The new UK high-street service is designed to help people with common health issues
Superdrug has announced the launch of a new service for shoppers, available nationwide in stores. The new service marks a UK high street first and is aimed at people who suffer from common health conditions, helping them get to the root cause.
For £109, shoppers can get Superdrug’s new Skin Health Blood Test. It is designed to help uncover whether common skin concerns could actually be linked to what’s happening inside the body. From acne and dullness to dryness and premature ageing, Superdrug’s new Skin Health Blood Test reveals what could really be impacting your skin – including if you’re at risk of low iron, which can cause fatigue and dull, washed-out skin.
The test analyses a range of biomarkers associated with skin health, helping customers understand whether nutritional deficiencies, hormone levels, thyroid function or blood sugar balance could be contributing to concerns such as breakouts, dryness, dullness and tired-looking skin.
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 through Superdrug Health Clinics nationwide.
Low iron levels could be impacting your glow
Having low iron levels can make you feel tired and worn out all the time. This ongoing fatigue occurs because your body needs iron to produce haemoglobin, an essential protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your muscles, tissues, and vital organs. When your iron levels decrease, your body has a hard time delivering enough oxygen, so your heart works much harder to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout your 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 often blamed on the weather, stress or skincare products. However, deficiencies in key nutrients can sometimes play a role. According to Craig Watt, Superdrug’s Skin Health Blood Test measures vitamin D, which is an important marker linked to 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 influences a number of functions throughout the body. Changes to thyroid function can sometimes be associated with dry skin. Craig Watt says that Superdrug’s Skin Health Blood Test includes both TSH and free T4 testing, helping provide a broader picture of thyroid health.
