Hello and welcome back to the blog! I’m glad you’re still reading for those who know me, and for those who don’t, I’m a beauty guru with an autoimmune disease. Breathing with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and trying to live life to the fullest can be difficult at times, and I know there are many other women out there who suffer from the same thing. I started this blog to share my tips and tricks with the internet and beyond.

Today I want to focus on one of the most challenging aspects of my beauty routine: skincare.

It has taken me a lifetime to master, and I still don’t fully understand (when your internal hormone regulator isn’t working, your skin tends to get out of whack, so enjoy). But here are a few things I’ve learned about my skin and some products I use to offset the imbalances I face with an autoimmune disease:

1. I Have Dry Skin – Like, Really Dry Skin

Many women with Hashimoto’s have it! It’s a typical condition symptom and can be very painful and uncomfortable. My most important tip is to lather with lotion every time you shower with hot water, and make sure it’s fragrance- and alcohol-free

2. Use a Dermatologically Proven Brand

This especially applies to my face. I can’t use brands like Neutrogena or L’Oréal, which have a lot of alcohol and fragrances, as they tend to dry out my skin more quickly and make me prone to breakouts. Instead, I look for doctor-approved brands for sensitive skin. They’re usually fragrance-free and have labels like “sensitive skin” or “dryness.”

3. Hyaluronic Acid is Bae

This brings me to my next tip: fixings. My favourite ingredient for dry autoimmune skin is hyaluronic acid. Despite its name, this hydrating acid has helped restore my moisture barrier. Every face is different, so an ingredient that works for one person may not work for everyone.

4. Don’t Exfoliate Every Day

I used to do that and couldn’t understand why I was getting breakouts. I kept my skin clear! Then, a good friend from Hashimoto told me that exfoliating daily is harsh on the skin and can cause more damage and dryness, so it’s better to save the scrub for a weekly treatment.

5. Rashes can be a Real Pain

This has been the worst for me. With Hashimoto’s, I often get breakouts all over my face and body, which is unpleasant. I’ve found the best way to treat them is to take care of your skin and be very careful with what you eat. Foods like gluten tend to irritate my skin more than others, so I follow a gluten-free diet. Also, always take photos of your breakouts to document the changes with your doctor. Remember that any dietary change that works for one person may not work for another, so it’s essential to understand your body to get the most out of its benefits.

There you have it! Some of the strange skin symptoms I’ve dealt with as a person with an autoimmune disease, and some tips and tricks to help the body’s largest organ thrive.

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