Skin Care- by Dr. Keli Samuelson 
 
Healing from both inside and out!

 The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is also a permeable membrane. What is applied to the skin is absorbed and distributed throughout the body via the blood stream. And what we put into the body can have a tremendous effect on the health of our skin cells.
 
Healthy skin, hair and nails go through regular cycles of rejuvenation. To ensure this process, the natural function of these tissue must be supported from within and the tissues themselves must be protected from damage form both within and without.
 Numerous factors may contribute to the destruction of skin and hair cells. Harsh weather, prolonged exposure to the sun and/or consumption of alcohol interfere with the natural process of cellular revitalization.
 
Smoking, in particular, can be extremely detrimental.  Healthy cellular systems generate and quickly neutralize potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals.  Smoking accelerates the production of these molecules.  The damage to normal cell genetic material, protein and fats caused by unneutralized free radicals may lead to premature aging as well as both pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions.  The harm caused to skin by smoking is external as well.  Air borne by-products of smoking settle onto the skin, not only on that of the smoker but those nearby as well, where the block pores and contribute to premature aging.  Environmental pollutants such as automobile exhaust also dirty and destroy skin and hair in the same way. 

 While brief exposure to sunlight is an excellent natural source of Vitamin D, prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided. The warmth of the sun opens pores allowing toxins to be eliminated. Prolonged exposure dries the skin and results in premature wrinkling.

       The soaps, cleansers, cosmetics and moisturizers applied to the skin and hair have an enormous impact on the health, quality and look of these tissues, it is imperative that these products be made from the purest ingredients. Many personal care products are made from ingredients derived from non-renewable petrochemical sources, plants grown with pesticides and artificial fertilizers, and animal by-products all of which may damage tissue.

 In addition to artificial colors, fragrances, and other skin irritants, most popular commercial products contain mineral oil or petrolatum. While these lubricants temporarily soften the skin, they also clog pores and inhibit the skin’s natural release of toxins and normal skin secretions. Both attract dirt and oil, holding it onto the skin. Both are difficult to remove and interfere with the natural pH balance that keeps skin healthy
 
 Just as we should avoid preservatives and/or artificial colors in our food, we should avoid them in our personal care products.  Just as we should eat organically grown food, we should use skin and hair care products made from ingredients grown in fertile soil that are free from herbicides and pesticides.  Skin and hair should be cared for simply with natural products and preparations that support healthy, normal body processes and that have little or no negative impact on the environment.

 One of the simplest and most effective ways to cleanse the skin is through perspiring.  Perspiration opens pores and allows for the release of stored toxins. Despite billions spent on health club memberships, more Americans are sedentary than at any other time in our history. These people rarely engage in any health-promoting activity that might result in perspiration. Exercising to the point of perspiration and following this activity immediately with a quick shower is a sure way to purge the skin of impurities. In addition to hastening the removal of metabolic byproducts and toxins from both the skin and body, exercise increases circulation and improves both muscle and skin tone. For those unable to exercise, retiring to a steam bath or sauna is an excellent way to accelerate perspiration without exertion.

 The largest organ of nourishment and elimination, the skin is dependent upon water for hydration. Therefore, the quality of the water used for bathing, cooking and drinking is critical. Municipal water supplies have high concentrations of chlorine. Chlorine, which is bleach, can destroy both skin and hair. Those who rely upon a municipal water source should consider the installation of a reverse osmosis water filter. This will provide cooking and drinking water that is free of chemical contaminants. The additional installation of a KDF/Activated Carbon filter in the shower will eliminate many of the harmful effects of chlorine and chlorine by-products. Daily consumption of pure water is crucial to hydration. Insufficient consumption of chlorinated water may lead to dry skin and dull hair.

 Like all organs in the body, skin, hair,and nails are wholly dependent upon nutrients for both growth and maintenance. Poor eating habits often lead to nutritional deficiencies that can be harmful to these tissues. A diet of unprocessed, whole foods supplemented with a prescribed regimen of nutritional supplements can ensure optimal nutrition for the ongoing rejuvenation of skin, hair and nails.
     
  It is only natural to want healthier, more youthful skin. Now the Connecticut Center For Health has a skin line that makes it more possible. After much research we have found a skin line that has no dyes, artificial coloring, or artificial fragrances. Essential oils and the scent of plant extracts is the aroma of the products. All preservatives are essential oils and plant derived. This is the purest quality skin nutrition for daily home use with the most effective results. We all love the product line and very excited for our patients to use it daily and see the results- we have!!!!