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Wellness

Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

From dark under eye circles to excessive sweating, find out when your beauty dilemmas require more than a makeup counter.
Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

beauty counter health issues

The dilemma

Waking up with dark circles under your eyes can be a telltale sign of a fabulous evening or a night spent awake with a sick child. But occasionally, it’s a sign of something more pressing like a vitamin deficiency or an endocrinological problem.

Knowing the symptoms (and likely cause) can help you decide whether to head to the doctor’s office or beauty counter (we've got products tips if you require the latter). Dr. Lisa Kellett, dermatologist at DLK on Avenue in Toronto explains what you need to know about common health conditions frequently confused with beauty issues.

Woman on the beach with beautiful skin and hair

Symptom: Acne and hair growth

Some may think that acne and/or excess hair on the face are a genetic gift or caused by stress and poor diet. The truth is, they can also be symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition where a woman’s body produces excessive amounts of androgens (or male hormones).

It can also be associated with irregular periods and ovarian cysts. Dermatologists screen for this condition so if diagnosed early — coupled with medication, healthy eating and exercise — they can improve a patient's chances of getting pregnant and reduce their risks for heart disease and stroke. 

Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

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Quick fix

Blemish-free skin starts with the right cleanser. This one is designed to treat blackheads and acne without stripping away your natural moisture levels. This gentle cleanser also combats enlarged and clogged pores.

Shu Uemura porefinist anti-shine fresh cleansing oil, Shu Uemura, $38.

Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

Symptom: Dark circles

Dark under eye circles are concerning for many people but the problem isn’t always just a cosmetic one. Allergies, vitamin deficiencies, lack of sleep, endocrinological disease and blood disorders can also cause puffiness and dark circles. It’s important to see a doctor if you notice changes in the eye area accompanied by symptoms such as weight change, night sweats and excessive sweating.

To find out how to get rid of puffy eyes and dark circles the natural way click here.

Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

Quick fix

Left: This nourishing anti-aging cream instantly transforms dark eyes. We love how dark circles and puffiness fade away and the eye area is brightened instantly.

Premier Cru the Eye Cream, Caudalie, $100.

Right: This double-duty wonder stick hydrates and conceals dark under eye circles. Made with vitamin E and apple seed extract, this no-crease concealer illuminates and brightens for a natural glowy finish.

Benefit Fake Up, Sephora, $29.

Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

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Symptom: Dry hands

Dry skin on the hands is very common in the winter, especially if you're washing your hands excessively. But if you notice that your palms are excessively dry, it could be a sign of eczema, fungus or psoriasis. The best thing to do is to see a dermatologist for assessment. Be sure to bring the products you're currently using to the appointment as well as making a note of anything you regularly come into contact with at home or work.

Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

Quick fix

This super-charged hand cream tackles everything from age spots to wrinkled, thinning skin, all while nourishing and rejuvenating. Moisturizing shea butter helps to hydrate skin, restore suppleness and plump fine lines.

StriVectin-SD volumizing hand treatment, Murale, $33.

Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

Symptom: Dry and itchy skin

Sensitive skin that's itchy, red and dry can often be helped with the right skin care products.

Rosacea and systemic lupus erythematosus can often be confused for these cosmetic concerns, so visit a professional if you have facial flushing or if your cheeks, nose or chin regularly appear red. If your face is easily irritated by skincare products, and often feels itchy or hot, something beyond chapped skin could be lurking.

Chloé runway shot, beauty, modelChloé (Photo, Imaxtree.)

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Quick fix

Testing new face creams when you have red, itchy skin can be tricky and trigger a reaction. That’s why we love the Skin Authority Calming Cream. Its hydrating formula soothes and calms instantly. This multi-acting cream can also be applied for relief from minor burns, overexposure to sun and waxing or laser treatments.

Skin Authority calming cream, Murale, $63.

Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

Symptom: Excessive sweating

Running around town looking for the right antiperspirant for your new dress isn’t the best way to treat sweating. You might be suffering from a condition called hyperhidrosis.

It's estimated that two percent of the population suffers from excessive sweating. This can be treated with Botox injections in the underarms, feet, palms and wrists, which blocks the chemical signal from the nerve to the sweat gland, stopping that area from sweating.

A dermatologist will be able to assess the severity of the issue and prescribe a treatment accordingly.

Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

Quick fix

This powerful roll-on antiperspirant offers excellent and effective body odour protection. The natural botanicals also provide skin-soothing benefits.

Fresh sugar deodorant antiperspirant, Sephora$23. If you're looking for an aluminum-free option, click here.

Five health conditions often confused with beauty issues

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