The cosmetologist called the signs of a lack of vitamins and trace elements in appearance

Dry skin, dull hair, brittle nails and increased hair loss are not always associated only with improper care. Sometimes such changes can be a signal of a deficiency of certain substances or other disorders in the body, but it is impossible to determine the specific cause only by external signs. Anastasia Volkova, cosmetologist, trichologist, dermatovenerologist, co-founder of the Unité clinic network and founder of the Unité cosmetics brand Dr. Anastasia Volkova, told "Izvestia" on September 15.

According to the specialist, the same symptom can occur in different conditions. Therefore, changes in appearance should be perceived not as a ready-made diagnosis, but as a reason to carefully assess the general condition of the body.

Iron: the cause of hair loss and fatigue

One of the first indicators that doctors check for severe hair loss is the iron level. According to Volkova, iron deficiency can be accompanied by diffuse hair loss, weakness, fatigue, pale skin and brittle nails.

At the same time, a normal hemoglobin level does not always mean an adequate supply of iron in the body. Therefore, a specialist can prescribe not only a general blood test, but also a study of the level of ferritin, which reflects the reserves of the trace element.

However, you should not take iron supplements yourself based on the results of one analysis alone. It is important to establish not only the presence of a deficit, but also the cause of its occurrence.

Vitamin D is not a universal beauty remedy

Vitamin D is involved in the immune system and many body processes, and its receptors are present in the skin and hair follicles. However, the doctor emphasized that dry skin, wrinkles, or hair loss alone are not evidence of a deficiency of this vitamin.

The role of vitamins B12 and folate

Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for normal hematopoiesis and cell renewal processes. With a pronounced deficiency of these substances, weakness, pallor of the skin, anemia and changes in the condition of the mucous membranes may appear. People with restrictive diets, nutrient absorption disorders, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as patients taking certain medications are at risk.

At the same time, the doctor stressed that it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis first and only after that to adjust the indicators with the help of nutrition or supplements.

Zinc and skin condition

Zinc is involved in the work of enzymes, maintaining immunity, tissue repair and cell division. With a pronounced deficiency of this trace element, skin condition, tissue healing, hair and nails may worsen.

However, uncontrolled intake of large doses of zinc can also be harmful. According to the expert, an excess of this substance can disrupt copper metabolism, so you should not take supplements "for prevention" unnecessarily.

Why protein is important

According to Volkova, when assessing the condition of skin and hair, they often forget about the basic factor — a sufficient amount of protein in the diet. Hair is largely composed of keratin, a protein structure. With strict diets, limited nutrition, or drastic weight loss, the body begins to direct resources primarily to vital processes. Because of this, diffuse hair loss may occur a few months after severe weight loss.

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Why you shouldn't take a lot of supplements on your own

Magnesium, selenium, copper and omega-3 are also important for the body, but this does not mean that every person needs to regularly take dozens of tests and take a large number of medications. For example, copper deficiency can affect the condition of hair and hematopoiesis, but it is much less common than iron deficiency. Excess selenium, on the contrary, can lead to problems with hair and nails.

According to the doctor, a large number of supplements does not guarantee an improvement in health.

When should I see a doctor?

If hair loss has increased at the same time, the structure of nails has changed, unusual dry skin, weakness, drowsiness or decreased performance have appeared, it is worth discussing these changes with a specialist. It is especially important to undergo an examination if the symptoms appeared abruptly, coincided with a strict diet, weight loss, pregnancy and the postpartum period, a change in diet, illness, or the start of taking new medications.

However, there is no universal list of tests for everyone. One person may need to have their iron metabolism and thyroid function checked, another may need to have their vitamin B12 or vitamin D levels assessed, and a third may not need additional testing.

According to the expert, the right approach is not to find a universal "beauty checklist", but to assess complaints, nutrition, lifestyle and symptoms followed by spot diagnosis.