The Connection Between Thyroid Health and Your Skin

Thyroid health significantly affects various body functions, including the skin.

Imbalances in thyroid hormones can lead to noticeable skin changes, including dryness, thinning, or discoloration. Understanding these causes, testing for thyroid issues, and managing their impact on your skin is essential. Here, we'll explore the causes of thyroid-related skin problems, testing options, and how SANA can help you.

Thyroid-Related Skin Issues

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid):

Hypothyroidism, often linked to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, results in reduced hormone production. This can lead to dry, rough, and flaky skin, and in severe cases, thickened skin (myxedema). The imbalance of thyroid hormones affects skin renewal and hydration, causing these symptoms. Causes include iodine deficiency, certain medications, and thyroid surgeries.

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid):

Hyperthyroidism, commonly associated with Graves' disease, speeds up metabolism, often resulting in thin, fragile skin and excessive sweating. It may also cause red, itchy patches and, in some cases, skin thickening on the shins.  Hormonal shifts in hyperthyroidism may trigger conditions like melasma, causing dark patches on the skin.

Other Causes and Skin Symptoms:

Other thyroid-related issues, like thyroiditis, over- or under-supplementation of iodine, and rare thyroid disorders, can contribute to various skin changes. For example, hypothyroidism can lead to hyperpigmentation due to impaired carotene-to-vitamin A conversion, giving the skin a yellowish tint.

Testing for Thyroid Imbalances

Diagnosing thyroid issues involves several blood tests, including:

TSH Test: Measures thyroid-stimulating hormone levels to detect underactive or overactive thyroid.

Free T4 and T3 Tests: Measure the levels of free thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), the hormones directly affecting skin and metabolism.

Other diagnostic tools like ultrasounds or thyroid antibody tests may be needed if autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's or Graves’ disease are suspected.

General Skincare Recommendations

When managing skin affected by thyroid imbalances, a gentle and mindful skincare routine is essential.

Here are some key guidelines to follow:

1. Avoid Harsh Ingredients:People with thyroid-related skin issues should be cautious of ingredients that can worsen their skin condition. It’s best to avoid:

   • Endocrine disruptors like parabens, phthalates, and triclosan, which may interfere with hormone balance

   • Alcohol-based products, which can further dry out already dry skin, especially in hypothyroidism

   • Fragrances and dyes, as they can irritate sensitive or reactive skin​

   • Strong exfoliants like salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which may aggravate sensitivity or thin skin associated with hyperthyroidism

2. Prioritize Daily SPF:Sunscreen is crucial for managing thyroid-related skin conditions. Use SPF 30 or higher every day to:

   • Protect sensitive skin from sunburn and prevent hyperpigmentation or worsening conditions like melasma

   • Prevent further skin thinning and premature aging caused by UV exposure, particularly in individuals with hyperthyroidism​

     
     

SANA's Approach:

At SANA, we address thyroid-related skin issues holistically, with a combination of custom-compounded dermatological skincare, professional treatments, and internal support through our naturopath:

• Topical Care with Custom-Compounded Skincare:

  We specialize in creating dermatologically formulated skincare products (Dermaviduals) compounded to each client’s unique skin needs. This is crucial for managing symptoms like dryness, flakiness, or pigmentation caused by thyroid imbalances. By restoring the skin barrier, our custom formulations help maintain hydration and protect against environmental stressors.

  
  

• Professional In-Clinic Treatments:

  Our clinic offers advanced, supportive professional in clinic skin treatments, designed to soothe sensitive, reactive skin and/or other concerns. These treatments not only improve skin texture but also aid in managing inflammation and boosting collagen production, critical for thyroid-affected skin.

  
  

• Internal Support via Naturopathy:

  To complement topical and external treatments, we provide naturopathic consultations that focus on addressing internal imbalances, including hormone regulation, stress management, and nutritional support. Our naturopath works with clients to optimize thyroid function naturally, which can significantly impact overall skin health and well-being.

Conclusion

Understanding the intricate relationship between thyroid health and your skin is essential for effective treatment. At SANA, we provide a holistic approach, combining topical and internal support to ensure your skin remains healthy, even when faced with thyroid challenges.

For more details on our comprehensive approach, contact us - we are here to help.