Natural Healing... for superb skin

Natural Lifestyle © Natural Lifestyle September 2005 in connection with Natural Health Week

The skin is a most amazing organ - in fact the largest organ in the human body... and it never stays the same. The average adult has 21 square feet of skin (2 sq m) which weighs 7lbs (3.2kg) and has approximately 300 million skin cells. On average, each half inch square of skin contains 10 hairs, 15 sebaceous (oil) glands, 100 seat glands and a metre of tiny blood vessels. The top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, dies and is shed in a process which takes 52 to 75 days - so there is constant chance for renewal.

Do you...

Have very greasy skin?

Have severe red spots and bumps?

Have yellow pus-filled spots?

...then see below

You might have acne, which is caused by a sebaceous gland sensitivity to the hormone testosterone, causing the glands to pump out an excess of oil. At the same time, dead skin cells lining hair follicles are not shed properly and clog up the follicles causing a build up of oil. This is a great environment for the acne bacteria, P.acnes to thrive, causing infection.

Whether diet plays a role in making this worse is controversial. Naturopathic practitioners recommend cutting out tea, coffee, alcohol and chocolate, as well as eating a very 'pure' organic diet. More conventional practitioners say there is no link.

Tea Tree oil is a favourite. It's naturally antibacterial, so can help to keep infection at bay.

The ayuvedic remedy guggul Commiphora mukul has been very effect in the management of acne at 500mg daily*.

Other items of interest

Common herbal remedies include red clover and agnus castus.

Ask a nutritionist about vitamin A supplementation, and make sure you get advice that is specific to you because intakes need to be supervised.

Do you...

Have dry, itchy patches of skin - especially on the elbows, the backs of the knees and the neck (the 'flexural' areas)?

Have a tendency to allergies in general?

...then see below

You might have eczema. Many 'external' factors can make eczema worse, including heat, dust and contact with irritants such as soap or detergents. Being unwell can also make eczema flare, as there is an immune system element. Stress could also make it worse.

The most important thing that you can do is to keep the skin moisturised. Use aromatherapy based oils - for example calendula oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Emu oil is incredibly soothing.

Food sensitivities can play a part in highly sensitive individuals. Look out for food additives, histamine, salicylates, benzoates, and other compounds (such as aromatic compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and spices. Get it properly checked, as these are good sources of immune-strengthening antioxidents. Add a supplement of evening primrose oil and fish oil to your diet. Cutting out caffeine has helped some people.

Herbs with anti-inflammatory preparations are often recommended; calendula, chickweed, chamomile and licorice.

Do you...

Have dull, lifeless looking skin?

Have tired, dry eyes?

Have dry skin, which lacks tone?

... then see below

You need a simple skincare routine!

There really is a lot to be said for a good cleanser and toner, designed to take away the grease and grime of the day ahead. Look for ones which include natural astringents such as witch hazel. This will gently tighten the skin without drying it out (like soap does).

Moisturise every day. If you have very sensitive skin, use one based on sea minerals, which are naturally healing, and great for people with problem skin.

Use a facial scrub every other day - especially in areas where you're getting blackheads. Everyone gets them, but only some people clear up the clogged pores. Being diligent in doing this will give you healthy, glowing skin.

Treat yourself to a stress-busting, a nourishing, or a deep cleansing face pack every week.

* Please be diligent and check with your GP to discuss a treatment plan before taking any supplements or remedies.