New TV programme explores skin disease, skin stigma and mental health

The British Skin Foundation (BSF) is teaming up with ITN Productions Industry News to co-produce a news-style TV programme that looks at skin stigma, skin disease and mental health. 

 The “More than Skin Deep” programme will look at the connection between skin and mental health issues, and how the prevalence of filtered images can skew the perception of real skin.

It will also explore how the coronavirus pandemic may have exacerbated issues people have about their skin as a result of increased face time online, as well as highlight the degree of misinformation available on skin and skincare, and the latest advancements in dermatology.

Skin conditions come in many different forms, such as rosacea, acne, eczema, etc, and affect around 60% of people in the UK at some point in their lives, found data by BSF.

Add on top a recent All-Party Parliamentary Group report that revealed a worrying lack of mental health support for skin disease and it shows that this is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Watch the trailer for "More Than Skin Deep".

“Our mission is to help find cures and treatments for common conditions like acne and eczema through to potential killers like melanoma skin cancer,” said Matthew Patey, chief executive of British Skin Foundation.

“We’re looking forward to working with the talented ITN Productions team to help amplify our voice and tell the stories of those who are affected by skin disease and those who are fighting to beat it.”

Elizabeth Fisher-Robins, Head of ITN Productions Industry News, added: “We’re delighted to be producing a programme in partnership with BSF that raises awareness of skin disease and its effects on mental health, the significance of social media and remote working on people’s self-perceptions, and the exciting research and developments leading dermatology into the future.”  

The programme will combine interviews with industry figures from leading organisations and will launch at the British Association of Dermatologists’ Annual Conference in July 2021. 

Will you watch this programme when it launches? Tell us your thoughts below.