Your Skin is Sending Messages

Ever feel like your skin is trying to tell you something? That dry patch on your cheek or those surprise breakouts before a big event—they’re not random. Your skin is your body’s biggest messenger, and it’s constantly sending signals about what’s happening inside - hydration, hormones, digestion, and even stress are reflected. And since most of us are juggling a million things, it’s easy to miss those clues.

Our bodies are working overtime behind the scenes—our gut, liver, kidneys, and even our immune system are all busy clearing out toxins. When they get overloaded, our skin often shows the first signs—redness, bumps, puffiness under the eyes, or even dullness. These changes aren’t just cosmetic; they’re showing us that something inside needs attention.

The good news? Once you know what your skin is saying, you can respond with simple, natural steps that fit into real life. This guide will help you decode those signals and give you practical ways to support your skin—from easy hydration tips to nourishing herbs and non-toxic products that actually work. Because healthy, radiant skin isn’t just about what we put on the outside—it starts from within.

Here, we’ll focus on what your skin is telling you about what’s going on internally and how to give your body what it needs to thrive and shine.

Common Skin Issues and What Your Body is Telling You

Dry, flaky skin is telling us we’re dehydrated

When our skin feels rough and flaky, it’s not just the cold weather—it’s our body signaling that it needs more hydration. Dry skin often points to dehydration or a lack of healthy fats in our diet. And that matters for more than just appearance – it's about our body’s ability to function well.

Before we talk about what to add, let’s start with what to avoid. Alcohol and processed foods can dry us out fast, and even certain “warming” foods (think spicy, fried, or overly salty) can make things worse. Instead, lean into soothing, moistening foods.

Cozy soups and stews aren’t just comfort food—they’re hydration heroes, and when we’re feeling dry, it can be helpful to cook with cooling rather than heating spices -- like coriander, fennel, thyme, cilantro and cardamom. And watery vegetables, like cucumbers, red bell peppers, zucchini and celery can be just as important in winter as they are in summer.

Other ways to support hydrated skin from within:

Fresh Air. Open the windows, even in winter. This is helpful for your skin and your entire immune system. Our 7 Steps for a Healthy Home in Colder Months blog expands on this & other cold weather wellness tips.

Humidifier. Add moisture back into your home air. Your skin (and your kids’ noses) will thank you.

Clean water. Tap water often contains chlorine and chemicals that dry skin and contribute to many other health issues. But our water needs to not only be clean – it needs to provide essential minerals too. For some guidance on supporting your system with the best filtered water possible, check out our blog What you Need to Know about Water Filters.

Our bodies need more than just water to hydrate properly. Our Electrolyte Powder replenishes our cells with the salt and glucose we need, with just three simple ingredients. Drinking small amounts of aloe vera juice can also help hydrate the skin, as well as soothing the stomach lining and supporting immunity with Vitamin C, calcium & magnesium. (8)

Get good with your gut. At Earthley, we’re big on gut health because it affects everything—our bodies, minds, and even our skin. When our gut microbiome is out of balance, it often shows up as acne, eczema, psoriasis, or stubborn dryness. That’s the Gut-Skin Axis at work. Supporting your gut can make a real difference, and that’s why we love Gut Health Oil for its blend of gut-supportive herbs and oils, and Digest-Ease for soothing digestive discomfort.

Healthy fats: Don’t fear the fat! Good fats help our bodies absorb nutrients and keep cells happy.

• Monounsaturated fats: Found in olive oil, avocado, peanut oil, and most nuts.
• Polyunsaturated fats: Include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3s are in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Omega-6s are in oils like cols-pressed sunflower. (4) Our Cod Liver Oil is a potent source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
• Saturated fats, like bacon fat and coconut oil, are solid at room temperature and be beneficial to cholesterol levels when eaten in moderation. (4) MCT-formulated coconut oil may offer benefits but is not commonly found in stores. (7)
• What about seed oils? A lot of people think seed oils are bad, but research tells a different story. When they’re cold-pressed—not chemically extracted—they can actually be a healthy source of Omega-6 fatty acids. In fact, they may even help lower bad cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. Experts say the real problem isn’t the oils themselves—it’s the processed foods they’re often hiding in. So instead of cutting out seed oils completely, focus on ditching those ultra-processed snacks. (5) (6)
• Choose organic, cold-pressed oils to avoid chemical solvents. Also, be mindful of smoke points—overheating oils can trigger inflammation. Use avocado oil for cooking and olive oil raw, like in dressings.
• Lastly, remember: every body is different. Pay attention to how your body responds to different fats and oils.

Herbs that hydrate and nourish

Our skin loves herbs like:

• Marshmallow leaf & root
• Licorice root
• Calendula
• Burdock root
• Lemon balm
• Dandelion root
• Oatstraw & milky oat seed
• Chamomile
• Rose hips
• Nettle

You can brew them as infusions in hot or cold water; extract them in alcohol, vegetable glycerin, vinegar, or oil; and many are available in our tea blends and tinctures, and in bulk at our store.

Topical Care

Our skin loves a little TLC from the outside too! While nourishing from within is key, giving our skin healthy oils and herbs topically makes a big difference. The first step? Skip those commercial soaps that strip away natural moisture. Most store-bought options are harsh and drying, but our cold-pressed soaps are gentle and nourishing. Even then, don’t overdo it—soap only where bacteria builds and let the rest of your skin keep its natural oils.

Lotions and moisturizers can be tricky too. Many are packed with alcohols, fragrances, parabens, and petroleum by-products that actually dry and damage your skin. That’s why we stick to nature’s oils in formulas our skin can truly absorb. Our Moisturize Me and Rejuvenate Me Facial Serum revive tired skin and bring back your natural glow. For all-over hydration, our Whipped Body Butters feel like pure luxury. We’ve gathered some of our best skin saviors into an unbeatable dry skin support bundle. And if you’re looking for even more tips, our Dry Skin Guide is packed with ideas to keep your skin happy all winter long.

Other Skin Signals and What They Mean

Dry skin isn’t the only way our bodies talk to us. Here are a few other clues your skin might be giving:

Breakouts

These often mean our detox pathways are backed up. When our liver and lymphatic system are overloaded, toxins can show up on our skin. Support your body with herbs and products that help clear things out—our Liver Love tincture is a favorite, and for topical support, try our Clear Skin Essential Oil Roller.

Redness

Red, irritated skin? Often it’s your gut talking. Stress, food triggers, or an imbalanced microbiome can show up as redness. Calm things down with soothing herbs like chamomile and calendula, and support digestion for lasting relief.

Puffiness

Puffy eyes? Usually it’s fluid retention or sluggish detox. Hydrate well, move your body, and try kidney-supporting herbs like nettle. Even a quick facial massage can help reduce swelling and boost circulation.

Yellow or Gray Skin

Dull, yellowish skin often means poor circulation or nutrient gaps. Brighten up with iron-rich herbs like nettle and colorful foods—berries, greens, citrus. Supporting your liver helps restore that healthy glow.

Face Mapping: What Your Skin Might Be Telling You & What you can do about it

Ever wonder why certain spots on your face always seem to act up? It’s not random. For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda have used face mapping to connect skin changes to what’s happening inside the body—and now modern dermatology is catching on. Our skin is like a map, and every area can give us clues about digestion, hormones, stress, and more. (1)

Forehead: Breakouts or lines on your forehead? They’re often linked to digestion and hydration. Stress and skipped water breaks can show up here first.

What to do: Drink plenty of clean water, manage stress, and support your gut with soothing herbs and balanced meals. Learn more with our Stress Less PDF & our Gut Health Support Guide.

Cheeks: Redness or puffiness on our cheeks can point to lung health or air quality issues.

What to do: Get out in the fresh air & open windows, even when it’s cold outside! Filter toxins and allergens out of the air at home & work. Here’s our Air Filter guide for some guidance. Support the respiratory system with lung-loving foods & herbs, including pears, mullein, osha root, peppermint & eucalyptus. Try our Cough B Gone tincture for more lung love.

Breathe steam. Oh, if only steam saunas were more prevalent in our culture! If you don’t have access to this respiratory lubricant, you can create a mini steam sauna by breathing over a bowl of boiled water, and even adding a few drops of lavender (also skin-supportive) & eucalyptus essential oils, ideally with a towel covering your head & the bowl. (Note: keep enough distance between your face and the steam to avoid excessive heat.) This is also a lovely way to open your pores & let those babies breathe.

Nose: Redness or breakouts around your nose may signal circulation or heart health concerns.

What to do: Do things that bring you joy! Get enough rest, exercise, wholesome food & water. Work with heart- healthy herbs & foods like hawthorn berry, turmeric, cinnamon, and reishi mushroom – some of the herbs in our Healthy Heart tincture. Check out our Heart Health guide to learn more.

Chin & Jawline: Related to reproductive and hormonal health, breakouts here often point to hormonal shifts, especially in women.

What to do: Take time to notice your natural cycles and shift your habits to reflect different needs at various times of the month and different periods of life. Check out our in-depth Hormone Balance guide for so much information & support. Our Hormone Balance Bundle has your back, with some of our favorite formulas for foundational reinforcement, and our Happy Hormone Tea delivers delicious additional nourishment.

Eyes & Under-Eyes: Dark circles or puffiness? That’s usually about hydration or kidney stress. (1)

What to do: Drink mineral-rich water, get enough sleep, and add deeply nutritive herbs like nettle and alfalfa for extra support. Our Energy Plus formula provides iron & other important vitamins & minerals, and our UT Relief tincture may help promote urinary tract health and kidney health.

In Conclusion

Your skin is about so much more than appearance -- it’s your body’s way of talking to you. Those little changes—dry patches, redness, puffiness—are signals, not flaws. And the best part? You have the power to respond with simple, nourishing steps. Drink clean water, eat vibrant foods, and lean on herbs that support your whole system.

Healthy skin starts from within, and every small choice adds up. So be gentle with yourself, listen to what your body is saying, and celebrate progress—not perfection. You deserve to feel good in your skin, inside and out.

Disclaimer - This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services and its statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider regarding a specific medical condition.

References:

1. Ayurvedic Face Mapping for Health Insights . Jeevan Jyoti Ayurveda https://jeevanjyotiayurveda.com/ayurvedic-face-mapping-what-your-skin-reveals-about-your-health/

2. Earthley's Skin Care Guide [PDF Digital Download] | Natural Wellness | Earthley | Earthley Wellness https://earthley.com/products/earthleys-skin-care-guide

3. Dietary Fats | American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/dietary-fats

4. The truth about fats: the good, the bad, and the in-between - Harvard Health https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-fats-bad-and-good

5. The Evidence Behind Seed Oils' Health Effects | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-evidence-behind-seed-oils-health-effects

6. Are seed oils poisoning Americans? Here's what you need to know: NPR https://www.npr.org/2025/07/07/nx-s1-5453769/nutrition-canola-rfk-seed-oils-soybean

7. Is there a place for coconut oil in a healthy diet? - Harvard Health https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-there-a-place-for-coconut-oil-in-a-healthy-diet-2019011415764

8. 6 Benefits of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-aloe-vera-drink