Skin problems and their causes

Author: Johanna Heuer

What is my skin trying to tell me?

You've already found your perfect skincare routine , but suddenly it doesn't seem to work anymore? Or your combination skin Has your skin been dry and flaky lately? The problem could be internal. Deficiencies or unhealthy eating habits will sooner or later show up on your face. This may sound annoying at first, but you can actually view this phenomenon as an opportunity to learn to listen to your body better! Skin problems are a clear way for your body to tell you what it needs most.

In this article, you'll find an overview of abnormalities in your appearance that may be related to deficiencies. This will provide you with a guide to holistic skin health. As you read, you'll notice that some nutrient deficiencies manifest themselves quite similarly. Therefore, if you suspect a deficiency, you should first consult a trusted doctor to receive a reliable diagnosis.

These nutrient deficiencies cause dry skin

If your skin appears dry and dull and you use harsh skincare products If you have already ruled out sulfur as the cause, it can also be a symptom of a deficiency. For example, your skin can become dry if your body is lacking silicon (silica), vitamin A, magnesium or calcium. If you have a vitamin A deficiency, your skin will even become flaky. In this case, your eyes will also become dry and red. Vitamin A is mainly found in yellow and green vegetables (e.g. carrots, kale, apricots), dairy products and eggs. Vitamin A is also found in green tea . If you have a magnesium deficiency, dry skin is often accompanied by eye twitching. If you don't have enough silicon in your body , your skin will become dry and will develop more wrinkles.

Silicon is mainly found in rice, oats, wheat, and millet. Other silicon-rich vegetables include potatoes, peppers, and spinach. Wheat bran, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are among the top magnesium sources. Bananas, peas, broccoli, and raspberries also contain a lot of magnesium. Broccoli is also a good source of calcium. Other calcium-rich foods include leaf spinach and dairy products. If you feel you're getting enough calcium but still suspect a deficiency, you may have a vitamin D deficiency. Your body needs sufficient vitamin D to absorb calcium.

Possible causes of pale skin

Doesn't it look like summer at all? Pale skin can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. If you're iron deficient, for example, your skin will become dull, you'll get dark circles under your eyes, the corners of your mouth will crack, and you'll experience increased hair loss. You may also experience a burning tongue. Red meat and organ meats are particularly rich in iron. Pulses and tofu, on the other hand, are among the best plant-based sources of iron. The body absorbs iron best in combination with vitamin C. A refreshing glass of orange juice, for example, goes wonderfully well with a delicious lentil dal.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency can also cause pale skin. Similar to iron deficiency, a burning tongue accompanies the noticeable pallor. A blood test is therefore essential for a thorough diagnosis of your symptoms. Green leafy vegetables and grains are important sources of folic acid. Chickpeas also provide this nutrient.

Another possible cause of paleness is vitamin B12 deficiency. In addition to chapped corners of the mouth, your skin also stands out with slow-healing pimples and injuries. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products. Therefore, in a vegan lifestyle, it's more common for your needs to be under-met. A wide range of appropriate dietary supplements can help.

Cracked corners of the mouth and/or chapped lips as a deficiency symptom

Are the corners of your mouth constantly sore? This is not only terribly unpleasant, but often also a sign of a nutrient deficiency. If your body lacks vitamin B6, B12, or iron, for example, the skin at the corners of your mouth quickly becomes chapped and cracked. If chapped lips are also present, you're probably dealing with a vitamin B6 deficiency.

Meat and fish are important sources of vitamin B6. Cabbage, lentils, soybeans, potatoes, and bananas also contain significant amounts of this nutrient. To preserve this light-sensitive vitamin as much as possible, you should store your vegetables in a dark place. To further help your skin heal, you can use a tried-and-tested home remedy. Mix some honey and olive oil together and rub it into the sore areas. This homemade ointment is not only soothing but also tastes delicious. For more severe cracks that may have even become infected, special creams from the pharmacy can provide relief.

Eye problems and problems with the skin around the eyes

You've already learned above that vitamin A deficiency causes dry, red eyes, magnesium deficiency causes twitching eyelids, and iron deficiency often accompanies dark circles under the eyes. However, other triggers can also be responsible for abnormalities in the eyes. For example, dark circles under the eyes are often caused by too little sleep or insufficient fluid intake. Instead of drinking only water all day, you can add variety with different teas. These are also great to enjoy cold in the summer. How about a cup of green tea for a little caffeine kick after lunch?

Lack of sleep can also cause swollen eyelids. Other causes include excessive salt or alcohol intake. Too much alcohol can also cause the skin all over your face to swell. Regularly drinking a lot of alcohol also puts you at risk for various nutrient deficiencies. Your skin will thank you if you curb your partying a bit. Luckily, most delicious drinks are now available in non-alcoholic versions.

Wrinkles as a symptom?

Naturally, skin naturally becomes less firm over the years. However, wrinkles can also develop or worsen due to other causes. Therefore, you should monitor your skin closely. If new wrinkles appear faster than normal, a deficiency could be the cause. For example, increased crow's feet around the eyes indicate a vitamin B2 deficiency. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is found in meat, fish, and dairy products. Whole grain products can also provide your body with this vitamin.

A deficiency in other B vitamins can also lead to wrinkles. Vitamins B3 (niacin) and B9 (folic acid, see above) are particularly important here. Like most B vitamins, vitamin B3 is primarily found in meat and fish. However, suitable plant-based sources include peaches, chanterelles, porcini mushrooms, peanuts, and pine nuts. Peas and soybeans can also provide you with vitamin B3.

With the right skin care, you can naturally counteract wrinkles even further. It's best to use a day cream that protects your skin from external influences and supports its detoxification process. A suitable night cream that moisturizes the skin and stimulates regeneration will also provide relief.

Oily skin and pimples due to poor diet

Acne-prone skin is usually linked to genetic causes. However, various factors can promote sebum production. This includes diet. Foods with a high glycemic index, in particular, can lead to oily skin. The glycemic index indicates how quickly a food causes blood sugar levels to rise. For example, chips, fries, and baked goods made with white flour stimulate insulin production more than whole-grain bread, vegetables, and brown rice. The quickly absorbed sugar from the former can lead to excessive sebum production and thus promote the development of blemishes and pimples. So, if you suffer from oily skin, a change in diet could help. Especially since it's not just your skin that will benefit if you eat more healthier foods.

To help your skin fight impurities from the outside, skin care products containing green tea are particularly suitable . These ingredients protect your face from environmental influences and help the pores cleanse themselves, reducing the impact of free radicals .

Listen to your body

As you can see, skin problems can have many different causes. Even the best skincare products are of little help if the trigger comes from within. Therefore, it's important to always take your body's signals seriously and not dismiss even seemingly trivial problems. Of course, this isn't an invitation to become hypochondriac. But if your skin suddenly behaves differently than usual and you've been feeling better before, you should definitely investigate.

For example, ask yourself if you've been under a lot of stress lately or if you've really been getting enough sleep. Are you drinking enough and eating a balanced diet? Even small changes in your lifestyle can have a noticeable impact—both positive and negative.