Natural Skin Care Therapy
Natural Clinical Skin Care Therapy
A healthy skin is a reflection of inner health and natural beauty. Skin is the outer covering of the body that protects everything inside the body. It is the largest organ in human and it performs a number of vital functions. The skin's characteristics such as thickness, color, and texture vary throughout the body and from person to person.
Proper skincare treatments are essential in preventing and reversing skin damage and premature skin aging. For people with sensitive skin, healthy skincare is always a significant concern.Skin conditions can affect the skin, hair, and nails, and can range from a temporary, mild inconvenience to a chronic, daily challenge.
Many people suffer to some degree from skin problems such as dry skin, acne, dandruff, stretch marks, cellulite, ingrown hair, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, lupus, infections, urticaria or hives, spider veins, varicose veins, and etc.
Several recent researches being conducted into holistic skin care. In this type therapy, it is important to know the underlying cause of the problem instead of just “polishing” the skin.
The skin not only can be affected and changed by external factors such as stings, sun, tanning, poison ivy, environmental pollutants, chemicals, but also is affected by variety of internal factors including artificial sweeteners, additives, tobacco, trans fats, heavy metals, free radicals, lack of nutrients, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, stress, emotions, aging and much more.
Holistic, natural approach includes optimal diet, lifestyle and product choices. The Skin anatomy and the way it functions are linked to other major systems of the body including the immune, respiratory, circulatory, lymph and nervous systems. Therefore; anything affects the skin externally can involve the rest of the body, and at the same time any internal health condition can involve the skin.
Facts about the skin:
Skin functions
Physical Protection: the skin provides a physical barrier against pathogens, pressure, heat, cold, chemical, UV radiation, and dehydration.
Immune function: the skin is immunologically active through defence mechanisms in epidermis and dermis.
Specialized cells of the immune system, called Langerhans cells, are located throughout the layers of the skin. These calls detect the foreign substances and produce antibodies against them; and other cells will destroy or remove such immune complexes. The immune system response causes either quick hypersensitivity reactions (Like Nettle Rash) or delayed allergic reaction involving whole body’s immune system (Like Eczema).
Sebaceous glands located in the inner layer of the skin, called dermis, are producing sebum. Sebum is slightly acidic oily or waxy substance that helps your skin retains moisture, creating an environment in which some harmful bacteria cannot survive.
Millions of healthy bacteria, called normal flora live on the skin considered "healthy" bacteria because they prevent very harmful bacteria, called pathogens, from growing on the skin.
Storage and synthesis: Skin acts as a storage center for lipids and water; also produces Vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight.
Temperature regulation: Through sweat-producing glands and the evaporation of sweat and water, the body temperature is controlled. Another mechanism for rapid cooling is vasodilation (widening of blood vessels).While, through vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), heat loss is prevented.
Storage and synthesis: acts as a storage center for lipids and water. The skin produces Vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight.
Sensation: skin contains a variety of nerve endings reacting to heat and cold, touch, pressure, vibration, and tissue injury.
Social-interaction: Through paling, blushing and other expressions regulated by the autonomic nervous system, the skin serves as a communication system.
Skin structure and anatomy:
The skin is covering the entire outside of the body and weighing approximately six pounds. The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and fat layer (subcutaneous layer). Each layer of skin performs a specific task.
Epidermisis the outermost layer of the skin. It forms the waterproof, protective wrap over the body's surface and it is made up of sub-layers and specialized cells such as melanocytes producing melanin (skin pigment).
Basal layer is the inner layer of the epidermis, containing columns shape basal cells. Basal cells continually divide forming new keratinocytes and push already formed cells into higher layers. As the cells move into the higher layers, they change shape and composition become filled with keratin (keratin is a protein formed from the dead cells, protects the skin from harmful substances).
Keratinocytes eventually reach the top layer, called stratum corneum (horny layer), consisting of approximately 15-350 layers of dead cells strengthened and made water-resistant by the keratin and finally shed from the skins surface approximately every two weeks.
Dermis is the middle layer of the skin and is tightly connected to the epidermis. The dermis thickness varies depending on the location of the skin. Dermis contains collagen, elastic tissue, reticular fibres, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves. Dermis is divided to two sub- layers holding manyspecialized dermal cells and structures.
The Upper layer of the dermis is papillary layer made up of loose and thinner connective tissue supporting the connection between the two layers of skin.
Reticular Layer is the lower layer of dermis, it is thicker and it is composed of dense irregular connective tissue such as collagen fibers providing properties of strength, extensibility, and elasticity. This Layer holds Specialized Dermal Cells and structures including hair follicles, sweat glands, Sebaceous (oil) glands, and pain and touch receptors.
Subcutaneous layer is the deepest layer of skin consisting of a network from loose connective tissue, elastic fibers, collagen fibers, fibroblasts, fat cells, and macrophages. It helps conserve the body's heat while protecting other organs from injury by acting as a "shock absorber”, attaches the skin to underlying bone and muscle as well as supplying it with blood vessels and nerves.
Skin Types:
Normal skin: is supple, warm, and moist with even color .In normal skin the pores are barely visible with a radiant pinkish complexion, with no imperfections.
Normal skin has appropriate amount of water and lipids with an adequate balance between them. Normal skin represents ideal and healthy balance between sebum production rate and cellular exchange.
Dry skin: is dehydrated, rough, flaky, and tight with fine lines. In dry skin the pores are almost invisible with a dull complexion. Dry skin sometimes looks normal and sometimes can be delicate and fine.
Dry skin can be caused by exposure to certain chemicals, cold temperature, wind, sun, after burn or sun burns, radiation, and by some medications. In these cases, skin becomes flaky, cracked, red, and sometimes itchy. Genetic and hormonal aging are another factors contributing to skin dryness.
Very Dry Skin: is rough, scaly with red patches and/ or tiny cracks. This type skin is more common condition on the back of the hands, forearms and legs.
Both external factors such as certain chemicals and UV radiation, and internal factors like hormonal imbalances can cause very dry skin condition.
Combination Skin: is when the t-zone is oily and the cheeks are either dry or oily. The pores of the skin are dilated with a shiny complexion. Dryness and the oiliness condition can alternate.
Combination skin is due to an imbalance production and distribution of lipids which sometimes caused by hormonal and genetic factors).
Oily skin: is shiny or slightly waxy with blemishes and acne. The skin pores are open and it is prone to black heads.
Oily skin is because of the sebaceous glands’ hyperactivity which can be due to puberty, other hormonal imbalances, stress, antibiotics, and exposure to heat or excessive humidity.
Sensitive skin: is easily irritated, red with visible capillaries. Allergic skin, eczema, and rosacea are some examples of this category.
Several factors can contribute to sensitive skin. The external factors include chemicals, perfume, cosmetics, heat, cold, wind, pollution, laser, peeling, waxing and many more; and Internal factors include stress, hormonal imbalances, immune disorder, heavy metals and other chemical toxicities, genetic, lack of nutrients, and certain diets.
Mature skin: is when the skin losses its elasticity and fine lines, wrinkles and age spots will appear due to chronological and /or biological aging process.
Mature skin is physiologically different from young skin and needs to be treated in a specialized manner. Due to the aging process, the cellular renewal slows; the body produces less collagen, elastic tissues and lipids. The skin recovery slows down and the skin is more prone to certain conditions like dry skin, dermatitis, age spots, infections, and sometimes tumors, and cancer.
Aging of the skin is not only because of biological aging process which is due to lack of hormone production, slow toxic elimination, and slow cellular renewal; but also sun exposure, harsh chemicals, extreme climates, smoking, stress, illness, particularly nervous disorders, sudden weight loss, malnutrition, and chronic inflammation impact the aging process to some extent.
Skin Conditions:
Impair functioning of any organ or system due to various causes will result in disease which can be identified by a group of signs and symptoms. Acute diseases demonstrate rapid onset with severe symptoms in a short period of time; on the other hand, chronic disorders slowly progress with continuance and frequent recurrence over a longer period of time.
The skin is an organ and includes skin, hair, and nails, made of living cells and contains blood vessels, nerve terminals, and glands. The cells are varied in their type and function.
This organ reacts to various forces and substances, as do other organs in the body. These reactions are sometimes entirely limited to the skin or localized; while, other times it can involve other organs and systems in the body.
Causes contributing to skin conditions are mainly categorized under two groups including external and internal factors. However; many of the skin disorders arise from the combination of both internal and external conditions and / or any one of them may initiate the problem and can be joined or replaced by another. For example a sun burn that can get infected.
External factors include:
a) infectious agents; such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and etc. infectious diseases can be transmitted by humans, certain animals and insects, and infected substances like blood.
b) Chemical and physical agents; like drugs, poisons, radiation, sun light, environmental pollutants, certain cosmetic materials, physical injuries, nutrients’ deficiency, certain diets, and life style .
Internal factors include:
a) Hereditary and genetic disorders from one or both parents
b) Congenital diseases due to disturbances in the development of a normal embryo during pregnancy such as exposure to certain chemicals and toxins.
c) Immune disorders such as allergies, eczema, and dermatitis due to hypersensitive reactions to substances in the environment some drugs; or due to chronic exposure to certain chemicals and toxicities.
d) Hormonal imbalances or endocrine disorders because of either overfunctioning or underfunctioning of endocrine gland/s.
e) Circulatory problems like varicose veins and spider veins.
f) Tumors due to abnormally proliferating cells.
g) Psychosomatic causes like emotional stress, emotional disturbances.
The best skin care regime involves holistic natural approach paying attention to both the external and internal needs of the skin. This approach includes Nutrition, life style, and products choices.
Skin Care and Nutrition:
Skin requires nutrients derived from inside the body in order to protect itself from damage and replenish dead skin cells with new healthy cells. What you eat affects every organ in your body and skin is no exception.
Free radicals are affecting the body both internally and externally. Free radicals are produced on our skin by exposure to the sun, pollution, toxins in cosmetics and lotions. According to many researches foods such as sugar, chocolate, soft-drinks, preservatives, fats & oils, alcohol, sweets, MSG as well as pharmaceutical drugs are also contributing to increase number of free radicals in the body.
Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals with the ability of damaging all living cells’ structure and inducing inflammation. The body through the immune system is able to fight against free radicals; however, in order to function properly, it relies on essential nutrients and antioxidants provided by correct diet and supplementation.
Knowing many of skin conditions like acne and dermatitis are triggered by or resulted from chronic inflammation, avoiding certain foods, correcting the life style and taking adequate nutrients and enough amount of effective antioxidants will address the under lying cause and speeds up the heeling process.
Beside other organs like the liver, kidneys, and digestive system, the skin is also playing role in detoxification through its sweat glands. The body is equipped to handle some amount of detoxification on its own and problems occur when there is an overload of toxins. Toxins will store inside the cells manifesting into several conditions depending on the type of involved tissue and organ. Acne and Eczema are examples of skin toxicity.
Detoxification helps remove these harmful substances so that the skin and other organs are able to work efficiently and smoothly to restore and maintain good health. Most detoxification techniques involve naturally sourced skin care products along with a healthy diet full of nutritious vegetable and fruits, exercise program, herbal supplement to purify the blood and improve other elimination systems. Drinking sufficient amount of clean and fresh water along with avoiding the toxins will help to keep the skin healthy, hydrated and promote detoxification as well.
Many of the skin conditions like acne and dry skin are related to hormonal imbalances. The skin glands are producing and secreting oil- like substance, called sebum. Sebum production is induced by androgens. Based on several recent researches the food has a big effect on androgen levels.
According to a study published by the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology", teens who consume more dairy products in particular milk are more likely to develop severe acne. This article concludes that this could be due to "the presence of hormones and bioactive molecules in milk." The amount of hormones in the milk is especially higher when collected from a pregnant cow; so when it is consumed, increases the body's level of androgens such as testosterone worsening acne.
Other study published in 2008 in "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research" found, men with a high glycemic index diets (sugar, simple starches) developed more acne than patients who had a low glycemic index diet. Also it suggests high-sugar diets will contribute to higher levels of circulating sex hormones. Diabetes and high blood sugars slow wound healing and skin recovery. Ask or consult with a registered nutritionist or health practitioner if you need help planning or following a special diet.
Some nutrition deficiencies, such as vitamin A, B-complex, and essential fatty acids are known to cause various forms of dermatitis and other skin conditions. Mild deficiencies are more common and often go unnoticed. According to some studies many of people in developed countries are deficient in one or more nutrients. Mild deficiencies may not cause major clinical manifestations but clearly impair the skin's ability to heal and renew itself which over a period of time can contribute to different skin conditions.
Skin Care and Life style:
The health and lifestyle choices made every day have an effect on our skin to look better or worse. Some factors like smoking, alcohol, caffeine, stress, anxiety, suppressed emotions, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, being exposed to toxins, using synthetic and chemical skin and body care, and harsh cleaning material on a daily basis routine ultimately can damage the skin.
Several researches suggest Smoking cigarettes ages skin faster than anything else apart from sun damage in different ways;
It reduces the blood flow through the tiny blood vessels of the skin so the skin cells can not get enough nutrients and oxygen resulting in dull, sallow and wrinkled-looking skin.
It increases the production of those enzymes which break down the collagens precursors impacting on the elasticity and thickness of the skin. Also, smoking reduces the absorption and the availability of Vitamin A and C.
According to the studies, adverse effects of smoking on aging of skin in women are worse than men. Smoking is also linked to early menopause in women.
Recently it has been proven that passive smoking is damaging the skin and health. Passive smokers develop the same symptoms of smoker’s face (gray, pale and wrinkled skin).
Alcohol, along with caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda, has negative impact on the skin. These types drink will dehydrate the body and deplete vital skin nutrients. Drinking alcohol also dilates the skin blood vessels and eventually these tiny vessels can become fragile and damaged permanently resulting in flushed and red skin with spider veins. Dermatologists recommend avoiding alcohol because it can worsen the pre-existing skin conditions; for example, it exacerbates rosacea and psoriasis flare-ups.
Numerous studies link factors such as stress, depression and anxiety to an increase in skin, hair or nail problems. Researchers suggest thinning hair, inflamed skin, and brittle nails could be physical manifestations of mental state and at the same time, this skin conditions will negatively affect the emotional health resulting in even further and worse skin problems.
Under stress, body produces excess amount of cortisol and androgenic hormones. These hormones will cause excess oil production from the skin glands leading to acne and other related skin disorders. Also, high cortisol level will affect sleep, blood and lymphatic circulation contributing to dark circles and puffy eyes.
Scientists based on a new study suggest that stress-triggered hormone, called glucocorticoid, worsens or even causes skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema by inhibiting skin cell differentiation.
Stress restricts the blood flow to the skin; so the cells will not receive enough nutrients and moisture. As a result, the cell renewal process and collagen production will slow down, the skin ages rapidly and looks dull.
The skin immune system weakens and becomes more sensitive under stress and consequently skin flares up and conditions like redness, itching, allergies, and eczema will appear.
Stress sometimes causes the contraction in certain facial muscles so expression lines will become permanent. Collagen could also get damaged due result of this condition. The permeability of skin could also be affected by stress thus delaying the wound healing process.
Daily exercise, meditation, deep breathing, aromatherapy, and Emotional Freedom Techniques will help to reduce daily stress.
Certified Organic and Natural skin care Products:
Regardless of age or skin type a regular daily care program is essential for healthy skin. Using a natural skin care should apply to the entire body and not just to the face. Troubled skin, sensitive skin, irritable skin, and the skin with any condition such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and etc, definitely requires extra and specific care.
Just like many other products, there are several lines of skin care, body care, and cosmetics on the market; however, majority of them including brand names and even some “natural “ones, contain chemicals which according to many scientific studies and researches are considered harmful to the health andlong term exposure to such chemicals not only can worsen the skin conditions, but also can cause serious illness.
There are at least 200 of these chemicals used in the family of skin care products, soaps, and etc. Many of these compounds have been proven to disrupt endocrine function, interfering in the metabolism of hormones contributing to fertility issues and even some cancers like breast cancer. Also; other few studies have found the dangerous cumulative and inflammatory effects of combining different skin products over a lifetime and the effects of their interaction with all the other chemicals which the body is exposed to.National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences provides complete and update list of toxic chemicals that should be avoided.
If anybody is dealing with any skin or hair condition, the first thing is to avoid and stop using products containing synthetic chemicals and substitute them with Certified natural chemical free therapeutic and skin care products.
Even though there is growing number of natural alternative skin care products; only a few are truly completely natural, organic, effective, hypo allergenic and certified. NATRUE certification is an internationally recognized standard and its logo on the skin care and cosmetic products indicates that these products have met the highest criteria available for natural and organic ingredients, they are free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colors, dyes and petroleum derived synthetics, the labelling is accurate, the packaging keeps the product intact and sterile, and much more. To find out more about this topic and products, please do not hesitate to contact our practitioner.
Skin care programs:
Every ingredient based on its individual effects on the skin, as well as the way it interacts with other ingredients will provide certain protection, therapeutic and treatment properties. Therefore, the products are prescribed or chosen depending on the skin type and conditions. Generally skin care protocol includes several steps to support the skin’s natural processes of cleansing, balancing and renewal.
Cleansing is the basic foundation of skin care. Cleansing will remove dirt and excess oil while encouraging gentle, natural exfoliation so skin can regenerate itself and absorb nourishments.
Over-cleansing, soaps, scrubs and harsh exfoliants can damage the skin’s natural protection, resulting in dry, irritated skin and premature signs of aging. Soap-based products normally dry out the skin and trigger the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil .At the same time, they alter the natural skin PH and remove the normal friendly bacteria, so the skin will be more susceptible for further infections.
The key is to encourage and strengthen the skin's natural processes. Proper natural cleansing gels and creams are chosen depending on the skin type to gently exfoliate, remove excess dirt, oil and makeup without disturbing the skin's natural line of defence, hydrate the skin, support elasticity and refine pores without drying.
Toning or strengthening is to prepare the skin to receive the subsequent treatments and care. This part of skin care based on the skin type may provide oil controlling, clarifying, anti inflammatory, anti oxidant, balancing, astringent, refining, revitalizing, strengthening, firming, moisturizing or hydrating effect.
Moisturizing Day Cream supports balanced oil production, but it also provides enough nurturing moisture to avoid dry skin; so the skin will maintain its natural balance and be better able to fend for itself. Facial Toner helps to hydrate skin and supports elasticity and refines pores without drying. Regenerating serums firm and revitalize skin, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Regeneration is naturally performed by the skin during sleep to balance the oil production and expel the toxins. Since the skin functions differently at night than during the day, the night products should contain different ingredients to support the skin’s natural work by encouraging balance in all skin functions and nourishing it.
Protection is an inescapable part of skin care. These products are designed to protect the skin against environmental elements such as sun, cold, heat and etc. The active ingredient in such products are chosen in a way to provide constant, effective protection all day long and at the same time prevent the skin against dehydration.
In this way, they also preserve the function of repairing and regenerating of the skin minimizing the aging effects.
Sunscreens should reduce the harmful effects of the sun by providing broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB. Also it should be chemical free in order to not being harmful to the body.
According to 2007, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports from independent tests on nearly 1,000 common brand-name sunscreens, Investigating effectiveness and safety, 84 percent sunscreen products with an SPF rating of 15 or higher offer inadequate protection from the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA rays, or contain ingredients with safety concerns.
Researches show commonly used chemical ingredients in sunscreens mimic estrogens in the body disrupting endocrine function which have been linked to cancer. So it becomes very important to choose the brands that they are certified organic and do not contain any chemical.
There are two types of ultra violet rays which can damage the skin. UVB, damages the outer layer of the skin causing sunburn, and has been considered as a major contributor to skin cancer and skin aging. SPF is representing the level of protection against UVB.
Recently, scientists have learned that UVA rays damage deeper layers of the skin causing wrinkling, spotting, lost elasticity, and most importantly the dangerous skin cancer melanoma. UVA potentially multiplies the side effects of UVB. Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are equally potent at all times of day and during the year and also can pass through windows. Only Broad spectrum sun screens provide complete protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Special skin Care is indicated for those with specific skin condition/s. sensitive or irritable skin requires especially soothing and protective ingredients transforming red, irritated skin to calm, even complexion.
In mature Skin cellular renewal slows, and skin naturally loses its elasticity and resilience so the products should provide hydrating, firming, fortifying and revitalizing effect.
The skin during pregnancy requires extra attention and care against stretch marks, and puffiness. Skin care protocol at this period should promote additional relaxing, moisturizing, nourishing and firming effects and should not contain harmful chemical ingredients.
Since baby’s and child’s skin is very delicate and sensitive, the skin care during childhood becomes very important. Baby’s skin is reactive and sensitive to variety of environmental irritants such as dirt, dust, bacteria, virus, fungus, and other potential irritants, allergens, and chemicals. Gentle natural and organic skin care is a way to keep baby’s skin healthy and protected.
Natural skin care products provide extra protections for men skin besides daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Men skin care includes ingredients to help with small cuts, redness, and irritations. Using body oils with natural ingredients after exercising prevents against stretch marks and helps with stiff and tense muscles.
Since healthy skin is not all about the appearance but it is also reflects overall health situation, presence of any skin disorder from a simple rash and allergy to very series issues including chronic dermatitis and eczema should be addressed in all the aspects. Complete Skin care therapy and treatment fulfills nutrition, diet, exercise, detoxification, life style, and using proper Certified natural and organic products. Chronic skin conditions require special care and therapy with avoidingproducts containing synthetic chemicals. Self treatment and suppression of the symptoms will only worsen the situation, while holistic health practitioners can help to find the underlying causes and deal with them without further damage or side effects.