Visit the Superdrug website to find your nearest clinic (Image: Getty )
Superdrug has unveiled a new service for customers, now available across its stores nationwide. The innovative service represents a first for the UK high street and targets people with common health conditions, helping them identify the underlying cause.
For £109, customers can access Superdrug‘s new Skin Health Blood Test. It aims to determine whether everyday skin complaints may be linked to internal bodily processes. From acne and dullness to dryness and premature ageing, Superdrug’s new Skin Health Blood Test uncovers what could genuinely be affecting your skin – including whether you’re at risk of low iron, which can make you feel tired and cause dull, washed-out skin.
The test examines a variety of biomarkers linked to skin health, enabling customers to discover whether nutritional deficiencies, hormone levels, thyroid function or blood sugar balance might be contributing to issues such as breakouts, dryness, dullness and tired-looking skin, reports the Mirror.
Craig Watt, Pharmacy Director at Superdrug, says: “People are looking for evidence-based results to improve their skin health, and the reality is that our skin can sometimes reflect what’s happening internally. Factors such as vitamin levels, hormones and overall health can all play a role in how skin looks and feels, and our new skin health blood test gives people the option to understand what’s going on biologically. It can help them to better care for their skin now and in the future.”
A statement on the Superdrug website reads: “Your skin is a dynamic organ that often reflects what’s happening beneath the surface. Factors such as nutrient status, hormonal balance, blood sugar regulation, and liver function can all influence skin appearance and condition. Imbalances or deficiencies in these areas may contribute to concerns such as dryness, dullness, or breakouts. While this test will not diagnose a specific skin condition, it can help identify correctable issues that may be impacting your skin and overall wellbeing.”
What does the Skin Health Blood Test measure?
The test analyses key biomarkers linked to skin health, including:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Ferritin (Iron Stores)
- Full Blood Count (FBC)
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- HbA1c (Blood Sugar)
- Testosterone
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Free Thyroxine (FT4)
The service costs £109 and is available at Superdrug Health Clinics across the country.
For this blood test you will need to fast, not eat or drink anything except water for eight hours, before hand (Image: Getty)
Low iron levels could be robbing you of your natural glow
Depleted iron levels can leave you feeling constantly exhausted and run down. This persistent fatigue develops because the body requires iron to produce haemoglobin, a vital protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen to your muscles, tissues, and vital organs. As iron levels drop, the body struggles to deliver sufficient oxygen, forcing the heart to work considerably harder to pump oxygen-rich blood around the body.
Craig Watt says: “Feeling tired isn’t the only potential sign of low iron stores. Iron plays an important role in carrying oxygen in your blood and can sometimes contribute to changes in appearance when levels are low”. He says that Superdrug’s Ferritin Skin Health Blood Test helps assess the body’s iron stores alongside a full blood count.
He added: “Many people are unaware of the impact nutritional deficiencies can have on how they look and feel. Understanding iron levels can be a valuable part of building a clearer picture of your health.”
Your breakouts might not be caused by your skincare routine
“When acne or blemishes appear, many people instinctively switch cleansers, serums or moisturisers,” Craig Watt said. “However, hormones can often play a significant role in skin health.”
Superdrug’s Skin Health Blood Test includes Testosterone testing. This test can help customers better understand whether hormonal factors may be influencing changes in their skin, says Craig. He adds: “Persistent skin concerns can sometimes leave people constantly changing products in search of a solution. Understanding whether hormones could be contributing provides a much more informed starting point.”
Vitamin deficiencies could be showing up on your skin
Dryness, dullness and a lack of radiance are frequently attributed to the weather, stress or skincare products. Yet deficiencies in essential nutrients can occasionally contribute. According to Craig Watt, Superdrug’s Skin Health Blood Test assesses vitamin D, which is a crucial marker associated with skin and bone health.
He explained: “We’re seeing increasing consumer interest in understanding the connection between nutrition and skin health. People want to know not only what products to use, but whether there may be wider factors influencing their skin.”
Your thyroid could be affecting more than your energy levels
The thyroid impacts numerous functions across the body. Alterations to thyroid function can occasionally be linked with dry skin. Craig Watt notes that Superdrug’s Skin Health Blood Test incorporates both TSH and free T4 testing, helping deliver a more comprehensive picture of thyroid health.
