What your skin says about your health

Your skin is pretty much always visible and can reveal vital information about your overall health. According to dermatologist Bruce Brod, “You can tell a lot about somebody by looking at their skin” and it’s probably the most obvious indicator of your living habits to a dermatologist’s trained eye. 

"One of the signs of dehydration is sunken-looking skin around the eyes,” says dermatologist Steven Daveluy. “Dry skin can indicate dehydration.” 

Whether it’s skin tags, acne, or premature aging, it’s important to recognize your skin’s warning signs when something is wrong. 

1. Skin tags

If you have unsightly skin tags on parts of your body, the good news is that they’re not dangerous and are, in fact, pretty common. They’re flesh-coloured bumps of tissue connected to the skin giving it a bumpy and irregular appearance. 

Anyone can develop skin tags, regardless of age or gender, but they’re more common among people with certain underlying factors. These factors include pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, and high blood glucose levels. The sudden appearance of skin tags may be a sign that you need to pay a visit to your dermatologist. 

2. Acne 

A teenager’s worst nightmare, acne is a common skin condition triggered by overactive oil glands and the buildup of sebum. It can be genetic but other factors brought on by hormonal imbalances can trigger excess oil that clogs your pores. These blockages then produce blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples. 

Sometimes your food choices can also be a contributing factor to acne. You are what you eat, after all, and high-sugar, high-glycemic diets are often closely associated with acne breakouts and other troublesome skin conditions. 

3. Dry skin & Eczema

Between the cold air outside and dry indoor heating, winter can exacerbate dry skin issues. Other factors such as sun damage, harsh soaps, and overbathing can make it even worse. 

But did you know that dry skin is one of the very first signs of vitamin A deficiency? Vitamin A doesn’t just help with vision; it’s equally important for the creation and repair of skin cells and also for fighting inflammation caused by certain skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis. 

4. Premature aging 

Environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking, excess sun exposure, and vitamin D deficiencies all contribute to premature aging. The most common signs of premature aging are wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and sagging. 

According to board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, “Every effective anti-aging skincare plan starts with healthy habits. Daily activities such as protecting your skin from the sun and eating healthy foods can go a long way in preventing your skin from aging more quickly than it should.” 

If you’re looking for vegan and cruelty-free skincare products, Dermaniche is a great choice for you. Our age-defying formula works to prevent signs of aging with powerful, natural ingredients proven to increase collagen production, retain moisture, and revitalize the skin.

5. Psoriasis

A skin disorder that causes itchy, scaly patches on parts of your body, psoriasis is a chronic disease with no cure. Symptoms of the disease flare up every now and then for a few weeks or months before subsiding again. It’s not known what exactly causes psoriasis but there are certain lifestyle factors that trigger flare-ups and episodes. 

These include an injury to your skin, drinking excessive alcohol, smoking, and other hormonal changes or immune disorders. It’s best to make the necessary changes in your eating habits and skincare routine to prevent psoriasis flare-ups.