healthy-skin

Skin problems are quite a common issue in today’s population and in Only Natural we make recommendations for dealing with them all the time. They effect all ages from infants to the elderly and can be particularly distressing as the sufferer has to deal with their embarrassing nature as well as the physical discomfort they often entail. The skin is a major organ of elimination and its state of good or bad health can reflect other issues such as other eliminatory organs such as the liver or the digestive system being under stress, hormonal imbalance, the body’s reaction to allergens, nutrient deficiency or even the effects of stress.
Common problems include :
Acne, a condition characterized by red pimples on the skin and excessive oil production often accompanying, but not exclusive to, puberty.
Acne rosacea, a skin condition of the face often involving flushing and redness, tiny red pimples and lines and rhynophyma (an enlarged, bulbous red nose).
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, characterized by inflammation and redness and often extremely itchy.
Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition caused by over proliferation of skin cells resulting in thick, white, silvery or red patches of skin.

These are some natural remedies that are often found to be helpful.

A Green Food Mixture , commonly taken in powder form has nourishing properties as well as helping to alkalise and detox the body and might be the first port of call when a poor dietary history is present.
Essential Fats such as hemp or fish oil. These help to balance hormones and reduce the inflammation of acne or eczema.
Remedies to support the other organs of elimination where appropriate. These include fibre or kiwi supplements for the bowels, milk thistle and dandelion for the liver and the kidneys or general detox supplements (we often recommend Renew Life’s First Cleanse, Cleanse Smart or Liver Detox).
Vitamin A (helps reduce sebum production in Acne) and Zinc are both crucial for skin health in general.
Milk Thistle has been shown to slow down the abnormal skin cell growth in Psoriasis.
B Vitamins (especially B2) seem to play a part in normalizing sebum production while the presence of a skin mite thought to be a causative factor in Rosacea was found to be more prevalent in Riboflavin (B2) deficient individuals.
Selenium is an important antioxidant mineral thought to be very important in reducing the inflammation of acne.
Quercetin inhibits the release of histamine which can be a causative factor of eczema where food allergies are responsible. Probiotics and L Glutamine would also be supportive in this situation.
Chromium can be beneficial for psoriasis sufferers who tend to have higher levels of glucose and insulin.
Oregon grape, which can be taken internally and used externally in topical form, inhibits toxic  bacterial growth which can be a factor in both acne and psoriasis.
The Bach Flower remedy ‘Crab Apple’ can give great emotional support when a skin ailment has lead to feelings of embarrassment and shame.

As always adequate exercise and good nutrition are both essential to long term improvement. The nutritional benefits of good protein sources, whole grains (unless allergies are present) and lots of vegetables particularly of the green, leafy variety are paramount. Foods to avoid include coffee, alcohol and anything that has a flushing effect. Avoid refined sugar and saturated fat in favour of good essential fats from nuts and seeds, oily fish and good oils such as coconut oil.

Natural skincare and cosmetics should be used in preference to chemical based products and we can’t recommend the Dr Hauschka range enough or a consultation/treatment from Ann Moran our skincare expert who works with the range. Other external treatments which benefit skin conditions include :
Goat’s milk soaps, body washes etc which can be of great benefit to sufferers from infantile or adult eczema.
Chickweed ointment has an emollient i.e. softening or soothing effect on the skin.
Oregon Grape cream helps to deal with bacterial infection.
Calendula (marigold) ointment has potent healing properties for damaged skin.
Rosehip and Argan Oils, and natural skincare products containing significant amounts of them, can have deeply nourishing and healing effects on irritated or inflamed skin conditions.
Also essential oils including tea tree, lemon, lavender, frankincense, rose and neroli can have a potent effect at normalising some skin conditions. See an aromatherapist or consult a good book for methods, recipes etc.
Many all natural cream and lotion ranges exist which can very quickly help bring troubled skin back into balance. We often recommend the Salcura or Barefoot Botanicals ranges.

Every case of skin problems must be regarded as a once off case and usually a number of potential causes and solutions have to be gone through before finding a protocol that works for the individual but with a little detective work, and effort on the part of the sufferer, results usually come!