High cholesterol doesn’t always show clear symptoms, but your face can give early warning signs. These subtle changes are often overlooked, but identifying them early can protect you from heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries.
1. Xanthelasma (Yellow Patches Around Eyes)
If you notice yellowish, soft, fatty deposits around your eyelids or near your eyes, it may indicate high cholesterol. These patches are called xanthelasma, one of the most common facial signs of elevated lipid levels.
2. Small Yellowish Bumps on Skin (Xanthomas)
Tiny, yellow, waxy bumps on the face—especially around the nose, cheeks, or eyes—can signal abnormal cholesterol metabolism. They appear when excess cholesterol starts accumulating under the skin.
3. Pale or Grey Ring Around the Iris (Arcus Senilis)
A grey, white, or bluish ring forming around the colored part of your eye is called arcus senilis. While it can be normal with aging, if it appears before age 40, it may be linked to high cholesterol and triglycerides.
4. Frequent Facial Dullness or Poor Skin Glow
High cholesterol can reduce blood circulation. This sometimes results in the face looking dull, tired, dry, or less radiant, even with a proper skincare routine. Poor circulation affects nutrient and oxygen delivery to the skin.
When to Be Alert?
If you notice any of these changes, especially along with:
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- heaviness in chest
- sudden weight gain
