase the awareness of the condition and the daily challenges faced by those living with it, and that with support, there could be some hope on the horizon. Featuring Simon Weston CBE, President of DEBRA and Academic, model and DEBRA Ambassador Lucy Beall Lott, who lives with Recessive Dystrophic EB.

The changing role of the pharmacy

The role of the pharmacy within the community has evolved, with customers now using the service as the first stop when it comes to finding a solution to a problem. One of London's oldest pharmacies – John Bell & Croyden – place innovation, within skincare, nutrition and wellness, at the heart of all they do, aiming to plug the gap between healthcare and lifestyle with a patient centric, more holistic approach.

Skincare protocol offering a solution

Taking care of our skin is important for our overall well-being, as it not only impacts our physical health but also our emotional state. LYMA has pioneered a skincare protocol, created by an expert team of dermatologists, plastic surgeons and biochemists, to offer effective solutions to individuals struggling with skin conditions, aiming to enhance their overall quality of life.

A world first in peptide technology

Stress and strains of life can negatively impact our skin. Whether it's lack of sleep, sun damage, or busy lives, each can contribute to our skin's health. No7 has developed a world-first peptide technology to combat skin damage through its new range of products, helping people look and feel their best.

Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa

For patients suffering with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a painful skin condition which causes abscesses and scarring, the journey from diagnosis to receiving a targeted treatment takes an average of 7 years. And due to a lack of knowledge about the condition, the diagnosis itself is often hard to reach. Pharmaceutical company Novartis is working to raise awareness about the condition.

Improving experiences for patients with skin cancer

A diagnosis of any kind can have a psychological impact on an individual, but a cancer diagnosis can be particularly frightening, with treatment potentially being accompanied by unpleasant side effects. Medical device company, OncoBeta, have developed a safe, non-invasive therapy for non-melanoma skin cancer which could greatly improve patient experience and outcomes.

Managing Atopic Eczema

Developed and funded by Sanofi. The evolution in the management of atopic eczema in the past few years has been considerable. It is crucial to emphasise the potential solutions available for individuals coping with the condition as this enables them to receive the appropriate support and care necessary for improving their quality of life. Sanofi is spreading a message of optimism that there are solutions available and managing the condition is possible. 

Presented by

Louise Minchin

Louise is a well-known and respected broadcaster and journalist who presented BBC Breakfast for 20 years. She presents the BBC’s Triathlon coverage and has also guest presented 'The One Show' as well as a number of other national TV programmes. Louise is also the host of the top-rated podcast, 'Push Your Peak'.

Watch the full programme

Each film included in this programme has been approved and complied by the organisation associated with that content as identified in the descriptions above.

Thanks to our association partner

British Skin Foundation

The British Skin Foundation is the only UK charity that raises money to fund research into all types of skin diseases, including skin cancer. Sixty percent of British people currently suffer from or have suffered with a skin disease at some point during their lifetime. Whilst some skin conditions are manageable, others are severe enough to kill. We are here to help change that by raising money for vital research to help find cures and treatments for common skin conditions like eczema or acne, through to potential killers like malignant melanoma. Founded in 1996, the British Skin Foundation has supported 400 research projects and awarded £17,000,000 in funding across all skin diseases. Whilst we are dedicated to raising money for research, we also aim to raise awareness of skin diseases in the wider community. We're committed to educating people about different skin conditions, helping to reduce stigma and promote understanding.

For more information visit the BSF website

Thanks to our partners

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