Few people have perfect skin, and for young people, in particular, skin problems can be especially frustrating. Nobody enjoys having skin issues! Acne, dry skin, and other skin-related issues can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed.
But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to deal with skin problems. But to figure out how to treat your skin properly, you need to isolate what the root cause of your skin issue is.
Remember that there is a myriad of causes — many of which often interact with each other — of skin problems. Also, note that people are different — what may cause your skin to breakout might not cause your friend’s skin to breakout!
Thus, it’s always a good idea to visit a dermatologist if you’re worried about your skin’s condition.
So, what are the most common skin disorders caused by? Here are six of the most common causes of skin problems that a lot of people don’t consciously think about. Note that some skin issues are genetic as well!
1. Poor gut health
Most people think of gut health as being important for digestion and overall physical health, but did you know that your gut health can also have a big impact on your skin? In fact, gut health is one of the most ignored causes of skin diseases and is thought to play a role in a variety of skin issues, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
So how exactly does gut health affect the skin? Well, gut bacteria are thought to influence the development and severity of certain skin conditions. For example, some research suggests that gut bacteria may be involved in the development of acne. In addition, gut health is thought to play a role in the body’s inflammatory response, which can impact the severity of eczema flare-ups. Finally, gut bacteria may also influence the production of certain hormones that are involved in skin cell turnover, which can impact the severity of psoriasis.
Thus, it’s clear that gut health can have a big impact on the skin. If you’re struggling with any kind of skin condition, it might be worth paying more attention to your gut health. Eat gut-friendly foods, take probiotics, and limit your intake of sugar and processed foods. By taking care of your gut, you might see an improvement in your skin as well.
Here’s an article that talks about the best foods to get clear, healthy skin.
2. Dehydration
Dehydration is a common cause of skin problems like acne and dryness. Note that we are talking about dehydrated skin here, not just dry skin (where there’s an absence of natural oils).
When the body is dehydrated, it doesn’t have enough water to keep all of its systems functioning properly, and the skin is one of the first places that dehydration can start to show. The skin can become dry and dull, and oily skin can become even oilier. Dehydrated skin can lead to acne breakouts. This is because dehydration causes the body to produce more sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores and lead to inflammation.
Of course, dehydration, in general, can have much more severe symptoms in the body if left unchecked, such as dizziness, high fever, and dark urine. Please rush to a doctor immediately if you have any severe symptoms of dehydration!
By drinking plenty of water and keeping the body hydrated, you can help to prevent these skin issues (and other bodily issues!). Your skin needs moisturization not just from the outside, but also from the inside!
3. Stress
Stress is a major contributing factor to skin issues. When we are stressed, our bodies produce the hormone cortisol. Cortisol signals the body to produce more oil, which can lead to breakouts.
In addition, stress causes inflammation, which can worsen existing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.Plus, when stressed, we might mess around with our skin more — by touching it, picking at it, rubbing it, and scratching it.
Finally, stress can weaken the skin’s barrier function, making it more susceptible to damage from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV radiation. All of these factors can contribute to an increase in stress-related skin problems.
By taking steps to manage stress, we can help improve our skin health in the long run!
4. Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can cause a variety of skin issues. For example, an excess of testosterone can lead to increased sebum production which then leads to acne, while low levels of estrogen can cause dryness and wrinkles (particularly after menopause).
Hormonal imbalances can also affect the production of oil and sweat, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. In addition, hormonal changes during menopause can cause hot flashes and night sweats, which can further contribute to skin problems.
In both young and old people, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) can often lead to skin issues such as acne. Plus, monthly menstrual cycles also impact the skin’s condition, due to fluctuating hormones.
While hormonal imbalances are often beyond our control, there are some things we can do to help manage our skin issues. Keeping the skin clean and hydrated is important, and so is following a healthy and active lifestyle.
5. Hard water
Have you ever got out of the shower and wondered “Why is my skin suddenly so dry and flaky?” Maybe the culprit is hard water!
Hard water is water that has high mineral content (particularly salts of calcium and magnesium). These minerals can build up on the skin when you take a bath or a shower and lead to dryness, irritation, and other skin problems such as allergies. The minerals also lead to the formation of free radicals which attack collagen.
Additionally, due to the formation of scum, people often end up using a lot more soap than usual when dealing with hard water. This further dries out the skin, making it itchy, susceptible to damage, and prone to acne. Hard water use is also known to cause rashes and allergies and worsen existing skin conditions.
If you live in a hard water area, it’s a good idea to get a water-softening shower head like the StoneStream EcoPower to soften your shower water and make it healthier and gentler for your skin.
Also, choose soap-free cleansers/body washes and moisturize your skin thoroughly after showers. Plus, avoid showers that are too hot or too cold, as they can dry out the skin immensely.
6. Nutritional deficiencies
Our skin is the largest organ in our body, so it’s no surprise that what we eat can have a big impact on our health. Nutritional deficiencies are one of the major causes of skin problems, ranging from simple dryness and itchiness to more serious issues like eczema and psoriasis.
When our diet lacks key nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, it can lead to dry, flaky skin that is more susceptible to inflammation and infection. People with iron deficiency anemia often have itchy skin that has tiny red bumps.
In severe cases, nutritional deficiencies can also cause hair loss and changes in skin pigmentation. If you’re struggling with chronic skin issues, it’s worth considering whether a lack of essential nutrients might be to blame.
By eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, you can help improve the health of your skin – and your whole body!