Having healthy and beautiful skin is something we all want. Unhealthy skin can make you look older than you actually are, and dull even when you don’t feel it. A lot of the time, the health of our skin affects our confidence as well as our general well-being.
Unhealthy skin can be caused by a variety of reasons. Generally, our body shows some warning signs. Sadly, many of us are not aware of these signs. If we ignore them, it could develop into something nastier. Some signs may require further attention, so to help you know what to look out for, here are 10 signs that indicate unhealthy skin!
1. Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition that indicates unhealthy skin. Mostly, it causes confidence and self-esteem issues. Acne is the result of several different factors. The overproduction of oil or the growth of bacteria can cause pimples and blemishes. It’s also caused by the irregular shedding of dead skin cells.
Not only affecting the face, but acne can also often appear on the chest, shoulders, neck, and upper back. You can suffer from acne anytime from puberty until middle age. There’s nothing worse than adult acne, which we’ll discuss next. Not to mention that acne can cause lasting damage and permanent scars on the skin.
There are several ways to treat acne. Topical treatments using lotions and creams that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are the most common. For more serious problems, a doctor’s prescription might be necessary.
2. Rosacea
Though it’s not the same as acne, rosacea is referred to as ‘adult acne’. It attacks adults from ages 30 to 50. Rosacea is characterized by a tendency to blush or flush more easily than others. Skin dryness and sensitivity, redness, and red bumps can be found and spread on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and sometimes on the chin. They can’t be squeezed to release the contents.
Women tend to experience this condition more than men, and this issue is normally seen in individuals even those with fair skin. It’s believed that genetics play a role, but sun exposure is also a contributing factor.
3. Dark spots
Generally, dark spots on the skin begin to appear around middle age. They’re also known as hyperpigmentation. There are several causes, including an adverse reaction to medication and general trauma to the skin. One of the main causes of dark spots on the skin though is UV light, aka sunshine. Never forget to put on sunblock before sunbathing or it may lead to permanent skin damage!
Some medical conditions will also cause dark spots. Liver disease, Addison’s disease, and pituitary tumors are some of the other medical conditions that can cause dark spots other than simply being a sign that your skin is not healthy. If you experience these, you should be treated by a medical doctor.
4. Chapped lips
Some of you might wonder why lips have anything to do with skin’s health. Your lips, like your skin, are the outer part of your body that also shows warnings of not being healthy. It’s probably the most vulnerable area of skin since it’s amongst the thinnest on your body. This sensitive skin might crack, start to bleed, or develop sores if not cared for properly. Dry chapped lips are one of the most visible indicators of unhealthy skin.
Chapped lips are usually caused by your body’s dehydration. If it happens too often, it may lead to other worse skin problems such as irregularity in dead skin cells. As the lips can’t moisturize themselves, you need to keep your body hydrated to avoid chapped lips. Once you notice your lips become too dry, drink more fluids to keep them soft and smooth. If it’s causing you discomfort, applying a topical lip moisturizer will help to relieve it.
5. Melanoma
Sometimes, moles can also be a melanoma, which looks like a benign mole on the skin. Moles may have different characteristics and irregular shapes or different colors. Many people often discounted these moles as harmless.
However, moles that have an irregular shape, that increase in size or change in appearance in any way may be a sign of skin cancer. If you have many moles on your skin, it’s advisable for to you go for a skin cancer screen. If detected early, melanoma is highly treatable.
6. Rashes
You may experience rashes from time to time and they may disappear without treatment. But some rashes can be signs of an allergy or serious medical condition. Rashes can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. What you should note is that rashes can either be painless or cause discomfort such as itching, burning, and irritation.
If you see a rash and it doesn’t disappear within a few days, it’s advisable to contact your GP. Especially, if it comes with other symptoms. The doctor will be able to diagnose the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
7. Wrinkles
When you age, your skin begins to loosen slowly. You can’t completely avoid the signs of aging, it’s a natural process. However, if you’re below 30 years of age and already show signs of wrinkles, you may want to see a dermatologist.
Thanks to many scientific breakthroughs though, you can prevent and delay the process with several treatments. Some creams and lotions infused with many nutrients help the body to regenerate cell skins.
Protect your skin with sunscreens of at least 30 SPF every morning. Plus, avoid exposure to UV light for long durations. As smoking and drinking excessive alcohol contribute to premature wrinkles, avoiding these substances will help to protect your cells' skin!
8. Flaky scaly skins
Having your skin peeling off, and white flakes fall from your face and/or body is not particularly attractive. It also can be a sign of other conditions such as psoriasis. Flaky skin is a chronic condition with rough, dry, skin that appears red, white, and extremely scaly. The affected areas can creek, bleed, and be sore.
Your skin is part of the body that’s most vulnerable and exposed. Extreme weather conditions can cause your skin to dry. Most of the time, dry skin is not a symptom of a more serious health condition. But, you need to treat your skin to keep it healthy and prevent infections. Use a moisturizer, keep hydrated, and protect your skin from the elements.
9. Warts
Warts are the infection caused by human papillomavirus or HPV. People commonly associate HPV with a sexually transmitted disease. Warts usually appear on the back of the finger, toes, and knees. They can cause some physical discomfort but can be easily treated in a few ways.
Salicylic acid has proven to be effective in eliminating warts. It can be found in gel, liquid, aerosol spray, and duct tape form. Applying the duct tape over the wart helps eliminate unsightly blemish.
10. Uneven skin tone and texture
Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, and malnourishment can cause uneven skin tone and texture. Your skin will have a blotchy uneven texture. It can be seen on your face and other parts of the body. Getting enough rest allows your cell skins to properly regenerate.