Healthy Skin & Anti-Aging

THE SKIN

The skin directly reflects the overall health of your body internally and externally.  If you live an unhealthy, toxic lifestyle, your skin manifests externally your health condition internally. 

What Role Does The Skin Play?

·         Gives shape to the body

·         Acts as a barrier, protecting the body from invading bacteria, virus, etc.

·         Works as a thermostat and helps to regulate body temperature

·         Senses environmental hazards, such as excess heat or cold

·         Acts as the largest eliminative organ of the body. The skin uses sweat to help get rid of waste fluid and purify the body. As the body detoxifies, the skin responds with acne, eczema, psoriasis, boils, etc. The pores of the skin allow the body to breathe to rid itself of toxins. Clogged pores interfere with this function.

 

Skin Structure

·         The top layer of the skin is called the epidermis. This layer consists of flat, gray cells.

·         The second layer of skin is the dermis. This layer contains hair follicles, oil, sweat glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels. It contains collagen and elastin. Deterioration of this layer causes aging, sagging, and wrinkles.

·         The third layer of skin is the hypodermis (subcutaneous). This layer contains fat cells, veins and muscles. It acts as both a shock absorber and a thermal insulator. Cellular Stem Cell Moisturizer occurs in this third layer of skin. Transdermal products must be used in order to penetrate the layers of skin and stimulate the production of natural collagen and elastin.

Facts on the Skin             

·         The skin is the largest organ of the body.

·         The skin of an average adult covers approximately 7 square feet of space.

·         The skin is 16% of a person’s total body weight.

·         Every 24 hours, the skin sheds a layer of dead cells and totally renews itself every 3-4 weeks.

·         90% of what we see as household dust is really dead skin cells.

·         A person discards as much as 88 pounds of dead skin cells in a lifetime.

CONVENTIONAL  VS. HOLISTIC TREATMENTS

Orthodox medicine still insists that diet has nothing to do with acne and other skin disorders, and subjects its patients to strong antibiotics, such as acutane and tetracycline, and recommends irradiation or treatment with cortisone-based (steroid) medication. Holistic wellness, on the other hand, approaches skin disorders as more comprehensive and more than just “skin deep”.

Holistic thinkers believe that dietary abnormalities (excesses and deficiencies) play a significant role in causing skin disorders. They have also found that skin maintenance, along with a nutritional approach in the treatment of acne offers the best results.

The skin acts as a shield between the body and millions of foreign substances that exist in our environment. It often reacts by exhibiting acne, rashes, bumps, scales, redness, eczema, psoriasis and other skin problems. In addition to being one of the elimination systems of the body, the skin excretes toxins and chemicals that are present in the body, as do the kidneys and bowels.

The Development of Premature Aging

Intrinsic aging—intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process, is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s. Within the skin, collagen production slows, and elastin, the substance that enables skin to snap back into place, has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of intrinsic aging are typically not visible for decades.

The signs of intrinsic aging are:

·         Fine wrinkles

·         Thin and transparent skin

·         Loss of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck

Extrinsic Aging—A number of extrinsic, or external, factors often act together with the normal aging process to prematurely age our skin. Most premature aging is caused by sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are:

·         The Sun: Without protection from the sun’s rays, excessive exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin.

·         Facial Expressions: Repetitive facial movements actually lead to fine lines and wrinkles.

·         Gravity: Gravity constantly pulls on our bodies. Changes related to gravity become more pronounced as we age. In our 50s, when the skin’s elasticity declines dramatically, the effects of gravity become evident.

·         Sleeping Positions: Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night for years on end also leads to wrinkles. These wrinkles (also known as sleep lines) eventually become etched on the surface of the skin and no longer disappear when the head is not resting on the pillow.

·         Smoking: Cigarette smoking causes biochemical changes in our bodies that accelerate aging. Research shows that a person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled, leathery skin than a nonsmoker.

·         Hormones: Hormonal imbalances can cause severe skin abnormalities including premature aging as well as acne.

·         Lack of Daily Maintenance: By not removing makeup and pollutants on a daily basis, your skin will be vulnerable to the effects of free radical damage.

 Treatments/Tips for combating Premature Aging:

Refined foods such as white sugar, white flour and refined vegetable oil can cause inflammation, which according to Nicholas Perricone, MD is the number one cause of acne.

A change in diet is highly effective in countering skin problems. Increasing antioxidants in your diet is a good way to prevent the damaging external forces such as pollution that affect our skin. Taking vitamins that are rich in antioxidants help to combat free radicals that we are inadvertently exposed to in day-to-day life.  Turning to organic foods when possible is also another way to avoid free radicals.

An important way to combat a hormonal imbalance is ensuring that essential fatty acids are incorporated into the diet. They serve as building blocks for cell membranes and immediate energy, as well as energy storage. Some benefits from taking essential fatty acids are; reduction in risk of coronary artery disease, relief from dry skin, eyes, hair and nails, as well as relief from frequent bruising.

Detoxification

Detoxification begins cleansing the body internally. When usual detoxifying organs such as the kidneys, bowels and liver are overloaded, the body uses the skin to throw off many systemic toxins. This results in skin eruptions, rashes, eczema and acne. Chronic constipation is one of the main causes of excessive systemic toxicity. Colon cleansing and detoxifying is the first, most important internal program for skin disorder.

Water

Drink half your body’s weight in ounces of water per day for body and skin flushing.

Every organ of the body requires water. The heart, lungs, skin and circulatory system all depend on water. To find your individual need, divide your weight in half. Half of your body weight gives you a good rule of thumb for how many ounces of water your body needs to function on a daily basis. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water each day. Nothing will substitute for water, including; milk, juice, tea, soda etc. If you drink enough water each day, you will absolutely feel different. This is not to say that you cannot drink other liquids, but remember the importance of the quantity of water that you drink each day.

Nutrition and its Role in Skin Care

We know that a healthy body equals healthy skin—so whether your goal is to minimize and eradicate acne, rosacea, eczema, or fine lines and wrinkles, the answer comes from within.

Some of the benefits of the anti-inflammatory diets outlined within this section will be immediately noticeable, while other effects may take a bit longer. The Solutions4 Skin Programs contain many similarities, as the same factors that cause premature aging may also cause acne, rosacea and other skin disorders.

 

Supplementation

·         Take a multivitamin/multimineral to give the balanced 100% nutritional support that is needed for total health, which reflects externally in the skin.

·         Add evening primrose oil and flax seed oil, which aid in healing dermatitis, acne and other skin disorders. This is even more effective when combined with zinc.

Daily Skin Care Regime

 Follow a daily skin care routine using the recommended products from Dr. Tuft. 

External Products

 GREEN TEA CLEANSER

Green Tea Cleanser will leave the skin clean, soothed and moisturized.  Studies show that green tea is effective in the prevention and treatment of abnormal skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis and eczema.  Green tea’s anti-oxidant power protects the skin from environmental factors and free radicals that lead to premature aging of the skin.  Combined in this superior Green Tea Cleanser are gentle emollients, vitamins, antibacterial properties, hydrators, anti-inflammatory and UV protectors. This Green Tea Cleanser is for all skin types for balanced protection on a daily basis.

                Use: Apply a light film over the face and neck.  Using the fingertips gently work into pores and let sit for 60 seconds. Rinse with warm water.  Keep out of eyes. Use daily.

 

APRICOT EXFOLIATOR

Apricot Exfoliator is a grape seed oil based Apricot Exfoliator that combines a perfect blend of vitamins, anti-oxidants, UV protectors, hydrators, moisturizers and collagen and elastin builders to provide superior protection and gentle exfoliation. 

                Use: Lather a small amount in palms then massage gently onto wet face and neck.  Rinse with warm water.  Use 3-5 times per week after cleanser.  Keep out of eyes.

 

STEM CELL MOISTURIZER

Apple Moisturizer is changing the skin care industry in ways never before realized through the use of apple stem cells.  By combining plan-derived stem cells with other anti-aging actives such as nutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory botanicals and UV protectors, we can rejuvenate skin cell DNA, and literally give aging skin a fresh new start. 

                Use: Gently massage a small amount of Apple Moisturizer into clean skin until invisible.  Keep out of eyes.  Use daily.

PROTEIN LIFT MASK

A superior lifting & tightening facial masque that stimulates cell renewal without dehydrating. It draws imbedded impurities out of the pores of the skin through reverse osmosis. Specialized enzymes & amino acids help induce the fibroblast cells to start reproducing new collagen fibers & elastin strands. This is essential for progressive results in the restoration of skin elasticity & resilience. Protein Lift Mask is a natural alternative to a surgical face lift. May be used prior to an event for its immediate results.

                 Use: Mix 1 teaspoon powder with 3/4 teaspoon of Aloe Activator. Form a creamy paste. Apply the mask in upward strokes with a facial brush. Leave mask on for 1 hour. Remove the mask by wetting with warm water & wiping gently with facial sponges & plenty of tepid water (Aloe Activator may be used to assist in the removal of the mask). Use 2-4 times monthly.

ALOE ACTIVATOR

A skin toner & freshener with antiseptic properties that help give greater health & color to the skin. It may be used alone or with the Protein Lift Mask & is a great tool to aid in the removal of the Protein Lift Mask. Great for all types of skin by working not only as a hydrator & skin softener but as a natural anti-fungal & anti-biotic.

                   Use: Mix 3/4 teaspoon with 1 teaspoon of Protein Lift Mask powder & use as directed above.

TONER SPRAY

Botanical extracts & Aloe Vera are combined in a spritz formula to enliven the skin while softening the appearance of facial lines. The skin is invigorated, refreshed & hydrated. Especially benefiacial when traveling for skin prone to dehydration.

                   Use: In morning & evening routine. Also may be used throughout the day to refresh, revitalize, & hydrate the skin or over makeup to set color.

VITAMIN C HYDRATOR

The antioxidant benefits of vitamin C in topical products are well known. Vitamin C Hydrator is effectively absorbed through the skin because of its unique skin penetrating properties. Prompts cell renewal by stimulating the formation of collagen & elastin. Reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. Protects skin against UV & environmental damage.Prevents & reverses the effects of aging skin.

                    Use: Use each morning. Gently apply in upward strokes to the face & neck. May also be used in the evening if desired.