Skin Health Isn’t Just About Skin
Have you ever had a skin issue that you couldn’t resolve no matter what you tried? Or one that seems to come and go out of nowhere? Irregularities that appear on your skin aren’t always skincare problems—they can point to something off in your body or in your environment. So many people get frustrated with their skin because they spend a significant amount of time and money on products, services, and routines that only offer temporary solutions. If that sounds familiar, this article may help you ask different questions and find answers that will bring your skin back to its natural state of balance.
Why Is It Hard to Find Answers About Your Skin?
Your skin plays two significant roles. It acts as a physical barrier between your body and the outside world, protecting you from pathogens and environmental stressors. It also reflects the state of your internal health by visibly reacting to changes in your hormones, immune function, nervous system, environment, gut, organ function, and more.
We've been taught to treat skin issues as cosmetic inconveniences rather than useful information. Skincare is a billion-dollar industry, selling countless products that claim to solve specific problems, like acne, fine lines, discoloration, redness, dryness—the list goes on and on. But many of these products are formulated to suppress or mask the symptoms, which only provide temporary relief (if at all). Some products certainly can and do help, but you can save yourself a lot of trial and error by first examining what could be causing your symptoms.
What Really Causes Skin Flare-Ups?
The most prevalent skin concerns can be the most difficult to understand because there are so many possible causes. Additionally, what causes a flare-up in one person doesn’t necessarily have the same effect on someone else. Even if you’re related and have identical routines, your body can react differently.
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, and there are endless treatments available. But how do you know which one to choose when acne can be caused by:
- Medications or supplements
- Excess sun exposure
- Tight clothing
- Hormonal changes
- Genetics
- Topical products (even ones designed to treat acne)
- Diet
- Stress
Dry skin is almost always chalked up to dehydration, but drinking water and using moisturizer won't fix a deficiency in essential fatty acids, which are critical for maintaining your skin's moisture barrier. It also won't address a sensitivity or allergy you aren’t aware of.
Rosacea is often written off as genetic, but it can be triggered by alcohol, spicy foods, temperature extremes, or elevated cortisol levels (stress). Identifying and removing the trigger might do more than any topical treatment.
Dull or puffy skin is often attributed to aging or illness, but it could also be a sign that you need to get more sleep. Additionally, excess sugar promotes glycation, which degrades collagen and dulls skin tone, and a sluggish lymphatic system can cause fluid retention.
Rashes that come and go without explanation could be undetected contact allergies or even a sign of extreme stress. These can be especially confusing because the rash doesn’t always appear right away. You can develop an allergy to a product you’ve been using for years. And your conscious mind may not realize how stressed you are—but your body can feel it.
How to Find What’s Causing Your Skin Concern
Although it can be challenging to pinpoint what causes your skin to flare up, the answer may be simpler than you think. Sometimes, you just need to pay closer attention to your surroundings.
- Keep a skin journal
Track flare-ups alongside:
- What you eat and drink (including water intake, medications, and supplements)
- Stress levels and mood
- Amount and quality of sleep
- All products that touch your skin (consider things that aren’t skincare as well—toothpaste, mouthwash, hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent and softener, nail polish, fabrics, adhesives, pillow fill, sunscreen, etc.)
- Environmental conditions (air fresheners/candles, air filter conditions, humidity levels, sunlight, pollen, animals, dust, etc.)
- Activities (a stressful situation, travel, or something you encountered while you weren’t home could trigger a flare-up)
- Hormone changes/menstrual cycle
- Close interaction with others (something on your partner’s skin or hair can cause a reaction in you)
- Anything else you feel would be significant to the condition of your skin
- Know your food triggers
Skin conditions linked to food allergies can be relatively easy to discover. Sensitivities to micronutrients can be tricky, however. For example, certain nutrients and hormones in eggs have been known to cause cystic acne in some adults. There are also proteins in some raw fruits or vegetables that can cause red, itchy skin upon contact.
- Consider professional testing
Allergy panels and hormone labs are a great place to start diagnosing skin concerns—these can give you fast and precise information that you can use to restore balance. You may also want to consider having your home tested for mold, so you can address any hidden problems. Organ function can also affect your skin. Consult with your doctor to determine if a kidney or liver function test could be helpful.
Bring Your Skin Into Balance with Global Healing
Nearly everyone experiences skin concerns at some point in their life. Some—especially those connected to hormones—are connected to natural cycles at different points in life. Others, however, are the result of a trigger that could be hiding in your environment or your nervous system. Identifying and removing the trigger, and replacing it with something that supports your natural rhythm, can bring your skin back into harmony.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
