1. Darkened, Thickened Skin in Body Folds (Acanthosis Nigricans)
One of the very first things I look for is a skin condition known as acanthosis nigricans. Even if you’ve never heard the term, chances are you’ve seen it before. This appears as dark, almost velvety patches of skin that crop up in areas where your skin folds or experiences friction, like the back of your neck, under your armpits, groin, elbow creases, or even on your knuckles.
You might notice these spots look a bit dirty or feel unusually thick. Here’s why: insulin acts as a growth hormone. When it sends a constant “grow, grow, grow” message to your skin cells—especially where sweat and friction are common—the skin in those spots starts to pile up and darken.
2. Skin Tags Popping Up, Especially in Clusters
Next, let’s talk about those tiny, fleshy growths that seem to appear out of nowhere – skin tags. People often chalk these up to friction from clothing or jewelry, but recurring clusters, especially in the same spots as acanthosis nigricans, are red flags for insulin resistance.
Unlike moles, skin tags have a small stalk and usually pop up in body folds like the neck, armpits, and groin. Yes, friction may help them form, but the underlying cause is that same relentless insulin-driven growth signal. If you find yourself snipping off skin tags regularly or seeing new ones appear, your body could be crying out for help!
