Skin Health
Our skin reveals a powerful but simple truth – that what we see reflected on the outside is a picture of what is taking place on the inside.
The skin provides a mirror, not just of our beauty but also of our health and wellbeing. A story of how our digestive system is working, of what nourishment is delivered through our diet, of how balanced our hormonal system is, and whether our body and skin are properly hydrated.
As the largest organ of the body and one of equal importance, the skin serves not only to protect the vital systems, but also to regulate temperature, provide vital sensory feedback, synthesise the all-important Vitamin D, aid in the storage of water and lipids or fats, and support the excretion and absorption of fluids.
TEN MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING THE SKIN
1. Diet
Eating processed and packaged foods, a diet containing a high sugar intake, or one lacking in good quality protein and fresh vegetables not only denies your skin essential nutrients and vitamins, but can also contribute to skin breakouts, blemishes, congestion and a dull, lacklustre complexion.
2. Food sensitivities & Intolerances
Skin irritations can be triggered by certain foods. Even if the food itself is not necessarily unhealthy, the body can perceive it as a biochemical ‘threat’. Common conditions related to food sensitivities, and in some instances to actual food allergies, are rashes, eczema, itchy skin or even hives. For details on identifying likely intolerant foods, please go to ‘Food Sensitivities’ section.
3. Water intake & essential fatty acids
The adult body is made up of approximately 65 per cent water. As such, it’s advised to consume about 2.5 litres of purified water daily and up to 3.5 litres on days when you exercise. Water not only helps flush out toxins and cell waste but also maintains the balance of body fluids essential for digestion, assimilation, elimination, circulation and transport of nutrients. The body also needs a regular uptake of Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3, 6, 7 & 9) which are anti-inflammatory and not only serve to reduce inflammation in skin conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis, but also help keep your skin looking younger, well nourished, with an improved skin texture, a reduction in fine lines.
4. Hormonal imbalances
Hormones are powerful messengers in the body, which are in constant communication with each other constantly. Imbalances in the female and male reproductive hormones, the adrenal or stress hormones and the thyroid hormones can indirectly affect the skin. Hormonal acne is commonly seen as congestion and pimples along the jaw line. As with most hormonal conditions, there will usually be mood changes and digestive issues, along with skin breakouts.
5. Gut health & inflamation
In naturopathy, good health starts with good digestion, and the skin is a reflection of that digestive function. The inside is reflected on the outside. For more details on gut health and how it affects the skin, please go to the Detoxification and SIBO sections.
6. Excessive toxicity
In naturopathy, good health starts with good digestion, and the skin is a reflection of that digestive function. The inside is reflected on the outside. For more details on gut health and how it affects the skin, please go to the Detoxification and SIBO sections.Skin is a major elimination organ, excreting toxins through sweating, which is why regular exercise and saunas are so beneficial. They encourage the body to sweat, allowing toxins stored in adipose (fatty tissue) to be released. Toxin overload from poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, sugar intake, cigarette smoking and constant high levels of stress will eventually impact negatively on the skin. A detoxification program undertaken at least twice a year is recommended to effectively rebalance the body.
7. Stress
Long term stress can negatively affect any bodily function or organ, including the skin. I touched on stress effects in the Thyroid Health section. There are numerous studies which consider chronic stress to be one of the underlying forces behind several skin conditions, especially so because of its associated effect on digestion. One thing is certain, poor digestion does not contribute to healthy, glowing skin.
8. Lack of sleep
Much has been written about ‘The Beauty Sleep’. The fact is our bodies actually regenerate and detoxify during sleep, so robbing yourself of good quality sleep is like missing out on a nightly beauty mask.
9. Home skin care
Using the correct skin care, high grade cosmeceutical products containing active ingredients such as low molecular weight of vitamins C, B, Hyaluronic acid and retinols, which are specifically chosen for your skin type and skin concern is as important, as following the gut friendly diet.
10. Qaulity of your makeup
Make-up is an important part of the everyday routine ofmost women. Considering that on average women can encounter more than 100 chemicals in their beauty products at any one time, it is a major problem. To lower this toxic load on the body, it is essential that we choose cosmetics free of artificial fragrance, paraben, synthetic colours, phthalates, alcohol and give preference to vegan products.
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