It is well known that certain health conditions can wreak havoc on your complexion. Understanding how your overall health impacts your skin is the first step to getting the bright, balanced complexion you want. Proper skincare and treatments can also help target specific skin concerns that may arise from medical issues. Here are some of the most common health conditions that impact your complexion:
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and testosterone all affect the skin. When these hormones are out of balance, it often shows up on your face. Stress can cause increased cortisol, leading to inflammation or breakouts. Menopause and decreasing oestrogen can result in wrinkles and dryness.
Around 50% of women experience acne as adults due to hormonal imbalances. Areas like the jawline, chin, and upper neck are most impacted. Daily skincare with acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and retinol can help. Facial peels like the ones from drdennisgross.com also exfoliate dead skin cells and treat breakouts.
Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid controls metabolism, and issues with it often manifest on the skin. Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, may cause dryness, thinning hair, puffiness around the eyes, and enlarged pores. Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism and can result in acne breakouts.
For hypothyroidism, rich moisturizers with ceramides and oils like jojoba can improve hydration. Light facials and peels help with cell turnover for both conditions. Always talk to your doctor, as thyroid issues usually require medication to get back on track.
Diabetes
Uncontrolled blood sugar with diabetes can damage blood vessels, leading to circulation issues. This slows cell turnover, collagen production, and wound healing. Reduced circulation and collagen cause the skin to become thin and fragile. Dark patches, excessive dryness, and itching are common. Slow-healing wounds are also a problem.
Using gentle cleansers and thick moisturizers containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid helps improve dryness and resiliency. AHA/BHA peels increase cell turnover to revitalize a dull complexion. Properly managing diabetes through medication, diet and exercise is key for your overall health and skin.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune conditions like lupus, eczema, and psoriasis cause the immune system to attack healthy cells. With lupus, a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose is most recognizable. Psoriasis leads to raised, thick patches of skin covered with silvery scales. Eczema results in dry, sensitive, irritated patches that ooze and flake.
Skincare for these conditions focuses on soothing inflammation and irritation. Look for products with colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and aloe vera. Avoid fragrances and essential oils. Gentle exfoliating peels can help manage plaques and promote healing. Discuss appropriate treatment options with your dermatologist.
Your skin can provide visual cues about your internal health. Hormonal changes, thyroid issues, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions often manifest through skin changes. Knowing how your health conditions impact your complexion empowers you to make smart skincare choices. Look for ingredients that target your specific concerns. With the right skincare routine and professional treatments like peels, you can get the gorgeous glow you want.
