Arlene Strugar, a board-certified holistic health practitioner, discusses evidence-based mental wellness supports that spa professionals can incorporate into their services.
In today’s wellness-driven world, the role of beauty professionals is expanding beyond skincare to include deeper support for emotional wellbeing. The visible surface—our skin—is often a reflection of what’s happening inside the mind and body. As such, estheticians are in a unique position to support their clients holistically through the lens of the Brain-Gut-Skin (BGS) axis and the emerging field of Psychodermatology.
The BGS connection is a powerful triad of communication between the nervous system, digestive tract, and skin. Stress, anxiety, or poor gut health can trigger inflammatory responses that show up as acne, eczema, rosacea, or premature aging. At the same time, skin conditions can affect self-esteem and trigger emotional distress, particularly in today’s filtered, image-obsessed culture. One key driver in this cycle is chronic stress. When the body remains in a prolonged state of “fight or flight,” it produces elevated levels of cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines, disrupting gut flora, breaking down collagen, delaying skin healing, and worsening inflammatory skin conditions.
Research shows that over 30% of dermatology patients have underlying mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Similarly, concerns around body image and body dysmorphia are on the rise, especially among young women and teens exposed to unrealistic beauty standards on social media. Beauty professionals can support self-confidence by using affirming language, celebrating individuality, and shifting the focus from “fixing flaws” to enhancing natural wellness and glow. By encouraging realistic expectations and reinforcing the message that beauty is personal and multidimensional, estheticians can gently reframe distorted self-perception without crossing professional boundaries. Even something as simple as offering clients a moment to reflect, breathe, or share how they feel can contribute to emotional regulation and improved self-esteem.
Here are five evidence-based mental wellness supports beauty professionals can incorporate into their services:
- Guided Breathwork or Relaxation Techniques During Treatment Incorporating 2–5 minutes of deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, or calming aromatherapy at the start of a facial or massage session activates the parasympathetic nervous system and improves mood. Even brief relaxation has been shown to reduce cortisol and improve skin barrier function.
- Holistic Consultations That Address Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Stress Ask about sleep, diet, digestive health, and emotional wellness. Educate clients on how anti-inflammatory foods, probiotics, hydration, and stress reduction impact both their mental state and skin condition.
- Affirmation Cards or “Glow Journals” for Inner Beauty Practice Provide clients with affirmations and reflective journaling prompts that promote gratitude, self-love, and positive self-image—boosting mood and emotional resilience through positive psychology tools. Free mental health and education materials will be helpful. Mental Health America resources are great to share https://mhanational.org/
- Mental Health Resource Referrals and Safe Conversations Be trained in Mental Health First Aid, ThriveFirst, or trauma-informed communication to recognize distress and refer clients to appropriate care. Offering a nonjudgmental space for sharing can be profoundly healing.
- Create a “Wellness Glow Menu” with Mind-Body Treatments Offer facials and rituals tailored to stress relief, emotional grounding, and energetic renewal. For example, a "Calm Mind Facial” with blue tansy, lymphatic drainage, and scalp massage can soothe both the skin and nervous system.
By embracing these practices, estheticians evolve into wellness advocates who support inside-out beauty—one that goes beyond appearances and nurtures mental and emotional wellbeing. As science continues to illuminate the gut-brain-skin relationship, the esthetics industry has a profound opportunity to become part of the mental wellness movement. In doing so, beauty professionals can help clients not only glow on the outside but also thrive from within.
Arlene Strugar will be teaching two classes at IECSC Florida, "Inside-Out Beauty: Gut Health, Epigenetics & the Future of Holistic Skincare" on September 28 and "Beyond Aesthetics: Supporting Mental Wellness Through Your Services" on September 29, 2025. To attend these classes and learn about the other classes offered at the show, be sure to register to attend IECSC Florida from September 28-29, 2025. What's more, use code AMERICANSPA to get 20% off education classes.