What Breakouts, Redness & Dryness Say About Your Internal Health

What Breakouts, Redness & Dryness Say About Your Internal Health

Written by Elle Sproll

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why is my skin doing this?”

Maybe it’s a sudden breakout around your jawline, unexplained redness across your cheeks, or persistent dryness that no moisturiser seems to fix. It can feel frustrating—especially when you thought you were doing all the right things.

Here’s the thing: your skin is incredibly smart. It's not just your outer layer — it’s often the first place internal imbalances show up.

If you're recovering from cancer, navigating hormonal shifts, or simply trying to rebuild a life that feels healthy and calm, your skin can be a powerful guide — not something to be fixed, but something to listen to.

Let’s unpack what those signs on your skin might be telling you about what’s going on inside.

Your Skin Reflects Your Inner World

In holistic health coaching, we often say that “your skin is a mirror of your internal health.” That’s not just a poetic idea — it's grounded in biology.

Skin issues like acne, redness, and dryness are often linked to deeper imbalances in the gut, hormones, stress levels, and even diet. So when a rash flares or a breakout won’t go away, it might not be just a “skin problem” — it might be your body gently flagging that something underneath needs support.

Breakouts: It’s Not Just About Oily Skin

Let’s talk about acne — especially around the chin and jaw. This is an area commonly linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women. After cancer treatment, or during times of stress and change, hormones can feel like a rollercoaster. And your skin? It rides that wave right alongside you.

Breakouts can also be linked to your gut health — a major player in inflammation and immunity. If the gut lining is inflamed or imbalanced (often referred to as “leaky gut”), your body may start pushing out toxins through your skin instead.

Root causes of hormonal or persistent acne may include:

• High stress = high cortisol = more inflammation

• Blood sugar spikes and dips from refined carbs or processed foods

• Digestive issues, especially poor absorption or sluggish detoxification

• Hormonal changes post-cancer, perimenopause, or coming off treatment

A key step? Supporting your gut with anti-inflammatory, whole foods and working gently with your body — not against it.

Redness: A Clue from Your Immune System

Redness, especially across the cheeks, chest, or nose, may be linked to inflammatory responses in the body. Rosacea-like flushing can be triggered by things like histamines, gut imbalances, alcohol, spicy foods, or even heat. But it's also worth looking deeper.

Red, inflamed skin can be a sign of:

• Food sensitivities or poor digestion

• An overactive immune system (often post-chemo or long-term medication)

• Liver overload, where your body’s detox pathways are sluggish

• Stress and cortisol surges, which increase blood flow and flare-ups

If redness is new for you, it might be your skin’s way of saying your system needs a reset — not punishment, not panic, just care.

Dryness: When Your Body Is Calling for Nourishment

Persistent dryness — no matter how much moisturiser you slather on — could be a sign that your body isn’t absorbing or producing what it needs. This might be due to nutritional deficiencies, hormone dips (hello, oestrogen!), or even dehydration at a cellular level.

Common causes of dry, flaky skin include:

• Low omega-3s (which help keep your skin barrier strong and supple)

• Poor fat digestion or bile flow (especially if your gallbladder's been removed or compromised)

• Post-cancer treatment dryness due to lower oestrogen and slower oil production

• Gut issues that prevent absorption of vitamins A, D, and E

This is your sign to start nourishing from within. Think: oily fish, flaxseeds, avocado, olive oil — and fewer processed, packaged foods.

What About Stress?

Whether you’ve been through treatment or are simply carrying the invisible weight of always having to “hold it together,” stress leaves a signature on your skin. Cortisol — your body’s main stress hormone — ramps up inflammation, disrupts the skin barrier, and messes with sleep and digestion.

You’re not imagining it: stress can make skin conditions worse, and skin issues can make you feel even more stressed. It’s a loop — but the good news is, gentle mindset shifts and healing routines can help you break it.

Start with small moments: breathwork, stretching, saying no, eating slowly, even asking for help. These aren't luxuries — they’re medicine.

Healing Skin Starts from the Inside Out

You don’t have to do everything at once. Healing — whether it’s post-cancer or just post-burnout — takes time, and your skin is part of that process.

Here are some gentle, health-coach-approved ways to start:

• Prioritise whole, anti-inflammatory meals (fewer labels, more colour)

• Stay hydrated, and include electrolytes if needed

• Add fermented foods or a quality probiotic for gut support

• Keep your skincare simple and non-irritating — your skin’s barrier needs kindness

• Explore relaxation tools like journalling, Reiki, or a gentle walk in the sun

Ready to Decode What Your Body’s Telling You?

If you’ve been feeling frustrated with your skin — or just tired of guessing what your body needs — you're not alone. Whether you’re rebuilding after cancer or simply trying to live a calm, healthy life, your body deserves support, not stress.

Book a free 20-minute clarity call to chat about what your skin might be trying to say — and how to respond with confidence, nourishment, and ease.

Your skin isn’t broken. It’s speaking. Let’s listen together.