What Your Skin Says About Your Health

Your skin plays a significant role in keeping you healthy and can tell a lot about what’s going on inside your body. Here’s a closer look at how your skin protects you and what certain skin conditions mean when it comes to your overall health.

The role of your skin:

Your skin is the largest organ, vital for protecting you from the sun’s rays, germs, toxins and other harmful substances you may come in contact with. It also helps with things like temperature regulation, vitamin production, and immune defense.

As the largest organ, the skin requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep on the outside, as well as the inside.

Just looking at your skin can tell you and others around you a lot. Your age, habits and overall health can all be determined by your skin. Here are a few common skin conditions and what they may mean.

Dull Complexion

Dehydration can cause your skin to lack luster and your face can become shallow looking, explains Dr. Macdonald. Dry winter weather can also play a role in a sallow complexion. Drinking enough water and getting ample sleep can improve the look of your skin.

Dark circles

Before you slap on concealer, consider all the factors that could be causing your circles. Dark under eyes can be a combination of genetics, age or lifestyle factors. Anatomically as you age, the fat pads and structural support around your eyes changes so you can see more of the hollows. Dark skin under your eyes can also be caused by a nutrient deficiency, a lack of hydration or not getting enough sleep.

Dry, itchy skin

If your moisturizer just isn’t cutting it, it’s time to look deeper. “Chronically dry skin is commonly caused by two things: eczema and general dryness or climate. Eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, can cause dry, itchy, inflamed and cracked skin. It has immunological, genetic and environmental components and is also related to asthma and hay fever.

Unusual hair growth

Unwanted hair that’s sprouting up in classic male areas, such as around the chin or just below your bellybutton, could be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). But, genetics and hormones also play a role in hair growth. If you’re concerned or exhibiting other symptoms of PCOS (such as an inability to lose weight despite diet and exercise or irregular periods), consult a doctor to rule out PCOS.

Chin and jawline breakouts

Pimples popping up along your jawline and chin again? Breakouts in these areas could signal a possible hormone imbalance. This kind of adult acne is very common in women who may not have had acne as teenagers. But don’t worry or you could exacerbate the problem. Keep in mind that hormonal acne in women can get worse in times of stress, during your period or during menopause.

Red bumps

Don’t assume all red bumps are pimples. A ruddy complexion, redness and dry skin can all be symptoms of rosacea. This chronic skin condition is caused by both environmental and genetic factors, and is often triggered by the weather, spicy foods, exercise, and stress.

Unsightly veins aren’t merely cosmetic. Your veins are an important indicator of your circulatory health,. Spider veins or varicose veins on your legs can be a signal of deeper issues with your blood flow caused by age, weight and genetics; however, spider veins on your face can be caused by excessive straining or rosacea.

Visible veins

Unsightly veins aren’t merely cosmetic. “Your veins are an important indicator of your circulatory health. Spider veins or varicose veins on your legs can be a signal of deeper issues with your blood flow caused by age, weight and genetics; however, spider veins on your face can be caused by excessive straining or rosacea.

Dark patches

Dark pigmentation on the face (known as melasma) tends to be hormonally related in women, and is often associated with pregnancy. While it doesn’t signal an underlying medical issue it can be triggered by hormonal spikes and exacerbated by the sun.

Dry, cracked lips

While the most common cause of dry lips is the weather and frequent lip-licking, you could also be developing an allergy to a lipstick or toothpaste you’re using. If you have specific redness, scaling or fissuring at the corners of your mouth, you could have perlèche, an easily treated fungal infection that is sometimes associated with a vitamin deficiency or a chronic illness.

We encourage you to pay close attention to your skin and any changes, speak to your Dr if the changes are worrisome, persistent or worsening.

#YourSkinYourHealth