Things Your Skin Reveals About Your Health

Is your body trying to tell you something? Find out what your skin could reveal about your overall well-being.

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What your skin says about your health

The skin is your body’s largest organ so changes in your hair, skin or nails can be a sign that something is going on beneath the surface. While problematic skin could simply mean that you need to alter your beauty routine, your skin’s condition could also be the tell-tale sign of an underlying medical condition, says Dr. Jillian Macdonald, a dermatologist with The Ottawa Clinic and an associate professor in dermatology at the University of Ottawa.

Read on to find out what your skin says about your health.

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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,” says Dr. Macdonald. 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.

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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, explains Dr. Macdonald. 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.

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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), says Dr. Macdonald. 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.

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Dark circles

Before you slap on concealer, consider all the factors that could be causing your circles. Dark undereyes 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, says Dr. Macdonald. Dark skin under your eyes can also be caused by a nutrient deficiency, a lack of hydration or not getting enough sleep.

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Sun spots

Freckles and dark spots are “a measure of your lifelong sun damage,” says Dr. Macdonald. Most sun damage occurs during childhood and teen years and can increase your risk for skin cancer. Keep an eye on any changes in your skin from moles to raised lesions or sores that won’t heal.

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Excess fine white hairs

Everyone knows skin cancer shows up on the epidermis. But sometimes internal cancers such as gastrointestinal (GI), lung or ovarian, can have skin symptoms, too. A condition called acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa is when people develop excess fine white hairs, usually on their face, that’s known as a “malignant down” and is an ominous sign of internal malignancy most commonly associated with lung and colon cancers.