For centuries, the traditional healer would always examine their client’s face, using it as map to show the state of health. The healer would skilfully study the features, texture and complexion to aid diagnosis of the body’s ailments and emotional status. Looking after your skin thus requires you to look after your whole self and not just rely on expensive creams and lotions.
Skin Deep
The underlying skin tissue contains an elaborate network of fibres known collectively as connective tissue. Connective tissue consists of elastic fibres, a protein called collagen, cells, capillaries, nerve networks and a gel like substance containing polysaccharides and water, as well as minerals, vitamins, proteins, fat and hormones. All ingredients are essential for maintaining a healthy complexion. The collagen and elastic fibres act as a mechanical frame for the connective tissues, providing support and strength to the skin and allowing it to stretch and retain its shape. Emotional and physical stress, sun damage and failing health can be responsible for the premature breakdown and shrinkage of the collagen fibres and the consequent loss of skin elasticity.
Hormonal imbalance, especially low oestrogen levels, can lead to the wearing of the fatty layer in connective tissue which cushions the skin and gives it its firmness, fullness and soft contours. The period just prior to the onset of menopause is a crucial time for the maintenance of skin in order to prevent rapid deterioration. To slow down the aging process at this time supplementation with plant hormones, vitamins, minerals, is important. Exercise, wholefoods, massage, and lots of water are also vital.
River of Life
The bodily fluids, especially blood, are the river of life, health and vitality as they carry nutrition, oxygen and the essential life elements to all parts of the body, and transport waste to where they need to go. Any slight imbalance in their composition will affect overall health. Toxins and waste which accumulate in the tissues can be due to overeating, digestive problems, bowel toxicity, organ disturbance, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol and or drug abuse. These bodily disorders and obstructions can lead to infections resulting in further toxicity. Their effects will be dramatically visible on the skin. In the initial stages the facial skin looks sluggish, the skin toneless, indicating the loosening and softening of the normally firm and tight texture of the skin. The face can become slightly swollen depending on the extent of the destruction in the tissues, and in extreme cases the face can assume the shape of the full moon.
In advanced stages the elasticity of the skin further diminishes, the face starts sagging, lines on the neck emerge and a double chin appears. Until this stage the changes in relation to the hormonal disturbance and resultant damage are reversible, however, once the toxicity reaches the cellular level the inevitable atrophy can be difficult to reverse in the long run. At this stage the degeneration of the skin appearance becomes more marked with the wear and tear of facial tone resulting in severe wrinkling where the skin becomes withered and parchment-like, riddled with creases and deep lines.
Contamination can be fairly easily spotted as many symptoms regularly relate to specific problems:
- fluid retention generally results from digestive allergies;
- blemishes, puffy complexion, easy scarring and slow healing of skin, along with fatigue, energy and mood swings, bad circulation, bloating and constipation are caused by bowel toxicity and disorders. A change of diet is helpful in most cases. Chronic cases require a systematic approach to the problem with corrective and healing treatment, not only through a change of diet and eating habits, but also an individualised regimen of natural supplements and treatment to purify and replenish the body. Also recommended are hydrotherapy, skin brushing, therapeutic bodywork to stimulate and rebalance the body’s energy field, and lymphatic drainage massage for eliminating waste from the tissue. With rest and purification the body shows a marked improvement in skin tone. The better the tone, the greater the capacity for complete regeneration of the facial tissue.
Anti-oxidants and skin health
Bodily and exterior hazards can trigger mass formation of highly active chemical compounds called free radicals, which are chaotic molecules – the accessories of failing Health and lessening vitality. Free radicals have an oxidising effect on cells, causing burnout, activity suppression, and a reduction in the body’s defensive and regenerative ability, thus encouraging premature ageing and degenerative disorders.
These free radicals are also responsible for the cross-linking of the connective tissues, causing disarrangement of the fibres, which are not cross-linked in healthy skin. Once cross-linked they are bundled and knotted together in such a form that they are no longer able to move freely and flexibly, resulting in a loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
The body has its own defence and scavenging mechanism against free radicals. A natural antioxidant-rich diet containing vitamins, minerals and enzymes helps to protect the cells from oxidation. Thus free radical damage can be controlled to a certain degree by foods and the taking of antioxidants. The well-known antioxidant supplements are vitamins E and C as well as small doses of selenium. Coenzyme 10 is important for healthy skin as it helps to protect cell membranes from sun exposure or toxins damage. Omega 6 and Omega 3 essential fatty acids also help the immune system and has an anti-inflammatory effect help to minimise inflammatory process that comes with stress and aging.
So look after your body and your skin will glow!
Desiree Askin is the founder of Bioform skin products. She is one of the foremost experts in holistic skin and rejuvenation therapy and conducts post-graduate training internationally. T: (02) 9569 1203. E: bioform@bioform.com.au
