Skin is the largest organ of the body. It has 2 layers. Outer layer epidermis produce sebum which is a oil that makes the layer water-proof. The inner layer dermis has oil (sebaceous) glands, sweat glands, nerves, blood vessels and hair follicles.
Every 6.5 sg cm of skin may hold up to 20 bleed vessels, more than 1000 nerve endings and 650 sweat glands.
Considered to be the "third lung" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) while naturopathy sees the skin as the third kidney as it filters off waste materials through perspiration and keeps the body hydrated.
Also in TCM, skin is connected to the metal element which rules the lungs and large intestine.
Helps get rid of toxins.
Maintains body temperature at 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). When the body is feeling hot, sweat glands release sweat and as sweat evaporates, the body feels cooler. When feeling cold, blood vessels shrink to reduce heat loss and the body might shiver which causes the muscles to release heat.
30,000 dead skin cells fall off the epidermis every minute. These dead skin cells make up at 90% of the dust around the house.
A layer of fat below the dermis also helps to regulate heat and cold.
Light skin has a higher tendency to wrinkle compared to dark skin.
The color and thickness of skin varies over different parts of the body.
An ideal position to give rest to the body and a line-free face is to lie on the back with the knees elevated by placing a pillow or cushion beneath.
To keep skin clear and free of problems, eating right plays a big part. Certain skin problems like acne and eczema can be seen as an attempt by the body to get rid of toxins through the skin. We can help our body do just that by making sure our kidneys and liver function well, not overburdened with the job to eliminate toxins from the body.
Drink lots of water (filtered if possible) throughout the day, at least 8 glasses or 2 litres and eat large portions of fibre daily. Go easy on sugary foods and drinks. Learn to love fruits and vegetables.
FACE
1. It involves cleansing, toning and moisturising :
Cleansing removes dirt and make-up. Clean by patting gently on the face with your palms. Use a creamy cleanser for dry skin or an oil-free formula for oily skin.
Toning removes the last traces of dirt. Use a alcohol-free toner for all skin types. Avoid alcohol-based toners.
Moisturising puts moisture back on the face that was removed during cleansing. It protects the skin from moisture loss and prevents damage from pollution and wind.
2. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and makes skin feel good and refreshed. Get a scrub that is gentle to the skin and with the help of the first and middle finger, apply the scrub using circular movements. Don't leave out the neck and the back of the hands. Or use a suitable facial mask. Apply mask on a clean face.
Exfoliate weekly as excessive exfoliation can cause skin thinning and damage.
3. Skin around the eyes is very dedicate and there are no oil or sweat glands to condition so wrinkles tend to appear. Use a gentle moisturising eye cream using light patting movements.
4. Cleaning the skin too often will cause dryness and hasten wrinkling.
BODY
1. Avoid soaps that make skin dry.
2. Take around 5 minutes to shower.
3. Use water that is warm not hot. Hot water dries skin.
4. When skin feels squeaky, it is 'overcleaned'.
5. Moisturize with a body lotion after a shower.
6. Exfoliate weekly. Use circular moments to apply scrub on the body.
HANDS
Wash with soap and rub for 15 seconds before rinsing with water.
Causes the formation of pimples, blackheads and cysts. For acne on the face, neck, chest and back, use a natural antibacterial, non-oily face or body wash such as those containing tea tree oil.
Do not use oily cosmetics. Use a clay mask containing echinacea. Wash your hair daily.
Some acnegenic (acne-causing) ingredients to look out for are isocetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate and sodium chloride.
Adult acne can develop due to grief or breavement.
Many of the prescription drugs can harm the liver which is why the herb milk thistle can help because it will stimulate the replacement of those damaged liver cells.
Combat acne with : zinc, Vitamin A, B and E, echinacea, noni, tea tree oil and thyme.
Consult a doctor if acne persists and fails to heal.
Comes from the Greek word with the meaning "to boil over". Caused by several factors such as food dietary triggers, nutrition deficiencies and stress.
It is seen as an attempt by the body to expel the toxins out through the skin.
Check whether these foods are responsible for triggering eczema : dairy products, pork and related products, eggs, coffee, wheat, chocolate, nuts, onions, tomatoes, banana and citrus fruits.
May be caused or exacerbated by low immunity or emotional stress. Also linked to poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
A deficiency in beta carotene can contribute to skin thickening. Foods rich in beta carotene include apricots, mangoes, carrots and yam.
Japanese researchers from the Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, found that people who were undergoing dermatological treatment for eczema showed skin improvement when they drank oolong tea. Improvement was noticed in 1 to 2 weeks. After 1 month, 74 of the 118 participating patients showed marked to moderate improvement. They were instructed to drink oolong tea made from a 10g teabag placed in 1000 ml of boiling water then steeped for 5 minutes. This amount was then divided into 3 equal servings and 1 serving was drunk daily after 3 regular meals.
Reference : "A Trial of Oolong Tea in the Management of Recalcitrant Atopic Dermatitis" Masami Uehara, et al. Archives of Dermatology (Jan 2001) 137:42-43
Combat eczema and boost immunity with : zinc (sunflower and pumpkin seeds), Vitamin C, B and E, essential fatty acids (EFA), noni, echinacea, camomile tea and chickweed ointment.
Use gentle lotions or creams containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Try face steaming for about 10 minutes using either a facial steamer or a bowl of hot water (use a towel to cover your head to trap the heat). Apply a clay mask that contains echinacea once a week.
Apply a soothing lotion or gel containing pure aloe vera. Essential oils like anti-inflammatory lavender and soothing camomile are known to aid healing. If you wish try applying yogurt.
Avoid the sun from as early as 10am to 4pm, as the ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the strongest (or 10am to 2pm during winter). Sunscreen is needed even during winter and cloudy days.
The sun is the greatest natural source of UV radiation and this radiation is divided into UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. UV-A causes eye and skin problems, UV-B causes tanning or sunburn while UV-C is absorbed by the atmosphere.
Wear sunglasses with full UV protection and wraparound frame. Wear them whether or not you wear contact lenses. If you wear spectacles, get protective lenses that can be clipped onto the spectacle frame.
Wear a hat with tightly-woven fabric on top with a broad brim of at least 3 to 4 inches.
Use an umbrella for shade. Walk under shades and use underground bridges whenever possible.
Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 and above) on exposed areas like the neck, nose, cheeks, lips, eyelids, ears, shoulders and arms. Apply 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply often. Use generously.
As for clothings, hold them up to the light, the less light that passes through, the more protection you will get. Dark-colored denims offer good sun protection.
The whole idea here about sun protection is avoidance and adequate protection over all exposed areas.
If you have to work under the sun, wear long sleeves and long pants.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates the strength of a sunscreen to block out the sun's UV rays. It ranges from SPF 2 to SPF 60. If a person under the sun gets a burn after 20 minutes, then with a sunscreen of SPF 30 it would need 30 times of the 20 minutes to get a burn. A higher number means longer protection.
Sunscreen, also known as suncream or sunblock, must be applied 15 to 30 minutes before stepping outdoors. Give it time to get absorbed into the skin. Apply generously, re-apply often especially after heavy sweating or swimming.
A sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection protects the skin from a wider range of harmful rays.
Water-resistant suncreens could lose their effectiveness after about 80 minutes in the water.
Do not use sunscreen on babies under 6 months old.
Sunscreen does not guarantee one will not be at risk of skin cancer.
Self-tanning lotion gives a tan without the need of the sun. The active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) reacts with the amino acids in the surface of the skin and turns it brown. There are no known safety issues with DHA.
Stop using when a rash develops.
Choose self-tanners with added natural moisturizers like aloe, essential oils, vitamins A and E.
DIETHANOLAMINE An ingredient that acts as an emulsifier (holds oil and water together) or foaming agent.
DEA-related compounds, such as lauramide DEA, triethanolamine and cocamide DEA are more readily used rather than DEA in it's pure form.
A study by the National Toxicology Progam found a link between DEA and cancer in rats and mice.
Avoid using products with DEA-related ingredients.
MINERAL OIL It is derived from petroleum and is used to remove makeup and seal moisture. Found in baby oils, creams, makeup removers and lipsticks.
It can prevent the skin from breathing by forming an oil film and can also encourage breakouts.
White mineral oil, petrolatum and paraffin oil are types of mineral oil.
Certain forms of mineral oil has been linked to allergic reactions (e.g. skin and eye irritation) and cancer.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL It is obtained from petroleum and acts as a humectant (attracts and seals moisture).
Found in moisturizing hand creams, suntan lotions, lipsticks and antiperspirant deodrants.
Known to cause skin irritations.
There are safer alternatives such as vegetable-based humectants.
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) This chemical compound is readily found in foam-forming products like toothpastes, hair shampoos, body/hand lotions and detergents. It was said that SLS can form nitrosamines that could lead to cancer causing substances though there has been no proof according to a news report from the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Cut short the time it contacts with the skin. Rinse it off quickly or switch to products that do not carry this ingredient.
TALC Talcum powder is produced from talc, a magnesium trisilicate mineral, which in its natural form may contain asbestos, a known human carcinogen.
Talc is found in baby, body and makeup powders.
Talc use on the genital area has been linked to ovarian cancer.
I tend to break out around my period and in times of stress, as most people do. I have found it a lot simpler and very relaxing to come home from work, wash off my makeup, and pat my face with a warm compress (washcloth). The heat draws the icky stuff to the surface, making the healing process go a lot faster. I like to think of it as dangling a carrot in front of the ick instead of forcing it out and traumatizing my skin and my stress levels.
...Mary Bryant via email
Skin sensor Touch the sensor to your face and see a convenient and easy-to-read graph that shows the softness, moisture and oiliness levels of your skin. Diet, health, and personal habits can have a significant impact on your skin.
Facial sauna and inhaler Use wide cone to steam open pores for cleansing face, chin, neck. Use narrow cone to steam open clogged nasal and sinus passages.
Rechargeable pore cleanser A pore cleanser removes excess facial oil and dirt with a gentle suctioning action. The rechargeable cleanser has a plug-in base and is fully charged after roughly an hour. Use is relatively intuitive: simply attach one of the two suction cups (larger for forehead and cheeks, smaller for nose and chin areas), turn the cleanser on and suck away! The cleanser succeeds in tightening large pores.
Heated lotion dispenser A luxurious lotion dispenser improves on the soothing power of lotion by warming it up. Built with a variable temperature control, the dispenser heats up to 16 ounces of lotion at a time.
Eyebrow shaper Makes eyebrow shaping error proof and pain free.
Verseo Oxygen Facial System 1 system Dries out blemishes, helps reduce fine lines, decreases open pores, soothes puffy eyes and enhances the effects of skincare products.
Special formulated nutritional supplements for skin, hair and nails Contains nutritional support for fuller hair, smoother skin and healthy nails. MSM, an organic sulfur, has been known to speed healthy hair growth and support smoother skin. L-Cysteine supports stronger, healthier hair and nails and firmer, younger-looking skin. L-Methionine is one of the essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) crucial for healthy hair, skin and nails.
Healthy skin A specially formulated combination of the optimal amounts, forms and ratios of powerful antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids as recommended by the best-selling books written by Nicholas Perricone, The Perricone Prescription and The Wrinkle Cure.
Ascorbyl Palmitate (C-Ester) and calcium ascorbate (Ester-C combined provide both water and fat soluble vitamin C protection from free radicals, and also provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Vitamin C is needed to form healthy collagen, the primary supporting structure of the skin and arteries. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), alpha lipoic acid, L-carnitine and acetyl l-carnitine provide a powerful combination of both protective antioxidants and nutrients to power the Kreb's cycle (the body's energy source). DMAE is included for skin tone and firmness and enhances access of vitamin C-Ester and alpha lipoic acid. Grape seed (ActiVin?is a superior form) and pine bark extracts are antioxidants that block key enzymes that breakdown collagen. L-Glutamine is an amino acid that is associated with enhancing immune function, aiding in reducing fatigue, preserving muscle tissue, increasing exercise endurance, anti-inflammation and other functions.
