LESSON 16 - Skin Health
The main function of the skin is to act as a physical, chemical and antimicrobial defense system. Studies have shown that both stress and gut inflammation can impair the integrity and protective function of the epidermal barrier. This in turn leads to a decrease in antimicrobial peptides produced in the skin, and an increase in the severity of infection and inflammation in the skin.
· 1/2 cup Himalayan Pink Salt
· 1/2 tsp of natural vanilla extract
· 10-15 drops of essential oil of choice (I love lavender and mint)
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. In all autoimmune conditions, gut health must be addressed. Colostrum and probiotics will provide the needed building blocks to normalize immune system function as well as improve overall skin health.
Skin cells normally replicate every 28-30 days. In psoriasis, the skin cells replicate every 3-4 days. To extend the life of the cells and bring normalcy back to health of the skin, two nutrients will be vital. One is called Hyaluronic acid, a natural nutrient we have when we are born. Hyaluronic acid is very hydroscopic, means it attracts water to the skin cells to keep them hydrated. It is also a skin healer and will reduce scar tissue formation.
The other nutrient is Water. Yes, water needs to be your main source of refreshment. When you drink water, the Hyaluronic acid will attract more of it to your skin cells. Avoid chlorinated water as it has the opposite effect and will cause the skin to be dry. Use a chlorine-blocking shower filter.
People with psoriasis have traveled to the Dead Sea in Israel for centuries to soak in its salty water and experience its healing benefits. Though adding Dead Sea salts to your bath at home isn’t quite the same — “You’re not in the 100-degree dry heat that the Dead Sea provides as well,” Weiss says — many people find that psoriasis Dead Sea salt soaks can help alleviate their itching and burning. To try this natural treatment, add a quarter cup of authentic Dead Sea salts (check labels carefully) to bath water that is warm to tepid and soak for about 15 minutes.
For centuries, many cultures have used tea tree oil to treat skin problems and infections. The oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant, which grows in Australia. When applied to the skin, this psoriasis home remedy is said to help remove dry, dead cells. There are Tea Tree oil soaps available as well as topical creams.
Reduce your stress level.
Multiple studies have suggested that people who have celiac disease may be at higher risk for psoriasis, in part because gluten can cause inflammation, and psoriasis is an inflammatory disease. That connection may explain why some psoriasis patients report that eating a gluten-free diet — which eliminates wheat, barley, and rye — helps them feel better.
Some people with psoriasis have found relief with turmeric as a natural psoriasis treatment. Turmeric is part of the ginger family; you’ll find it in foods such as curry powders, mustards, and cheeses. Other supplements that have been tried for psoriasis home remedies include evening primrose oil, milk thistle, and oregano oil.
Some psoriasis is not autoimmune-related but a result of a systemic yeast/fungal condition that must be treated appropriately.
Skin Tags/Warts
Oregano essential oil has very strong antibacterial properties due to its phenolic terpenoids components like arvacrol, thymol and p-cymene. These components have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimelanomic, anti-oxidative, antispasmodic, antiseptic properties. Oregano oil cures skin tags fast, within 2-4 weeks. However, in many cases, it takes about 2 months to treat skin tags. How does your skin tags react to oregano oil will be known only when you use it!
Get this:
• Oregano oil – 2-3 drops
• Coconut oil- 4-6 drops
Do this:
• Mix oregano oil with the carrier oil which is coconut oil in your case.
• Apply this on your skin tags at least thrice a day.
• You may see your tags changing color on daily basis. They will get red, purple and gradually dark black before dropping off your skin.
Take precaution:
• Do not apply oregano oil without diluting it in a carrier oil otherwise you will get red skin marks all along the skin that surrounds your tag.
• Do not try to apply this home remedy on skin tags over your eyelid. Eyes are very sensitive organs. Consult your physician to get rid of any skin problem here.
There are many skin tag removal remedies. Find one that works best for you. Skin tags are fungal and viral in nature. Using coconut oil on a regular basis may help to get rid of them. A nutrient found in coconut called Monolaurin will help remove skin tags and warts from the inside out. Most people will see an improvement in 2 weeks.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin color of people of any race.
Melasma or chloasma spots are similar in appearance to age spots but are larger areas of darkened skin that appear most often as a result of hormonal changes. Pregnancy, for example, can trigger overproduction of melanin that causes the "mask of pregnancy" on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas. Women who take birth control pills may also develop hyperpigmentation because their bodies undergo similar kind of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. If one is really bothered by the pigment, the birth control pills should be stopped.
Face masks can really work wonders over pigmented skin. Try these:
For Melasma, go to http://healthylivinghowto.com/1/post/2013/03/adrenal-fatigue-melasma.html for more lengthy information and read how Adrenal Fatigues and Melasma are related.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with darker skin. The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can be stressful or make you feel bad about yourself. Treatment for vitiligo may improve the appearance of the affected skin but does not cure the disease.
Papaya
Rub a piece of papaya fruit on the white patches. Let it dry then apply again. See that the juice penetrates the skin. In addition to this, drink papaya juice every day. Papaya helps in reviving the melanin cells. Continue with this treatment and you will perceive visible effects.
Red Clay
Red clay is a cheap and very effective remedy for vitiligo. Its copper content is very efficacious in restoring the pigmentation. Mix two tablespoons of red clay with one tablespoon of ginger juice.Rub the mixture all over the white patches daily. Ginger juice stimulates and increases the flow of blood to the spots. Continuous use of this remedy will soon restore your looks.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are very rich in lignans. It will bring back color to your skin. Grind the seeds to a fine paste. Mix it with one teaspoon of honey. Drink this mixture twice a day after meals. You will soon see its effective results.
Turmeric
Turmeric is the easiest remedy for vitiligo. This blood purifier will restore the pigmentation and remove your embarrassment. Chop half kilo of raw turmeric into small pieces.Chop a quarter kilo of ginger too. Mix them together in a jar and add the juice of five lemons. Add some salt and shake well. Eat two teaspoons of this mixture before meals on a regular basis.
Ginger helps in stimulating and increasing the blood circulation in the affected areas. You should also rub a paste made with turmeric powder and mustard oil to the patches. Mustard oil is rubefacient and with the help of turmeric it can revive the melanin cells.
- Sugar, as much as we love it, is one of the absolute worst things for your skin. It is the most aging food that we consume, and weakens our immune system to boot! Too much of it will make your skin lackluster, and speed up your body’s production of wrinkles. This is because it damages your collagen and elastin, two things that keep your skin plump and young.
- We know, technically this is a drink rather than a food, but it's worth mentioning. Alcohol doesn’t just give you a headache the next morning, but it severely dehydrates you. This affects your skin because your body metabolizes what little water it gets before it has the chance to reach your skin.
- A diuretic, caffeine also severely dehydrates you. Not only does that dry out your skin, but caffeine increases your production of cortisol. More cortisol than necessary accelerates the aging process, thinning your skin.
- Fried foods aren’t just an issue for your fat intake, but they can cause oil buildup in your body. They are also believed to possibly trap bacteria in your body and on your skin, causing you to break out more.
- In general, processed foods are bad for your health as well as your skin. The further grains get from their original state, the less they retain their natural goodness. Processed foods are often loaded with sodium and sugar, also, which we know we don’t need more of!
- Artificial colors and sweeteners are essentially science experiments that you’re putting into your body. They have no nutritional value, and can irritate your body, especially if you’re sensitive or have allergies.
- Salt, especially iodized (processed with iodine) is terrible for your skin. It causes your tissues to swell, making you look puffy and even a little unhealthy. It can aggravate acne, so it's important to reduce your intake. Note that most of the salt you consume doesn't come from a shaker, so check the labels before buying packaged foods and snacks.
- Foods with a high glycemic index are linked to acne – because when you eat a lot of this kind of food, your body experiences an increase of glucose and insulin levels. A body with a low glycemic diet has 50% fewer accounts of acne.
- Avoid all commercial dairy products, processed foods, refined sugars (feeds bad bacteria), processed commercial oil products and all foods that do not promote life.
- EAT fruits, vegetables, drink plenty of water and only healthy fats such as flaxseed oil, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and fermented foods.
- A significant Russian study found that 54% of acne patients have marked alterations to the intestinal microflora.
- Lactobacillius acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum are the two best strains to help fight acne. Foods like sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi are probiotic powerhouses that will nourish the bacteria in your gut
- Teenage acne is caused by hormonal changes in the body. A bad diet will cause the acne to become worse and lead to scarring of the skin. During this time, Vitamin A, Zinc and a healthy diet should be the focus to reduce blemishes.
- Vitamin A – Many with Eczema have a Vitamin A deficiency. Combine with the mineral Zinc for maximum benefit for your skin.
- Coconut Oil – Apply a thin layer to the affected areas. Also, take it internally, a tablespoon per day.
- Sea Spray – Combine Himalayan Pink Salt with powdered Magnesium in water (reverse osmosis filtered) and mix together. Spray on the affected areas. Many claim going to the beach improves their skin. This is home remedy to the beach-improved skin for Eczema.
- Magnesium baths:
· 1/2 cup Himalayan Pink Salt
· 1/2 tsp of natural vanilla extract
· 10-15 drops of essential oil of choice (I love lavender and mint)
- Cod Liver Oil – Contains Vitamin A and D. Both are needed for healthy skin. Follow directions on the bottle and take daily. Wonderful for children with Eczema.
- DIET: Avoid ALL commercial Dairy products. Dairy, caffeine, refined sugar dries out the skin and will aggravate this skin condition.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Add Omega 3s from Flax oil. Flax oil is wonderful for the skin. Provides the healthy glow everyone desires.
- Drink plenty of water as the skin needs to be hydrated daily. Sodas, alcohol will cause the skin to be dehydrated aggravating Eczema.
- Probiotics
- Essential Formulas Dr. Ohhira’s is the best one to use. They also have a probiotic soap available.
- Eat fermented foods such as Kefir, Kimchi, Sauerkraut and Kombucha.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. In all autoimmune conditions, gut health must be addressed. Colostrum and probiotics will provide the needed building blocks to normalize immune system function as well as improve overall skin health.
Skin cells normally replicate every 28-30 days. In psoriasis, the skin cells replicate every 3-4 days. To extend the life of the cells and bring normalcy back to health of the skin, two nutrients will be vital. One is called Hyaluronic acid, a natural nutrient we have when we are born. Hyaluronic acid is very hydroscopic, means it attracts water to the skin cells to keep them hydrated. It is also a skin healer and will reduce scar tissue formation.
The other nutrient is Water. Yes, water needs to be your main source of refreshment. When you drink water, the Hyaluronic acid will attract more of it to your skin cells. Avoid chlorinated water as it has the opposite effect and will cause the skin to be dry. Use a chlorine-blocking shower filter.
People with psoriasis have traveled to the Dead Sea in Israel for centuries to soak in its salty water and experience its healing benefits. Though adding Dead Sea salts to your bath at home isn’t quite the same — “You’re not in the 100-degree dry heat that the Dead Sea provides as well,” Weiss says — many people find that psoriasis Dead Sea salt soaks can help alleviate their itching and burning. To try this natural treatment, add a quarter cup of authentic Dead Sea salts (check labels carefully) to bath water that is warm to tepid and soak for about 15 minutes.
For centuries, many cultures have used tea tree oil to treat skin problems and infections. The oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant, which grows in Australia. When applied to the skin, this psoriasis home remedy is said to help remove dry, dead cells. There are Tea Tree oil soaps available as well as topical creams.
Reduce your stress level.
Multiple studies have suggested that people who have celiac disease may be at higher risk for psoriasis, in part because gluten can cause inflammation, and psoriasis is an inflammatory disease. That connection may explain why some psoriasis patients report that eating a gluten-free diet — which eliminates wheat, barley, and rye — helps them feel better.
Some people with psoriasis have found relief with turmeric as a natural psoriasis treatment. Turmeric is part of the ginger family; you’ll find it in foods such as curry powders, mustards, and cheeses. Other supplements that have been tried for psoriasis home remedies include evening primrose oil, milk thistle, and oregano oil.
Some psoriasis is not autoimmune-related but a result of a systemic yeast/fungal condition that must be treated appropriately.
- Vitamin A – Vitamin A and Zinc are healers to all skin conditions.
- Coconut Oil – Apply a thin layer to the affected areas. Also, take it internally, a tablespoon per day.
- Flax Seed Oil - Provides Omega 3’s that target the skin and hair.
- Fish Oil – Fish oil focuses on reducing inflammation in the body. May bring relief to many psoriasis sufferers. Ideal for those who suffer with psoriatic arthritis.
- DIET: Avoid ALL commercial Dairy products. Dairy, caffeine, refined sugar dries out the skin and will aggravate this skin condition.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Add Omega 3s from Flax oil. Flax oil is wonderful for the skin. Provides the healthy glow everyone desires.
- Drink plenty of water as the skin needs to be hydrated daily. Sodas, alcohol will cause the skin to be dehydrated aggravating Psoriasis.
- Probiotics
- Essential Formulas Dr. Ohhira’s is the best one to use. They also have a probiotic soap available.
- Eat fermented foods such as Kefir, Kimchi, Sauerkraut and Kombucha.
- Support Nutrients
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Colostrum
- Turmeric
- Oregano Oil
Skin Tags/Warts
Oregano essential oil has very strong antibacterial properties due to its phenolic terpenoids components like arvacrol, thymol and p-cymene. These components have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimelanomic, anti-oxidative, antispasmodic, antiseptic properties. Oregano oil cures skin tags fast, within 2-4 weeks. However, in many cases, it takes about 2 months to treat skin tags. How does your skin tags react to oregano oil will be known only when you use it!
Get this:
• Oregano oil – 2-3 drops
• Coconut oil- 4-6 drops
Do this:
• Mix oregano oil with the carrier oil which is coconut oil in your case.
• Apply this on your skin tags at least thrice a day.
• You may see your tags changing color on daily basis. They will get red, purple and gradually dark black before dropping off your skin.
Take precaution:
• Do not apply oregano oil without diluting it in a carrier oil otherwise you will get red skin marks all along the skin that surrounds your tag.
• Do not try to apply this home remedy on skin tags over your eyelid. Eyes are very sensitive organs. Consult your physician to get rid of any skin problem here.
There are many skin tag removal remedies. Find one that works best for you. Skin tags are fungal and viral in nature. Using coconut oil on a regular basis may help to get rid of them. A nutrient found in coconut called Monolaurin will help remove skin tags and warts from the inside out. Most people will see an improvement in 2 weeks.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin color of people of any race.
Melasma or chloasma spots are similar in appearance to age spots but are larger areas of darkened skin that appear most often as a result of hormonal changes. Pregnancy, for example, can trigger overproduction of melanin that causes the "mask of pregnancy" on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas. Women who take birth control pills may also develop hyperpigmentation because their bodies undergo similar kind of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. If one is really bothered by the pigment, the birth control pills should be stopped.
- The simplest: a paste of milk and honey on the affected areas. You can also mix curd with it. Since milk and curd contain lactic acid, they peel off the affected skin after a period of time, leaving skin beautiful. This cure works wonders on hyperpigmentation.
- Vegetable juices from tomatoes, cucumber and potato should be applied on skin. These lighten pigmentation and suit all skin types. This also leaves skin soothing and fresh all day.You could also try mixing lime juice with honey.
- Peel an avocado, mash it and apply the juice on the pigmented skin.
- Vitamin E is a must in one’s diet as it is known as a skin Vitamin. Try massaging Vitamin E oil on pigmented skin as it requires more care than normal skin.
Face masks can really work wonders over pigmented skin. Try these:
- Oatmeal face pack: mix oatmeal, honey and milk. Apply and wash after it dries off completely.
- Sandalwood pack: mix sandalwood powder and turmeric powder and milk. Apply on affected areas.
- Orange peel: dry orange peel (powdered), cold raw milk and honey. Apply on affected areas and wash after half an hour.
- Make a paste of mint leaves with a dash of milk and apply on affected areas. It soothes the skin.
- Use cocoa butter cream every day on skin.
- Aloe vera, olive oil and almond oil are the safest and most effective remedies for damaged skin.
For Melasma, go to http://healthylivinghowto.com/1/post/2013/03/adrenal-fatigue-melasma.html for more lengthy information and read how Adrenal Fatigues and Melasma are related.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with darker skin. The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can be stressful or make you feel bad about yourself. Treatment for vitiligo may improve the appearance of the affected skin but does not cure the disease.
Papaya
Rub a piece of papaya fruit on the white patches. Let it dry then apply again. See that the juice penetrates the skin. In addition to this, drink papaya juice every day. Papaya helps in reviving the melanin cells. Continue with this treatment and you will perceive visible effects.
Red Clay
Red clay is a cheap and very effective remedy for vitiligo. Its copper content is very efficacious in restoring the pigmentation. Mix two tablespoons of red clay with one tablespoon of ginger juice.Rub the mixture all over the white patches daily. Ginger juice stimulates and increases the flow of blood to the spots. Continuous use of this remedy will soon restore your looks.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are very rich in lignans. It will bring back color to your skin. Grind the seeds to a fine paste. Mix it with one teaspoon of honey. Drink this mixture twice a day after meals. You will soon see its effective results.
Turmeric
Turmeric is the easiest remedy for vitiligo. This blood purifier will restore the pigmentation and remove your embarrassment. Chop half kilo of raw turmeric into small pieces.Chop a quarter kilo of ginger too. Mix them together in a jar and add the juice of five lemons. Add some salt and shake well. Eat two teaspoons of this mixture before meals on a regular basis.
Ginger helps in stimulating and increasing the blood circulation in the affected areas. You should also rub a paste made with turmeric powder and mustard oil to the patches. Mustard oil is rubefacient and with the help of turmeric it can revive the melanin cells.
Chef Susan Irby's Healing Recipes (These are Skin Care Recipes!)
Refresh and Revitalize with Chef Irby’s Skin Care RECIPES:
For naturally glowing skin…
Glowing Oats Facial Mask
Makes 1
1/3 cup oatmeal
½ cup hot water
2 tablespoons organic plain yogurt
2 tablespoons raw organic honey
1 small egg white
Stir together oatmeal and hot water in a medium bowl and let rest for about 3 minutes. Stir in yogurt, honey and egg white.
Using fingertips or a fan-style facial brush, apply mask over face, avoiding sensitive eye areas. Let rest for about 15 minutes. Remove with a warm, damp cloth. Recommended use: as needed, up to once per week
For naturally glowing skin…
Glowing Oats Facial Mask
Makes 1
1/3 cup oatmeal
½ cup hot water
2 tablespoons organic plain yogurt
2 tablespoons raw organic honey
1 small egg white
Stir together oatmeal and hot water in a medium bowl and let rest for about 3 minutes. Stir in yogurt, honey and egg white.
Using fingertips or a fan-style facial brush, apply mask over face, avoiding sensitive eye areas. Let rest for about 15 minutes. Remove with a warm, damp cloth. Recommended use: as needed, up to once per week
Skin Tightening Citrus Facial
Makes 1
1/3 cup organic plain yogurt
1 ½ tablespoons organic orange juice with pulp
¼ avocado
In a medium bowl, mash together yogurt, orange juice and avocado until smooth.
Using fingertips or a fan-style facial brush, apply mask over face, avoiding sensitive eye areas. Let rest for about 8 minutes. Remove with a warm, damp cloth. Recommended use: monthly
l style='margin-top:0in'>Using fingertips or a fan-style facial brush, apply mask over face, avoiding sensitive eye areas. Let rest for about 15 minutes. Remove with a warm, damp cloth. Recommended use: as needed, up to once per week
1/3 cup organic plain yogurt
1 ½ tablespoons organic orange juice with pulp
¼ avocado
In a medium bowl, mash together yogurt, orange juice and avocado until smooth.
Using fingertips or a fan-style facial brush, apply mask over face, avoiding sensitive eye areas. Let rest for about 8 minutes. Remove with a warm, damp cloth. Recommended use: monthly
l style='margin-top:0in'>Using fingertips or a fan-style facial brush, apply mask over face, avoiding sensitive eye areas. Let rest for about 15 minutes. Remove with a warm, damp cloth. Recommended use: as needed, up to once per week
Total Body Smoothing Scrub
Coconut Salt Scrub
Makes 1
1 ¼ cups coarse celtic gray sea salt
½ cup coconut oil
5 drops grapefruit oil
5 drops peppermint oil
10 ounce purified glass container with lid
Pour salt into the glass container. Pour the coconut oil over the salt and add the grapefruit and peppermint oils. Stir well to combine.
To use, place a tablespoon or two in your hands, rub together and then rub onto body as desired. Rinse off with warm water. Recommended use: weekly, as desired.
Makes 1
1 ¼ cups coarse celtic gray sea salt
½ cup coconut oil
5 drops grapefruit oil
5 drops peppermint oil
10 ounce purified glass container with lid
Pour salt into the glass container. Pour the coconut oil over the salt and add the grapefruit and peppermint oils. Stir well to combine.
To use, place a tablespoon or two in your hands, rub together and then rub onto body as desired. Rinse off with warm water. Recommended use: weekly, as desired.
High Enzyme Activating Facials for Renewed and Refreshed Skin
Rejuvenating Papaya Facial
Makes 1
½ medium organic, ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and diced
½ teaspoon raw honey
¼ teaspoon lime juice
Puree the papaya in a food processor or blender until smooth. Remove from processor and stir in remaining ingredients until well combined.
Using fingertips or a fan-style facial brush, apply mask over face, avoiding sensitive eye areas. Let rest for about 15 minutes. Recommended use: bi-weekly or monthly
Makes 1
½ medium organic, ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and diced
½ teaspoon raw honey
¼ teaspoon lime juice
Puree the papaya in a food processor or blender until smooth. Remove from processor and stir in remaining ingredients until well combined.
Using fingertips or a fan-style facial brush, apply mask over face, avoiding sensitive eye areas. Let rest for about 15 minutes. Recommended use: bi-weekly or monthly