Our skin is a very complex organ, vulnerable to various factors, that can lead to different skin problems. Remarkably, skin diseases rank as the fourth most prevalent cause of all human diseases, impacting nearly one-third of the global population. There are still many mysteries surrounding the pieces of our skin puzzle, some of which have yet to be explored or researched thoroughly. So when faced with skin problems, it’s vital to dig deeper and uncover the underlying causes in order to find effective solutions.
Causes of skin diseases
When looking at dermatologists’ perspective, they have widely classified the causes of skin diseases and conditions into five categories:
- Infection: bacterial (cellulitis, impetigo, boils, staph infection), viral (warts, verrucas, herpes, Chickenpox, shingles) or fungal (ringworm, yeast infection)
- Allergic reactions (hives)
- Parasites (scabies, bedbugs, headlice, mites)
- Autoimmune reactions (psoriasis, eczema/atopic dermatitis)
- Cancers (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma)
While not universally acknowledged by dermatologists (although approved by National Eczema Association), it’s worth noting that the (over)use of Topical Steroids, aka steroid creams, can also be considered as a potential cause of a skin condition. This condition is called Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) and can result in severe symptoms like skin burning, weeping, flaking, itching etc. You can read more about it here.
What else affects our skin?
Most skin problems are caused by internal factors within your body! It’s not just diseases that can affect your skin health, but several other elements and imbalances as well. Let’s explore these additional factors together and see how they can impact the well-being of your skin.
Your gut and microbiome
The topic of gut health and the microbiome is gaining more and more attention. Researchers are constantly discovering new findings on how our gut is related to our skin and different aspects of our health.
Skin problems related to gut
The 2022 Research paper provides valuable insights into the connection between our gut microbiome and skin health. The authors give an overview of various diseases and how they are influenced by the gut microbiome.
- Psoriasis. Biomarkers of the damaged intestinal barrier are often seen among psoriasis patients.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema). For example, patients with AD tend to have lower presence of Bifidobacterium (species of “good bacteria) in their gut.
- Acne vulgaris. People with acne have a significant reduction of several important probiotics in their gut, such as Actinobacteria, Bifidobacterium, etc.
- Rosacea. The condition is linked with several gastrointestinal conditions and altered gut microbiome.
What affects our gut microbiome?
Several studies have found a link between the quality of the gut microbiome and skin disorders. Long-term dietary patterns can have a significant impact on our skin health! In the same research paper, the authors also discuss how different factors can influence our microbiome, and thereby, our skin:
- Breastmilk and formula. Breastfeeding influences gut microbiome diversity by increasing the colonization of “good bacteria”.
- High and low-fat diet. A high-fat diet containing trans-fatty acids and refined oils increases the number of harmful microbes, causes inflammation, and might delay skin wound healing.
- Protein-rich diet. Consuming excessive proteins and amino acids, our body starts producing toxins that can contribute to skin diseases like psoriasis. However, adopting a high-collagen peptide diet, which is rich in beneficial microbes, can help protect and nourish your skin, promoting anti-aging effects and promoting wound healing.
- Dietary fiber. Eating foods rich in dietary fiber, especially whole grains, dramatically increases the populations of Bifidobacteria and the Lactobacillus/Enterococcus group. Consuming dietary fiber can also prevent the development of inflammatory disorders and even kill certain strains of MRSA.
- Antibiotics have the potential to change the composition and function of the gut microbiome by killing or inhibiting the growth of specific microbial groups. Over time it might lead to yeast candida colonization and manifest as skin redness, which in turn accelerates aging.
- Prebiotics. Several types of prebiotics modulate the gut microbiome and are beneficial for the skin. For example, Lactobacillus extract helps to reduce acne lesions and oligosaccharides have been used to treat eczema.
- Probiotics can prevent gut colonization by pathogens and support anti-inflammatory responses. For example, Lactobacillus paracasei can restore skin barrier function, Lactobacillus reuteri can improve epidermal thickness and Lactobacillus johnsonii has been seen to restore skin damage from sun.
- Novel biologic drugs. Drugs can influence the translocation of microbes from other body parts to the intestine, and secondly, they can affect the local bacterial growth directly.
Other organs affecting our skin
Apart from our digestive system, there are other organs and systems that can have an impact on our skin and potentially contribute to underlying skin issues.
Liver’s role in skin problems
The liver is a critical organ in our body, that removes toxins, processes nutrients, and regulates body metabolism. When the liver is not doing well, it can manifest in:
- jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, as dysfunctioning liver causes an increased level of bilirubin.
- itchy, dry skin and rashes, as with dysfunctional liver toxins can accumulate and fats distribution is interrupted.
- Acne and rosacea, as the liver also have an important role in balancing hormones.
- Easy bruising, as the damaged liver doesn’t produce enough blood clotting proteins.
- Spider angiomas, as liver problems can cause increased blood flow in the skin, resulting in spider-like blood vessels visible on skin.
Taking care of your liver is crucial. Make sure to prioritize a healthy diet, increasing your intake of Vitamin D, Calcium, and Protein, while reducing the amount of salt you consume. It’s also important to maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol intake, and be cautious with medication usage.
Kidney dysfunction reflects on the skin
The main function of kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. In case of unhealthy kidneys, it can be seen and felt on your skin:
- Itchy, dry skin and rashes. This can be caused by many different reasons, but if kidneys aren’t able to remove waste from your body, you might experience small dome-shaped bumps and itchiness.
- Swelling. When kidneys are damaged, fluids and salt can build up in your body, causing swollen legs, ankles, hands or face.
- Calcium deposits. Minerals on your body can become imbalanced, which might lead to firm white or yellow bumps under the skin.
- Color changes in skin and nails. Due to toxins buildup you may notice your skin being yellowish, darkened or pale. Your nails can be white on top and brown on the bottom.
To boost or maintain your kidney’s health, reduce calcium phosphate and keep a kidney-friendly diet. Calcium phosphate is often included in baked goods, baking powders, self-raising flour etc. Best foods for kidneys are grains, nuts, fish, cauliflower, egg whites, blueberries, olive oil, garlic, and red peppers.
Overactive immune system attacking your skin
The immune system itself is not just one organ or tissue, but a large network of organs and tissues working together to protect your body against infection and disease. Besides white blood cells, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils and adenoids, thymus, bone marrow, and bowel, skin is also a part of the immune system.
The exact reason why people get an autoimmune disease is unknown, but one theory is that it’s triggered by drugs, bacteria, or viruses with genetic components also playing a role. Another theory says that higher levels of hormones could also contribute, especially in women.
There are several skin problems caused by an overactive immune system – when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues – and they’re called autoimmune diseases. Psoriasis, Scleroderma, Skin Lupus and some other rarer skin conditions are considered as autoimmune diseases.
Eczema, a very common skin problem, that also involves an overprotective immune system, is actually not considered an autoimmune disease.
Unfortunately, autoimmune diseases are not curable, but symptoms can be managed to maintain a normal life quality. When already having an overactive immune system, strengthening it might not be what you want. Instead, you should strive for a healthy and well-balanced immune system. As for many other issues, the key is overall healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, balanced diet, enough sleep and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
Lymphatic System interacting with skin
The lymphatic system, part of the immune system, is a network of vessels, nodes, and organs, that carry lymph, a clear fluid containing immune cells and waste products, through the body. Regarding skin, it is responsible for a number of tasks, such as inflammation regulation, nutrient transport, wound healing, edema prevention, and cellulite reduction.
When the lymphatic system becomes imbalanced or sluggish, it can cause the lymph to thicken with toxins. This leads to a slowdown in cell renewal and impairs the body’s ability to repair wounds. Eventually, the tissues can become overwhelmed by their own waste, resulting in skin issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
To keep a healthy lymphatic system, again, an overall healthy lifestyle is necessary. In addition to that, lymphatic massage, dry brushing, deep breathing exercises, and taking hot and cold showers are also beneficiary.
Thyroid dysfunction causing skin problems
The thyroid, a tiny gland shaped like a butterfly, resides at the base of the neck, right beneath the Adam’s apple. Its crucial role is to produce hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic rate, as well as facilitate development and growth. Problems may arise when the thyroid begins producing too much or too little of these hormones.
So there are two possible conditions regarding thyroid. Let’s see how these conditions may affect skin.
1. Too little thyroid hormone (Hypothyroidism).
When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone, it can be seen on the skin as:
- Extremely dry skin, that might become rough and be covered in fine scales.
- Pale, thin and wrinkled skin.
- Carotenemia or discoloration on the palms.
- Poor wound healing.
- Abnormal lack of sweating.
2. Too much thyroid hormone (Hyperthyroidism).
When an excessive amount of hormone is being produced, it can have quite the opposite effect on your skin, as hypothyroidism:
- Smooth, thin, warm, soft and moist skin. Possible redness on the face, elbows and palms.
- Abnormally excessive sweating.
- Hyperpigmentation.
- Breakage of capillaries, which results in visible capillary vessels.
To prevent thyroid problems, try to avoid processed foods and soy, as they both can alter hormone production. Also try to reduce stress and stop smoking.
Best foods to support your thyroid are: yoghurt, nuts and seeds, green tea, pears, apples and citrus, avocado, broccoli and whole grains.
Skin and Hormones
Hormones have a big impact on how our skin looks and feels. This especially affects women, as hormone fluctuations take place in events as Period, Pregnancy and Menopause. Three key hormones – estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone – can cause significant changes in our skin, with each hormone serving a unique purpose.
- Estrogen plays a vital role in stimulating collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, which helps keep your skin plump and firm. As estrogen decreases, skin gets drier and itchier. This is a common experience for people with dry skin or those going through eczema flares.
- Progesterone stimulates the production of sebum (oil glands) in the skin. It can cause the skin to swell, and compress the look of pores. While a little bit is necessary, an excess of progesterone can result in oil build-up and acne. Also, progesterone balances estrogen!
- Testosterone, which typically presents during menstruation, functions similarly to progesterone, resulting in increased oil production. This can be a contributing factor to various skin problems.
How do genetics affect your skin?
Of course, genes affect every aspect of us, including the skin. How exactly?
- Skin type: genes determine, whether it’s dry, oily, or a combination of both. Different genes influence the production of sebum (skin oil), the size of sebaceous glands, and the skin’s overall hydration levels.
- Pigmentation: genes control melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin color. Genetics also influence sun sensitivity and the risk of conditions like hyperpigmentation or vitiligo.
- Aging: some individuals have genes linked to better collagen and elastin production, yielding youthful and resilient skin. Others may have genetic variations that hasten aging, causing wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots at an earlier age.
- Skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea, may have a genetic component and certain gene variations can increase the risk of developing these conditions.
- Skin cancer susceptibility: specific gene variations increase the risk of developing melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
This doesn’t mean that genes 100% determine all of the above. A lot is still in your hands and by committing to a good skincare routine, you have the power to significantly improve your skin.
Skin and the Environment
Whether you live in South Pole, North Pole or somewhere in between, if you home is countryside or in city, this also has an effect in your skin.
- Air pollution, including smog, smoke, and airborne particulate matter, can harm the skin. It clogs pores, causes inflammation, and contributes to skin conditions like acne, eczema, and allergies. Pollutants generate free radicals that damage collagen and elastin, accelerating aging.
- Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is one of the most damaging environmental factors for the skin. As said before, insufficient protection from excessive exposure can cause sunburn, premature aging, wrinkles, sunspots, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Climate and humidity levels affect the skin. Dry climates can deplete moisture, causing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Humid environments can increase sweating, clog pores, and enhance oil production, potentially worsening acne.
- Indoor environments can cause dry skin, especially when spending prolonged periods in dry air with central heating or air conditioning. Artificial heating or cooling systems reduce humidity, leading to skin dehydration.
- Allergens and irritants in the environment, like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or harsh chemicals, can cause skin irritation. This may lead to redness, itching, rashes, or other allergic reactions.
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep can affect our skin health. They can cause inflammation, reduce collagen production, impair skin barrier function, and lead to a dull complexion.
Lifestyle factors causing skin problems
- How we hold our phones: The oils from our hands can build up on our phones and then transfer to our faces when we use them. This can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
- The type of pillowcase we use: If we sleep on a pillowcase that’s made of a rough or irritating fabric, it can cause our skin to become dry and irritated. Not washing pillowcases regularly can also contribute to skin breakouts, as they accumulate sweat, oil and bacteria over time.
- The way we shower: Taking too hot showers can strip our skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Prefer lukewarm water.
- The amount of water we drink: Dehydration can make our skin look dull and lifeless. Aim to drink 8 glasses of water per day to keep your skin hydrated.
- Over-Exfoliating: While exfoliation can be beneficial to remove dead skin cells, overdoing it can cause microtears and irritation, making the skin more sensitive and prone to problems. Dermatologists even suggest that your skin doesn’t need any exfoliation, as our skin cells naturally exfoliate on their own.
- Overconsumption of Dairy and Sugary Foods: Some studies suggest that a diet high in dairy and sugary foods may contribute to skin inflammation in certain individuals.
- Not Getting Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can lead to increased stress hormones, which can exacerbate skin conditions like acne and eczema.
- Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Both smoking and excessive alcohol intake can dehydrate the skin and reduce collagen production, leading to premature aging and a dull complexion.
Underlying issues are worth the investigation!
When dealing with skin problems, topical creams can offer only temporary relief by soothing symptoms, but they won’t tackle the underlying cause. It does take some testing, consulting with healthcare experts, and considering factors like diet and lifestyle to really get to the bottom of it. But finding solutions for healthy and well-functioning skin is absolutely worth exploring and putting in that extra effort!
Sources
Header Image by Freepik
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