That skin often seems the outer reflection of the inner being may explain, at least in part, why problem skin is so distressing and why Americans spend billions of dollars a year on skin care treatments and cosmetics. As women approach middle age, they often find that their skin gets thinner and tends to lose moisture creating fine lines and wrinkles.

So many of us just shrug these signs off as normal, but they could in fact be indicators of a thyroid malfunction. While some thyroid problems can be permanent, many can be controlled and treatment can also sometimes reverse the symptoms – getting rid of the excess weight, filling out the hair, and restoring moisture and beauty to the skin. In fact, even for those with the most difficult to treat conditions, proper skin care treatment can bring vast relief.

The thyroid is a small gland at the base of the throat, just below the larynx. It produces the thyroid hormone, known as T4. The T4 circulates through the body to the liver, where it is converted into T3, and Reverse T3 (RT3). T3 is the active hormone, and circulates to every cell in the body helping to regulate metabolism. This process has an effect on every organ in the body.

Malfunction of this process can result in hypothyroidism, insufficient production of T4, or hyperthyroidism, excessive production of T4. Both conditions are usually diagnosed with blood tests that measure T4 levels.

Statistics suggest that 20 percent of the adult population could have an under active thyroid and as a result suffer from skin conditions such as

• Pale, cold, scaly, wrinkled skin

• Dry, itchy skin

• Skin colour - ivory - yellow

• Brittle thick nails

The extremely dry, itchy, and often inflamed skin can cause discomfort and even infections and can be very difficult to treat. Dry skin that's not cared for can lead to eczema, folliculitis or even cellulitis, a potentially serious bacterial infection of the skin's underlying tissues.

Fortunately, recent research has led to the development of a shielding lotion that when included in your skin care routine can effectively relieve these symptoms.