3 Causes Of Dry Skin For People With Acne That May Not Be Related Too Your Skincare Routine

Causes of dry skin+ acne. Did you know that there's more than the season's change that can cause dry skin and hair?

Suffering From Dry Skin & Acne? It May Be More Than Just Your Skincare Or The Seasons. These 3 Causes Of Dry Skin May Be Related To Your Skin's Health & Function 

LOW IRON. Iron deficiency, or anemia, is a condition that makes blood cells smaller/less abundant, and therefor blood cant transport oxygen and nutrients as well to the body, including the skin. Iron deficiency anemia is usually coupled with dry skin/hair, spooned nails, mouth sores, fatigue/tiredness (even after drinking coffee!) and potentially headaches and dizziness.

Your doctor can check with a simple blood test, and medications, supplements or a change in diet can help! Vitamin C may also help iron absorb better, and Caffeine may inhibit iron absorption. Just make sure you have a deficiency and a prescription before popping iron supplements- if supplements of iron are overdone, it can cause liver/hepatic issues!

A diagram of normal blood, vs Anemic blood. This can impact the entire body, including dry skin, hair, and spooned nails. 

ULTRA LOW FAT DIET. Many people follow these diets to try to be healthy, and if recommended by a doctor or medical provider you should definitely stick to it. But some people go on ultra low-fat diets in the name of health or trends, and these can actually cause the skin, and other organs of the body to function improperly. Our thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that helps regulate the hormones, metabolism, and many other functions of our body. Every cell in our body has receptors for the hormones produced by this gland!

Additionally, vitamin D is a membrane antioxidant we can get from food (d3), as well as our skin produces when in the sun (d2). It is a fat-soluble 'vitamin', and nearly every tissue and cell type in your body has receptors for vitamin D. Some research has shown that vitamin D in the diet may be absorbed best when consumed in fat, or within fatty mediums, and other research has shown that a little over 40% of people in the US are deficient.

These thyroid hormones, vitamin D, and even omega fatty acids are all related to the fat we intake from our diets, and those who aren't getting enough may experience issues, among them dry hair, skin, and nails in combination with acne.

Healthy fats are important - avocados, nuts, seeds, and even beans. It's important to check with your dr or endocrinologist who can test your personal levels, and if anything is wrong, small dietary changes, supplements, or medications for vitamin d, omegas, or prescriptions for thyroid hormone function can help :)

Healthy fats, omega 3's, and vitamin D are essential to hormone production and healthy, hydrated skin. 

THYROID DISEASE. As briefly mentioned in #2, the Thyroid controls and modulates most functions of metabolism and the functions of the body. Unfortunately, it isn't always obvious when the thyroid is acting up, or not acting up enough. If hormone changes are dramatic, its easy to spot, but usually the thyroid produces too much, or too little hormone and slowly increases or decreases over time. If thyroid function decreases, it can manifest as dry skin, hair loss, and even weight gain.

For those who are sensitive to stress, this can also be paired with acne. Additionally, many people take extra iodine for their thyroid (which doctors dont always recommend) but this increase in iodine that is usually coupled with sodium (iodized salt, anyone?) can further disrupt how the body processes nutrients, and may lead to breakouts. Additionally, sensitivity to cold and fatigue along with weight gain may be signs of an underactive thyroid.

The Thyroid controls and modulates most functions of metabolism and the functions of the body, and is a butterfly-shaped glad in the neck. Low thyroid function can cause dry skin, hair and nails.  

Hypothyroidism is easy to check for with a blood test from your doctor, who can look at different levels of hormones, as well as precursors. If something is out of whack, there is a medication that can do wonders that is taken as a daily pill, called levothyroxine, among other brands and generic versions. Generally, vitamin D is also recommended, as well as lifestyle changes if your nutrition or health isnt 100%. Having regular blood tests done can ensure the right amount of medication is prescribed and taken, and usually, symptoms improve within a few weeks.

Of course, it's important to remember that the change of seasons can dry out skin. but if things are excessive, if your body doesn't feel like it 'should', and if your skin doesn't seem to be responding to skincare products well, it may be worth considering some of these symptoms, and asking a professional for advice or a blood test. Remember that beauty is more than skin deep, and when you're going through something difficult, you're probably not the only one. It takes speaking up about it, doing some digging, and asking for help to get to the right answers.

I hope the information here is a good start for those who need it! xo

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