How healthy is your skin

Deep and Meaningful Pty Ltd P.O.Box 427

Ascot Vale Victoria, 3032

Australia ABN 33 080 145 795

Page 1 of 7 Copyright © D&M 2009

How healthy is your skin? Adopt a healthy relationship to life as well as a natural skin care treatments regime and it will show in your skin: Healthy skin depends as much upon your lifestyle and health choices as it does upon the use of natural skin care treatments. Many people do not understand the correlation between lifestyle and/or health and the condition of their skin and as a result are searching for ageing or acne solutions without first assessing what the cause of the problem may be.

Using natural skin care treatments will certainly improve your skin but if the condition is due to lifestyle and/or health it will not cure the problem and it is just as important to treat the cause for a long term solution as it is to seek an interim measure to help with the issue. D&M have products that can help with all skin types and conditions, including acne solutions, but it is good for you to understand the possible contributing factors to your skins condition and adjust your lifestyle to obtain the best (and lasting) results possible. Alcohol, Diet, Pregnancy, Stress, UV - The overall health and condition of your skin is affected by many factors. In this article, you will find an alphabetical list of influencing factors and their typical reaction on the skin.

Influencing Factor

Skin Reaction

Alcohol/Drug Abuse Excessive consumption of alcohol and/or drugs can cause dehydration, free radical formulation (that can lead to premature ageing) and congestion under the skin due to the increased toxin levels in the body. Heavy drinking causes constant blood vessel dilation which can lead to permanent capillary damage (Telangiectasia) giving the skin a reddish appearance, commonly on areas of the nose and cheeks.

Analgesics

Some analgesic medications can produce skin irritations such as itching and dermatitis may occur when exposed to UV whilst taking analgesics.





Antibiotics

Can increase the skins sensitivity to U.V exposure which may result in burning, pigmentation or ageing of the skin.

Antihistamines

May cause excessive dehydration with prolonged use.

Caffeine (excessive)

Caffeine can have a diuretic effect on the body, which can cause skin dehydration.

Contraceptives

Oestrogens assist in maintaining the skins moisture level. High levels of oestrogen (in some contraceptive pills) however, can cause uneven skin pigmentation. High levels of testosterone (in some contraceptive pills) can increase oil production, acne breakouts and facial hair.

Diabetes

People with Diabetes have a susceptibility to infection due to the slower than average healing time of their body. They can commonly suffer from bacterial/fungal skin infections, dry skin, darkening and thickening of skin in areas of tan/brown skin and itching.

Diet An inadequate diet can cause dehydration, sluggish metabolism, reduced cell renewal, skin, hair and nail weakening and a susceptibility to infection. A well balanced diet assists in maintaining the skins hydration and moisture levels, increases cell renewal and helps to maintain a youthful, glowing appearance.





Diuretics/Laxatives

Both dehydrate the body by increasing fluid elimination. Frequent use may result in an adverse reaction, such as fluid retention or bloating due to electrolyte disturbances.

Eating Disorders/Extreme Dieters Malnutrition causes excessive dehydration and vitamin and mineral deficiency which leads to dry, lifeless unhealthy skin and an increased susceptibility to infection. The lack of nutrients can cause premature ageing of the skin and the damage may be irreversible.

Environment

Temperature changes, humidity levels, air conditioning and heating all contribute to the hydration and moisture levels of the skin. Whilst the skin is designed to adapt to the environment, frequent extreme temperature changes can cause dehydration, dryness, flakiness and can increase skin irritation and sensitivity.

Exercise

Moderate exercise increases circulation, blood flow and waste removal which increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and increases the elimination of toxins to maintain effective skin functioning and health. Lack of exercise can contribute to poor circulation, decreased muscular strength, weight gain, sluggish metabolism, fluid retention and a dull, lifeless skin appearance. Excessive exercise depletes the skins nutrient supply, as the internal organs require an increase in nutrient supply to build muscle and sustain energy levels. The body’s inability to cope with this increased demand on metabolism causes an increase in the release of free radicals, which may cause the skin to age prematurely.





General Anaesthetic May cause temporary skin dehydration

Hormones

Hormonal changes and imbalances within the body can cause a disturbance in oil production and hair growth. An increase in oil production may lead to the development of acne, whilst a decrease in oil production may cause the skin to become dry, dull and weathered as the skin is unable to protect itself against moisture loss and environmental damage.

Menopause

During Menopause oestrogen levels in the body fall and cell renewal slows down. This decrease of oestrogen can cause the skin to become dry and susceptible to environmental damage leading to severe dehydration and advanced skin ageing. The skin may also be reactive to heat during menopause, as body temperature fluctuates.

Menstrual cycle

Hormonal influences during a women’s menstrual cycle, can cause an increase in breakouts and may cause further inflammation of acne. Increased skin sensitivity is also common.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes within the body during pregnancy can cause hyper-pigmentation (chloasma), unwanted hair production and the appearance of tiny red blood vessels. These characteristics usually disappear sometime after childbirth. Red/purple stretch marks may also appear due to the rapid stretching of the skin. Stretch marks will not disappear after childbirth but they will fade from the red/purple colour to a pearl/white colour making them less visible.





Pollution

Dust and grime in the air can cause congested pores and increase the bacteria on the skin which can lead to breakouts. Chemical pollutants in the air can cause skin sensitivities and allergic reactions due to the breakdown of the skins natural protective moisture barrier. Under skin congestion may also occur as the body tries to eliminate the toxins caused by chemical pollution via the lymphatic system.

Steroids (anabolic)

Anabolic steroids can cause puffiness and swelling around the face, neck, ankles and fingers due an increase in fluid retention. The increase in testosterone levels can cause acne breakouts on the face, chest, arms and back. Long term use can lead to Cushing’s syndrome. High dosages can cause jaundice, a serious liver disease characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. There is an increased susceptibility to infection and the body’s healing process is delayed. Women may experience irregular menstruation and an increase in male hair growth patterns.

Steroids (topical)

High dosage of topical steroid application can suppress the adrenal glands which are responsible for the production of natural steroids that keep the body in good health. Absorption of large amounts of steroids through the skin may cause Cushing’s syndrome. Skin thinning, stretch marks and dilation of capillaries (Telangiectasia) can occur locally and the skin may become more prone to bruising, tearing, allergies, infection and dehydration.





Sinus Problems

Frequent sinus problems can cause puffy eyes due to the congestion and a constant dilation of capillaries, causing them to rupture and become visible with a reddish appearance around the nose and sometimes cheeks.

Smoking

Smoking can increase dehydration, asphyxiation of the skin (lack of oxygen), and the attack of free radicals on our DNA, all of which contribute to accelerated skin ageing and a dull, lifeless skin appearance.

Stress Stress can aggravate all skin conditions, but commonly adrenal gland hormone secretion is increased, which stimulates the sebaceous glands causing an increase in oil production, breakouts and acne. High stress levels can see the slowing down of cell renewal as energy is diverted elsewhere to cope with the demands that stress places on the body. This may lead to premature ageing in cases of chronic stress.

Sleep

Having an adequate amount of sleep per night allows the skin to build new cells for repair and assists in maintaining a youthful skin appearance. A lack of sleep can result in a dull, tired and lifeless skin appearance. Premature ageing of the skin can occur as a result of chronic lack of sleep. Too much sleep can cause poor circulation, fluid retention, puffiness, a sluggish metabolism and waste removal which may result in under skin congestion.





Thyroid Disorders Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

An under active thyroid can cause a reduction in the glandular activity of both the sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands. Puffiness and swelling of the eyes and hands may occur. The skin can become dry, cold and pale with a yellowish hue (colour) and the hair and nails may become dry and brittle. Wound healing may also slow down and dermatitis may flare up.

An over active thyroid can cause an increase in glandular activity. The skin may become moist, smooth and warm with flushing of the face and hands which may lead to telangiectasia. The hair can become fine and moist and the nails overgrown with possible lifting from the nail bed. Itching, urticaria (hives) and increased skin pigmentation may also occur.

U.V Exposure U.V exposure can cause damage to the DNA in our cells via the attack of formed free radicals. This can vastly accelerate the skins ageing process. Skin colour may be affected by hyperpigmentation and the possible formation of skin lesions, moles and skin cancers. Overexposure to U.V may lead to premature ageing causing a thickened, coarse, dry, dehydrated and wrinkled skin. The walls of the blood vessels weaken causing visible and sometimes severe capillary damage (Telangiectasia) commonly evident on the cheeks and nose.

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Lifestyle

How healthy is your skin