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Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body and that changes in its appearance could be a sign of larger problems beneath the surface?
Your dermatologist can probably get a pretty good idea of the state of your health and wellness just by examining the characteristics and quality of your skin.
Many times, changes in your complexion could be a sign of underlying health conditions whose symptoms are easily missed or overlooked.
However, slight changes in your skin can also be perfectly normal indicators of natural fluctuations within your body and may not always be cause for concern.
When it comes to our skin, some factors are also out of our control. For example, our hormones and genes can also impact the way that our skin looks and feels.
Lifestyle influences, such as not drinking enough water or eating unhealthy foods, can also largely affect the appearance of your skin.
When in doubt, it’s always best to learn which signs to look out for and to stay up-to-date on routine medical visits.
DON'T FORGET TO GIVE YOUR SKIN SOME TLC
Paying closer attention to your skin's health and giving it a bit of extra love is a great way to practice a holistic approach to health and become more in tune with your body. Listening to what your skin says is one way of learning to be more in line with what your body needs.
HERE ARE 8 THINGS YOUR SKIN
MAY BE TRYING TO TELL YOU
1. CHRONICALLY DRY, ITCHY SKIN
Many of us experience dry, itchy skin, especially as the seasons change. Dry skin is more common during the winter months as the temperatures drop and the air gets drier. It may be a good idea to nourish your skin with hydrating creams or oils during this time. Using a humidifier and staying hydrated can also help to keep your skin from drying out too much.
However, if you find that your skin is chronically in this condition, it may be a sign that you should seek advice from your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist. Chronically dry and itchy skin has also been linked to conditions such as asthma and hay fever studies suggest. It could also be a sign of something going haywire with your hormones, so all the more reason to go see your doctor if the problem persists!
2. SUNSPOTS OR SKIN DISCOLORATION
Sunspots are small spots of discoloration that appear on your skin after prolonged sun exposure, generally on your face, back, shoulders, and the backs of your hands. Sunspots are generally not considered a health concern. However, they can later change in color and shape. In some cases, sunspots can change into moles, sores, or raised lesions over time that, if not properly healed, can greatly increase your risk for skin cancer.
It’s important to watch sunspots, birthmarks, freckles, and moles for any sudden changes in color or shape, and to see a dermatologist or medical professional immediately if you notice any changes. Remember to apply sunscreen on a daily basis. You might also consider covering your skin with protective clothing in cases of extreme and/or prolonged sun exposure.
3. DARK CIRCLES UNDER YOUR EYES
It's not uncommon for many of us to notice dark circles under our eyes, especially after missing a night or two of good sleep. If you often have dark circles and puffy eyes, it might be that your skin is trying to tell you to catch some more shuteye. Sleep is super important for our physical and mental wellbeing, so getting adequate sleep is a key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
If you have your sleep habits under control but still notice dark circles, your skin could be pointing to a lack of nutrients or dehydration. It could be a good idea to follow a healthy diet, drink enough water, and get plenty of rest to see if the dark circles improve. Getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals is also essential for maintaining not only skin health but our general health and wellbeing.
Some people may benefit from taking a multivitamin or greens supplement if they struggle to meet the daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals. A greens supplement like our Primal Greens is the perfect addition to your morning smoothie bowl!
Genetics also play a role in our skin coloration, so if the dark circles don't go away even if you're feeling great, it may just come down to genes.
4. CONSTANT REDNESS OR A FLUSHED APPEARANCE
Do your cheeks and/or forehead looked flushed and red all the time? If so, this is usually caused by dilated blood vessels. This may be a sign of menopause or skin conditions such as rosacea.
According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, or the AAD, rosacea is a fairly common skin condition. In fact, the AAD states that more than 14 million Americans are living with rosacea. According to the National Institutes of Health, the condition mostly affects women between the ages of 30 and 60, although men can also develop rosacea. If you notice red patches on your skin and think you might have rosacea, it might be a good idea to pay your dermatologist a visit.
Chronic redness can also be caused by reactions to certain medications or skin allergies to certain foods or skin care products, for example. These reactions might also accompany a rash or small bumps, in which case it's generally best to consult with a physician. There can be many varying reasons behind this inflammatory response within the body so it's best to get it diagnosed by a medical professional.
5. VISIBLE VEINS
Varicose or spider veins can occur naturally as we age. As we get older our skin begins to lose thickness and elasticity, which may result in more visible veins. However, prominent veins, especially when accompanied with swelling or discomfort, might point to greater issues with blood flow and circulation.
Spider veins located on the face are usually caused by tiny blood vessels bursting. They can also be caused by sun damage and increased pressure. The thicker, more prominent veins are called varicose veins. They often appear on the lower legs but can also present in other parts of the body. These can sometimes point to more serious circulation problems and therefore it’s best to have them checked out by your doctor.
6. MULTIPLE RED BUMPS
If you consistently experience acne-like red bumps on your face, it may be time to visit a dermatology center. These bumps can be caused by many different skin conditions and therefore, can sometimes be hard to diagnose.
If the bumps do not go away within a reasonable time frame, it may be a sign that you are suffering from rosacea, allergies, or reactions to certain medications.
Red or yellow bumps might also be a sign of other underlying health conditions such as diabetes. The American Diabetes Association notes that there may be a connection between certain skin complications and diabetes.
7. SALLOW, DULL COMPLEXION
If your complexion is suddenly looking more sallow, dull, or lackluster, it may be a sign that you are experiencing physical symptoms of dehydration. Redness and congestion are the most common tell-tale signs of visible skin dehydration.
Many factors such as your diet, environment, weather, and caffeine or alcohol consumption can affect the water content of your skin. Be sure to drink plenty of water and liquids throughout the day to keep your skin looking vibrant and glowing!
8. BREAKOUTS ALONG THE CHIN AND JAWLINE
Breakouts around the jaw area are most often caused by hormonal imbalance and are usually to be expected around the time of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Stress can also play a role in how often we break out. If you notice a pattern where more stress leads to breakouts, you may want to pay more attention to reducing your stress levels.
However, if you consistently experience acne in this area, it may also signal an ongoing hormonal imbalance issue that requires further medical treatment to correct.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEALTHY SKIN?
If you aren't sure about your skin health, there are some signs that might help you figure out how it's doing.
Generally, one of the best indicators that your skin is healthy is that you don't really notice that it's there. If you find that you don't really pay much attention to it, for example, it doesn't feel tight or dry, then you're probably on the right track.
Consistent color and texture are also generally considered signs of good skin health. Our skin naturally has some texture thanks to hair follicles and pores. Even if it doesn't look completely smooth up close it doesn't mean that it's not in good shape.
Of course, if you have any specific concerns regarding your skin, it's always best to consult a dermatologist or health care professional. They can answer any questions you might have and can advise you on the condition of your skin.
NEED SOME TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR SKIN HEALTHY AND CLEAR?
1) Drink plenty of water
2) Use sunscreen
3) Wear protective clothing
4) Eat a healthy diet
5) Cleanse skin well
6) Choose natural products
7) Exfoliate your skin
8) Get adequate sleep
DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANY SKIN-RELATED ISSUES? WE'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORY! SHARE AWAY IN THE COMMENTS BELOW OR TAG US ON SOCIAL MEDIA USING THE HASHTAG #PRIMALHARVEST.
AND REMEMBER...
IT'S ABOUT YOU. IT'S ABOUT YOUR HEALTH. IT'S ABOUT RECONNECTING.
