Skin Health More than Just a Pretty Face

Transcription

1 Skin Health More than Just a Pretty Face SKIN HEALTH: How your skin contributes to your overall health How to maintain the health of your skin Some simple and effective skin care measures SKIN FACTS AND FUNCTIONS: The heaviest organ of the body - ~9kg+ for most adults % of your total body mass Contains ~25% of the body s blood supply The surface is slightly acidic due to the acid mantle (thin protective film over the surface made of sebum and lactic and amino acids from sweat) Waterproof Elastic The point where you stop and the rest of the world begins. Major component of our external appearance (identity) Structural integrity and immunity - It keeps the rest of you IN and the rest of the world OUT Temperature regulation Blood pressure regulation Assists in mood regulation Vitamin D production Removal of waste products and toxins from the body Contains early warning systems for damage (pain) and immune threats Protection/cushioning from mechanical injury Sensory information about the world around you heat, cold, pain, pressure, texture, body s position in space, etc Vital in the neural development of infants Touch sense healing, stimulates brain and neural development, bonding and relationship building, communication, pain/damage, etc

2 THE 8 LAWS OF HEALTH: N nutrition E exercise W water S sunlight T temperance A air R rest T trusting relationships No matter the organ or function of the body, these are THE FOUNDATIONS OF HEALTH NUTRITION: A varied, wholefood, plant-based diet Our diet is the primary source of the essential building blocks (proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients etc) of every cell tissue, hormone, neurotransmitter and substance of our bodies, including the skin. Source of pre and pro-biotics essential for healthy immunity, prevention of allergies, nutrient absorption, mood and mental healthy and healthy glowing skin. A poor diet introduces poor building materials to the body along with toxins and allergens. It depletes nutrients and pro-biotics, unbalances the body s chemistry and places many burdens on the body s systems. The skin supports our nutritional requirements through the production of vitamin D. EXERCISE: Perfect health depends upon perfect circulation E.G. White, Healthful Living p178 Exercise increases oxygen intake and blood circulation: Increases O2 and nutrients delivery to the cells, particularly the extremities and superficial tissues, which might other wise go undernourished Speeds up the removal and expulsion of cellular waste This in turn aids cellular renewal and healing Increases sweating > aids waste removal, keeps pores clear, aids in maintaining the acid mantle

3 During exercise the skin is critical in dissipating the extra heat generated Burns up stress hormones that would otherwise lead to oxidative stress (free-radical damage) to the skin and other organs Promotes better sleep WATER: The skin is ~64% water Water assists in transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells and wastes away Needed for sweat and sebum production Needed to keep skin s moist appearance and healthy glow SUNLIGHT: JUDICIOUS sun exposure is needed for the skin to product Vitamin D, necessary for bone health, brain health and immunity Judicious sun exposure conditions the skin for further sun exposure Sunlight improves mood and wellbeing and helps regulate our sleep/wake cycle. When the skin is exposed to sunlight it produces nitric oxide and releases it into the blood stream. Nitric oxide helps keep blood vessels elastic and smooth, thereby lowering blood pressure. TEMPERANCE: Avoiding what is harmful and prudent use of what is beneficial (too much of a good thing is still a bad thing). Eg. Water is vital, but too much will upset the body s chemical balances. Air is vital, but we can t breath pure oxygen. Healthy food is vital, but eating too much of even the healthiest food puts unnecessary burdens on the body. The skin provides sensory feedback to the brain to help recognise when we being overexposed to environmental factors sun, wind, cold etc The skin (and hair & nails) can be a barometer of our general health, eg. Rashes, breakouts, dryness, brittle hair and nails allergies, deficiencies, excesses, intolerances, effects of medication or behaviours. Fever, swelling, soreness infection, illness, injury. Paleness anaemia. Yellow liver function problems.

4 Glowing skin is the result of consistent and ongoing good health choices (not excessive spending on and use of skin care products or cosmetics!). Avoid consuming processed and refined foods and beverages, alcohol, caffeine, cigarette smoke, unnecessary use of over the counter medications etc. Avoid OVER use of sunscreen, cosmetics, fragrances, soap, hot water etc. AIR: ALL cells and organs of the body require a plentiful supply of oxygen to function well. The best way to ensure your cells are getting enough oxygen is regular exercise outdoors, preferably in a natural environment (even if its just the local park). The air in natural environments is lower in pollution and higher in negative ions Poor indoor air quality (high mould count, too dry, too hot, too many chemicals) can exacerbate skin allergies and eczema (and asthma, hayfever etc). REST: During sleep, the skin assists in regulating body temperature (via the head and limbs). The tactile sensations of comfort are perceived through the skin It s well established that the body does its most important repair work while we sleep. Your skin takes the brunt of your exposure to pollution, pathogens and allergens, so if you want to look young, sleep like a baby! TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS: Both with out fellow human beings and with God. Wisely selecting trust worthy confidants is a key part of problem solving and managing stress in out lives. Being trust worthy and having personal integrity is a critical part of how we see and feel about ourselves, and how others do too. Being able to turn our burdens over to God and trust He is big enough to take them. Carrying the weight of the world will show everywhere in your body, especially your face!

5 Physical touch plays a key role in relationship building and bonding and is one of The 5 Love Languages. Eg, a handshake, hug, kiss, high-five, pat on the back, skin to skin contact between mother and newborn, holding hands, sexual intimacy between husband and wife. SKIN ENEMIES: 1. Poor nutrition 2. Sedentary lifestyle 3. Alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks 4. Overexposure to sun 5. Overuse of hot water, soap, antibacterial products and poor quality or highly synthetic personal care products 6. Smoking and environmental pollution/toxins 7. Inadequate sleep 8. Stress and worry KEEP IT HEALTHY: Respect the 8 Laws of Health Ditch the soap anything in bar form or contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Sodium Laureth Sulphate or Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate. If you re brave, this includes most shampoos too. Moisturise Hydrate inside and out Watch your toxic load Household cleaning products Laundry products Highly perfumed and synthetic cosmetics and personal hygiene products, eg mineral oil (leaves a non-breathable film on the skin and can leach fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin D from the skin), synthetic fragrances, potential irritants, allergens and sometimes even carcinogenic Pesticides, additives and preservatives Pollution Don t be fooled by cosmetic and skin care advertising Don t over-do heat hot showers, electric blankets, heaters and a/c

6 Dress appropriately take into account the weather/environment, activity/event and duration SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE SKIN CARE: Facial Cleansing Oil: 3 parts rice bran oil 1 part castor oil + essential oil/s of your choice eg. lavender and/or tea tree oil 1 drop per 10mls of combined rice bran and castor oil. Adjust castor oil to suit your skin type. More for oilier skin, less for dryer skin. Massage into dry or slightly damp skin for 30 sec 1 min Run a flannel under hot water and ring out. Make sure it is not too hot then press onto face to soften oil. Wipe face clean. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, massage a drop or 2 of cleansing oil into skin. Soap and shampoo substitutes: Sorbolene. Look for VEGESORB at health food stores or online (petrochemical free). Bath or shower oils though be ware of mineral oil based formulas Shower gels and shampoos that specifically state they are SLS and ALS free Silicon free conditioner use a tablespoon or so with on very wet hair, distribute and massage well then rinse. Also great for shaving (but rinse well afterwards). Moisturisers: Having many ingredients is not necessarily better. The combination of lots of different ingredients, even if they are natural or organic can irritate the skin. You pay for what you get to a point. Very expensive skin care is on the whole not more effective, but very cheap products are more likely to contain more fillers

7 (mineral oil, alcohol, water), poorer quality ingredients and be produced somewhere with lower manufacturing standards. Avoid of highly fragranced products Fragrances: Again, you pay for what you get to a point. Then your mostly packaging and brand Consider essential oils they smell wonderful, are easily added to the other skin care products mentioned and have health benefits of their own. ECZEMA: Becoming increasingly common as are allergies, asthma and other immune related conditions Difficult to isolate triggers and triggers vary widely from person to person. Adopting the 8 Laws of Health will address many factors particularly removing animal products and processed foods and ensuring plentiful water intake Minimising toxins and chemicals in the home will be of benefit Manage indoor environments and air quality as best you can Avoid SLS and ALS along with any highly fragranced, synthetic or cheap personal care products Look at having a water filter system installed in your home. Tap water (shower/bath/laundry etc) is often high in chlorine and other minerals which can be very drying and irritating to the skin.