Chasing flawless skin can cost mental health, experts warn

Skin dysmorphia is a mental health condition in which people obsess over imagined or minor skin flaws, a trend amplified by acne fears and social media. The Independent’s feature shares sufferers’ experiences and expert insights, warns about extreme or unsafe skincare and procedures, notes a proposed Skin Dysmorphia Scale to improve identification and management, and calls for closer collaboration between dermatologists and mental health professionals, along with practical steps for self-audit and seeking support.