7 Signs of Unhealthy Skin

We all strive to get healthy, beautiful skin and recognize the signs that include a smooth, plump, even-toned radiance that’s well-hydrated, supple and moisturized. On the flip side, it’s equally important to recognize the signs of poor skin health. Understanding what unhealthy skin looks like can help you identify the root causes of your skin issues, which can then help you create a personalized skin care routine that works best for your unique skin needs. By learning to identify these signs, you can take action toward achieving a healthy, glowing radiance. Let’s dive deeper into the 7 common signs of poor skin health.

When Should I Be Worried About Skin?

It’s normal for your skin to go through changes like when you are transitioning seasons, changing diets, traveling, experiencing stress and going through normal life transitions like pregnancy and hormonal cycles. But if you notice chronic, persistent issues with changes in the texture, color or feel of your skin—it’s essential to take a closer look and address them. It’s also important to take note of sensitivities and discomfort, such as itching, burning or pain. These symptoms could potentially point to an underlying health issue. Your skin reflects your overall health, and paying attention to how your skin communicates with you can help you manage and stay abreast of potential health concerns. So don’t ignore your skin when it’s trying to talk to you! It deserves your best care.

7 Signs of Unhealthy Skin

As your body’s largest organ, your skin speaks a lot about your overall health. From environmental factors to lifestyle habits, signs of distress on your skin can appear in different ways. So the first step is to really acquaint yourself with the baseline status of your skin—does your complexion, more often times than not, look healthy (think: plump, soft, and smooth) or unhealthy (flaky, dull, or congested)? Let’s take a closer look at 7 of the most common signs of poor skin health.

Acne

Acne can be frustrating and embarrassing when it appears on your skin. But it can also be a sign of unhealthy skin. Whether it’s a few occasional pimples or a full-blown breakout, acne can indicate underlying issues such as hormonal imbalances, a disruption in the skin’s natural pH, or inflammation. While some people may experience acne due to genetics, it’s essential to note any sudden or severe changes in your skin. You can manage and prevent acne from becoming a significant issue with the guidance of your health care professional and a proper nourishing skin care routine that doesn’t further aggravate the skin. If you’re experiencing persistent or painful acne, it’s recommended to speak to a dermatologist or your health care professional who can diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

Uneven Texture

Uneven skin tone is a common sign of unhealthy skin, which can show up as various types of skin discoloration and uneven skin texture. Repeated exposure to the sun without proper sun protection can cause uneven skin tone and dark spots as a defensive response to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, hormonal changes, particularly in pregnant women, can cause melasma (hormone-related dark spots) with increased melanin production. Particulates from air pollution can also penetrate and be absorbed into your skin, creating dark spots. Finally, the fallout of even temporary skin irritations and redness, possibly from reactions to medication, makeup and toxic skin care, can also cause uneven skin tone. Having a consistent skin care routine using natural, safe, yet targeting ingredients for brightening and evening out your skin tone can help smooth out your skin’s look for an even-toned glow.

Dry, Itchy Skin (Flaking)

Dry, itchy skin is not only uncomfortable but also a sign of parched and under moisturized skin. Flaking, cracking and peeling can occur when your skin is not getting enough moisture or your body is losing water faster than it can replenish it.

This effect can also start becoming very apparent when exfoliation is not regularly incorporated. Itchy skin can also result from various skin conditions such as allergies, eczema, psoriasis or contact dermatitis. If left unmanaged, severely dry, itchy skin can lead to further skin issues. So, employing proper skin care routines, like incorporating adequate hydration and moisturization, will enhance your beauty naturally.

But it’s important to address these concerns sooner than later, especially if they are persistent. If the state of your skin worsens, reach out to your dermatologist or health care professional for tailored recommendations.

Excessively Oily Skin

While it’s natural for your skin to produce oil, too much oil can lead to clogged pores, a build-up of debris on your skin and an overall dull appearance. Factors such as hormones, genetics, stress and improper moisturization can contribute to excessive oil production.

If you have oily skin that is not responding to simple lifestyle changes or targeting skin care products, it may be time to consult a dermatologist or health care professional. They can provide personalized recommendations to help get your skin back on track. It’s also important to find the right  skin care products that help balance the skin’s natural oils.

It may seem counterintuitive to apply a facial oil to oily skin, but oftentimes, when oily skin is not properly moisturized, it overcompensates by producing more oil. As long as you find a facial oil formulated for your skin type, this type of product can really work with your skin, rather than against it.

Tanning

It’s hard to resist the allure of a sun-kissed glow, but excessive tanning can harm your skin. Tanning beds and unprotected sun exposure can lead to signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. At worst, it can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. So, if you’re tempted to hit the tanning salon or lay out in the sun without sunscreen, think twice about the long-term effects on your skin and overall health.

Wrinkles

As we mature, our skin naturally ages, and wrinkles start to appear. But what if you’re noticing wrinkles earlier than expected? This could be a sign of poor skin health. Wrinkles can occur from a lack of hydration and moisture in your skin and a loss of collagen and elastin, which naturally declines as we age and is accelerated by sun damage and a poor skin care routine. Stress can also be a huge factor that impacts your skin’s resilience. If you’re experiencing wrinkles earlier than your peers, it may be worth taking a closer look at your skin’s health and lifestyle. It’s always possible to start taking better care of your skin and achieving a healthy complexion with Annmarie’s restore skin care products.

Dark Spots

As much as we’d love to have clear, even-toned skin forever, sometimes, life happens. One of the most common skin concerns is dark spots, which may appear due to excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes, medication side effects, your skin’s recovery from even temporary irritations and reactions and the natural aging process. These pigmented areas may range from light freckles to larger patches. If you’re noticing new or existing dark spots, it’s worth investigating and seeking professional advice on how to keep your skin healthy and vibrant.

What Are Common Causes of Unhealthy Skin?

There are several common causes of unhealthy skin, and awareness can help us take the necessary steps to maintain healthy, radiant skin. Some common causes include:

• Excessive sun exposure and harmful UV rays without proper sun protection
• Poor nutrition and diet 
• Dehydration and lack of water intake
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Smoking, alcohol consumption and exposure to pollutants
• Genetics and aging
• Hormonal imbalances
• Certain medications and medical conditions
• Toxic cosmetic products that damage skin in the long run

Understanding the underlying causes of unhealthy skin can help direct you to make positive changes to help your skin look and feel its best. 

Conclusion

Taking care of your skin should be a top priority in your daily routine. Neglecting our skin can result in various signs of unhealthy skin like dryness, dark spots, wrinkles, excessive oiliness and more. Remember to nourish your skin from the inside out, get enough hydration and rest and use high-quality skin care products that are safe to use and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. By understanding the signs of unhealthy skin and embracing healthy lifestyle choices, you can enjoy a radiant, healthy complexion for years to come.