We often think of skin concerns—acne, eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis—as surface-level problems. Something purely cosmetic. Something we should just accept or cover-up. But the truth is, it’s never just a skin issue. And if you’ve been struggling with persistent skin concerns, you probably know exactly what I mean.

Skin conditions don’t just affect our appearance.

They can impact our confidence, mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. And more importantly, they can sometimes be a sign of something deeper going on within the body. Yet, so many people dealing with chronic skin issues are dismissed. They’re told, “It’s just your skin,” “It’s not a big deal,” or “It’s just genetics.” But what if your skin is actually trying to tell you something?

Let’s explore why skin issues are more than just ‘skin’ issues—and why looking at the bigger picture might be the missing piece to finding real answers.

Skin conditions and their effect on mental health and daily life

One of the biggest misconceptions about skin conditions is that they are purely a vanity issue. Sure, they’re visible, but they are often much more than just a visible inconvenience. They can be painful, itchy, uncomfortable, and even debilitating in some cases.

For many, a skin issue can mean avoiding social events, feeling self-conscious in photos, or constantly worrying about flare-ups. The psychological toll can be heavy—many people with chronic skin issues experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Imagine being told not to worry about something that affects how you feel in your own body every single day. Dismissing skin concerns as “just a vanity issue” overlooks the real impact they have on people’s lives.

Is There an Underlying Condition Being Overlooked?

Ever wondered if your acne, eczema, rosacea, or dry skin is just that—or if something deeper is out of balance? And then had a practitioner or doctor dismisses the idea without even running tests?! Skin conditions can be linked to PCOS, thyroid issues, diabetes, lupus, coeliac disease, and more. I mean, how many times are women handed the oral contraceptive pill without even having their hormones tested?

Here are just a few conditions that can manifest as skin issues:

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Can lead to cystic acne, oily skin, and excessive hair growth due to hormonal imbalances.
• Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism can cause dry, flaky skin, while hyperthyroidism may lead to increased oil production and breakouts.
• Diabetes: Skin conditions like acanthosis nigricans (darkened skin patches), slow wound healing, and frequent infections can be early signs of diabetes.
• Lupus: This autoimmune condition can cause a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, as well as photosensitivity and skin inflammation.
• Coeliac Disease: Gluten intolerance can sometimes trigger dermatitis herpetiformis, an intensely itchy and blistering skin condition.

Now, I’m not saying you definitely have one of these conditions. But I am saying it’s worth looking at your whole body and not just your skin. Hyper-focusing on the surface while ignoring other symptoms might actually be holding you back from real answers, and the skin results you deserve. The best approach isn’t just another cream or cleanser—it’s asking why.

Is it a skin issue or is your skin responding to something?

This is a mindset shift that can change everything. Maybe your skin isn’t misbehaving—maybe it’s actually doing its best with the signals it’s receiving.

• Is your skin inflamed because it’s trying to fight off bacteria?
• Is it cystic because it’s responding to the fact your hormones are off balance?
• Is it slow to repair because it doesn’t have enough nutrients?
• Is it becoming flushed because you’re actually pretty stressed?
• Is red and itchy because the topical treatments are doing more harm than good?

It’s kind of like giving the postman the wrong address—he’s just following instructions! Instead of shouting at him for delivering your packages to the wrong place, wouldn’t it make more sense to correct the address? Same goes for your skin. Maybe the key is fixing the messages it’s receiving, so it can finally chill out.

What Can You Do?

If you’ve been struggling with skin issues and feel like you’re not getting answers, it’s time to take a whole-body approach. Here are some steps to start digging deeper:

1. Track Your Symptoms

Keep a journal of when your skin flares up. Do you notice a pattern around your menstrual cycle? After certain foods? When you’re particularly stressed? Tracking symptoms can help identify triggers.

2. Look at Your Diet

Food plays a huge role in skin health. And you want to focus on nailing the basics to help nourish your skin from the inside, out. Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, healthy fats, and high-quality proteins can support your skin from the inside out.

3. Check Your Gut Health

The gut and skin are closely connected. Conditions like leaky gut, dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria), or food intolerances can all manifest as skin problems. If you’re dealing with bloating, IBS symptoms, or food sensitivities alongside skin issues, addressing gut health might be key.

4. Get the Right Tests Done

If you suspect a deeper issue, you’ll want some tests done. Unfortunately, you can’t always get these tests done via your doctor. It’s not that they don’t want to help, it’s just in the UK the NHS doesn’t have the capacity for ‘preventive’ health checks. You’ll need symptoms to be able to get tests done. However, some tests that we can do in clinic include:

• Hormone imbalances (e.g. testosterone, progesterone, cortisol)
• Thyroid function (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, thyroid antibodies)
• Blood sugar levels and insulin resistance
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (zinc, vitamin D, iron, omega-3s)
• Food sensitivities or gut microbiome imbalances

5. Support Your Skin Barrier

While internal factors are important, your external skincare routine also matters. Over-exfoliating, using harsh chemicals, or skipping moisturiser can make things worse. Focus on gentle, nourishing ingredients that support your skin’s natural barrier.

Taking a Holistic Approach to Skin

As research evolves, we’re learning more about the intricate connections between skin, hormones, gut health, and overall well-being. Hopefully, we’ll soon move beyond the outdated “it’s just a skin issue” mindset and start addressing skin conditions with the depth and attention they deserve.

Until then, keep advocating for yourself. If your skin is trying to tell you something, don’t ignore it—and don’t let anyone else dismiss it either. You deserve real answers, not just temporary fixes.

Your skin is part of your whole body. Treating it that way might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. If you need some help working out what could be affecting your skin, feel free to get in touch. Read some results from clients who have taken a holistic approach to skin.