Originally posted https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/health-factors-affect-skin-treatment-results
From hormones and nutrition to stress, sleep and medications, advanced nurse practitioner Teresa O’Nwere-Tan explains the health and lifestyle factors that can influence skin treatment outcomes – and how beauty professionals can explore them safely within their scope of practice
Having worked across dermatology, primary care and advanced clinical practice, I've seen first-hand that skin concerns rarely exist in isolation. The skin is often a reflection of what's happening internally. While topical skincare and in-clinic treatments are valuable, they may not achieve optimal or lasting results if underlying health factors aren't recognised.
Hormones, nutrition, stress, sleep, medications and chronic health conditions can all influence skin function, healing and treatment outcomes. Looking beyond the skin allows us to deliver more personalised, evidence-based care while helping patients understand that healthy skin is closely linked to overall wellbeing.
Which health factors can affect skin treatment results?
Some of the most significant influences I see are hormonal changes, particularly menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders, all of which can contribute to acne, pigmentation, hair loss and changes in skin quality. However, these aren't the only factors practitioners should consider.
Sleep quality, chronic stress, nutrition, iron deficiency, smoking, alcohol consumption and UV exposure are also frequently underestimated. We should also be aware of medications, including newer treatments such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which may influence skin quality through rapid weight loss.
These factors don't replace good skincare, but they often explain why some patients plateau or don't respond as expected. Recognising these influences allows us to personalise treatment plans and manage expectations more effectively.
How can beauty professionals discuss health factors with patients?
So, how can beauty professionals explore these wider health factors while staying within their scope of practice? For me, it starts with curiosity rather than diagnosis. Simple, open-ended questions about lifestyle, medical history, medications and general wellbeing can reveal valuable information without stepping outside professional boundaries.
Our role isn't to diagnose medical conditions but to recognise when something may be contributing to a patient's concerns and, where appropriate, encourage them to seek assessment from their GP or another healthcare professional. Knowing when to refer is just as important as knowing when to treat. This collaborative approach strengthens trust while ensuring patients receive safe, holistic care.
Why a thorough skin consultation matters
If I could encourage practitioners to make one change to their consultation process, it would be to slow it down. Rather than focusing solely on the treatment a patient has requested, spend time understanding why they're experiencing their skin concern and what may be influencing it.
A structured consultation that explores medical history, lifestyle, medications, expectations and treatment goals often leads to better outcomes and helps patients feel genuinely listened to.
Sometimes the most valuable outcome of a consultation isn't recommending a treatment. It's recognising an underlying factor that had previously gone unnoticed.
Learn more about skin health at Professional Beauty London
At Professional Beauty London, I hope delegates leave feeling more confident in looking beyond the skin. Whether you're a beauty therapist, skin specialist or aesthetic practitioner, understanding the wider health factors that influence treatment outcomes enables safer, more personalised care and strengthens the trust patients place in us.
I'll be sharing practical consultation strategies, discussing when referral is appropriate and exploring real clinical examples that demonstrate why a holistic approach matters.
Don’t miss Teresa O’Nwere-Tan at Professional Beauty London 2026. Teresa will present “Looking Beyond the Skin: Understanding the Health Factors That Influence Treatment Outcomes” on the Skin & Longevity Stage at 11am on Monday, October 5.
Explore the Professional Beauty London stage agenda and plan your visit.
About Teresa O’Nwere-Tan
Teresa O’Nwere-Tan is an advanced nurse practitioner, independent prescriber and the founder of Tan&Co, a London clinic dedicated to evidence-based skin health and regenerative aesthetics. O’Nwere-Tan has more than 18 years of experience.
