Skin Care Tips To Follow If You Have A Heart Condition

If you have a heart condition, you might not realize that your skincare products could be interfering with your health in major ways. There are some types of skin care products and ingredients that can cause problems — especially if you have a pacemaker. So we're here to help you know what to be on the lookout for when creating the perfect skincare routine for you. 

It's no wonder that the health of your skin can be tied to the health of your heart. Warning signs of heart disease can show up on your skin and nails. Dermatologist Jeremy A. Brauer, MD, tells WebMD, "The skin is the largest organ in your body, and while it may be considered 'external,' the skin can often reflect the health and wellness of internal organs." He suggests seeing a doctor if you have any concerns about what your skin could be telling you about your health. If you have a diagnosed heart condition, there are certain types of skincare products you should avoid.

Some products that you should avoid include anything with collagen or vitamin K. Cardiologist Stephanie Saucier, MD, tells Allure that it's important to avoid urea, which is an ingredient in some lotions. Urea is often used for dry, rough skin. The ingredient may cause heart palpitations, so it may not be safe to use for people with heart conditions. Ask your doctor if you aren't sure. 

For patients who are on blood thinners, experts recommend avoiding vitamin K, which can be an ingredient in skincare products as well. If you have a pacemaker, be sure to avoid microcurrent devices, which have become popular in skincare. Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., tells Shape that people should talk to their doctor before using any devices on their skin. Microcurrent devices are used to increase the strength of muscles in your face and boost collagen production, which can be seen as desirable because people lose collagen each year.

When you have a pre-existing heart condition, it's important to always use sunscreen. While that advice is relevant to everyone, it's even more relevant to people facing the risk of heart failure and complications. According to experts at HeartFailure.net, some medications prescribed to people with heart failure make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, your skin is more prone to burning which can increase rates of skin cancer.

Dr. Stephanie Saucier told Allure that individuals with heart conditions should use a type of sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher as well as a sunscreen that protects against UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Generally, sunscreens that protect against all UV rays are labeled "broad-spectrum" sunscreens and would be the best bet for those with heart-related conditions to buy. But remember to reapply sunscreen based on how long the SPF coverage lasts.