Our skin is a reflection of our inner health and well being. It reflects radiance when we are in good health and a dull appearance when our health is compromised. Our skin functions as the major organ of elimination of toxins and impurities for our body. It can be viewed as a valuable form of body communication providing us with information about the state of our health. When our skin appears less than vibrant and clear it is a sign of imbalance and can possibly be an indication of disease. The foods we eat, how we handle stresses, the quality of the water that we use will reflect almost immediately the condition of our skin.
Our skin is bombarded by toxic matter from our environment. Therefore it is doubly important to provide nourishment and protection with carefully chosen healthy skin care products. We can positively affect our health and the condition of our skin by the lifestyle choices we make.
The skin's capacity for absorption - What do YOU choose to absorb?
Absorption of chemicals (natural or synthetic) through the skin depends on several factors. Everyone's skin is different. The condition of one's skin, hydration level, pore size and density influence absorbability. Our skin is composed of several layers. The stratum corneum is the primary layer. It serves as a protective barrier to keep out materials which do not belong in our skin, body cells and body system in general. Thin skin is more readily penetrated by toxins and impurities than thick/dense skin. Different materials vary in absorbability dependent on the nature of their chemical make up. Numerous body care products on the market incorporate ingredients known as penetration enhancers to assist (force) the absorption of ingredients that the skin will not readily receive.
According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep report, penetration enhancers alter (damage) the cell structure and thus allow other harmful ingredients and impurities to enter the cells. There is an abundance of natural plant ingredients such as herbs and flowers that are beneficial to the skin and that the body naturally welcomes. These are your best choices for your skin and health care.
Basics of Skin Care - Misconceptions vs. Truth
Facial Cleanse -
Some people believe washing their face is not necessary. Others believe washing their face will be harsh and drying to their skin. Neither of these beliefs are true. Our skin comes in daily contact with myriad toxins from exhaust fumes, communicable germs, re-cycled air at the work place and more. Add a hot climate or increased physical activity to the equation and the resulting perspiration will hold toxins on the skins surface intended for elimination. Water alone will not effectively remove the debris.
We also need to consider the harm caused by harsh alkaline soaps. They strip your skin of its beneficial protective barrier. In defense the skin may produce rough callous cells. Oily skin gets mixed messages. It over-compensates for sudden dryness by producing excessive oils. Dry skin becomes extremely dry. It appears sallow and becomes rough in texture.
A perfect facial cleanse affords deep yet gentle cleansing that soothes and nourishes the skin leaving it feeling clean, balanced, soft and glowing with vibrant health. Beware of facial cleansers that produce foamy suds. We have come to associate lots of lather with good cleansing. Nothing could be further from true. Many liquid facial cleansers contain sodium lauryl sulfate or other sudsing and foaming agents which are reported to cause eye irritation, skin rashes, and allergic reactions. The suds and foam may be fun, but they do not assist the cleansing process. According to a report released to the FDA in 1978, when combined with other synthetic chemicals sodium lauryl sulfate can create cancer causing N-nitrosamines.
Facial Toners and Creams - Moisturizing and Hydration
People often associate thick heavy creams with moisturizing. Actually it is the beneficial properties of the ingredients of the cream that soften hydrate and tone the skin. Thick, heavy creams can prevent the skin from breathing in oxygen and expelling perspiration and toxins. The moisturizing properties of a cream consist of its water content (moisture) along with the properties of its other ingredients (plant oils and herbal extracts) that provide nourishment and assist the skin's cells to maintain their moisture.
A facial toner will add hydration and is the bridge between the facial cleansing and moisturizing in that it better prepares your skin to receive the moisturizer cream. A quality moisturizer cream enhances the health and beauty of your skin without clogging your pores or creating an oily film on your skin. The beneficial properties of the ingredients become part of your skin cells' health.
Optimal skin care is a simple daily regime of gentle, nourishing cleansing followed by a facial toner and moisturizer cream. The entire process need not require more than 1-2 minutes. Nature's herbs and flowers provide high quality nourishment for our skin. Nature doesn't need the help of harmful synthetic chemicals to be developed into beautiful skin care products.
So, when you shop, look for products with only basic ingredients of nature that you recognize. You can leave the more complicated products that are made with mysterious synthetic ingredients on the shelf.
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