Skin Renewal
Natural Approach to Treatment of Common Skin Ailments
A recent survey of practice profiles conducted by family physicians revealed that skin ailments such as abrasions, soft tissue injuries, infection and inflammation rank third, behind physical examinations and hypertension, as reasons to visit the doctor. It is interesting to note that 100 percent of the population at some time in their lives will experience some type of significant skin irritation or skin ailment. The treatment obviously varies with the type of ailment; however, traditional treatment has revolved around either topical care or oral medication.I have been actively involved in skin resurfacing for the past 12 years. It is my feeling that prior to any surgical intervention, the skin should be placed in its best possible health through proper conditioning and diet. I stress the natural approach to skin care with heavy emphasis on prevention. However, before going too far into this discussion of treatment, let us first look at basic skin anatomy. The skin is comprised of a top layer of the epidermis, which is continuously being shed and a thicker, deeper layer called the dermis. The dermis is composed of structures which allow for touch, sweating, oil secretion and temperature regulation. It also contains sebaceous or oil-producing glands which are relatively quiet throughout childhood and reach full development during puberty. This sebaceous gland, or oil gland, usually adjacent to a hair follicle, is often the culprit for the development of many inflammatory skin diseases, including acne.
There are several factors to consider when discussing skin ailments:
- Diet – It has been shown that fatty acids and sugar laden foods are the most frequent dietary contributors to skin conditions. Also, the absence of adequate essential vitamins in the diet can lead to poor skin health, which can subsequently lead to the development of skin ailments.
- Disease – Disease can also be a contributing factor in the development of skin ailments. Such systemic diseases as diabetes, connective tissue disorders, hormonal imbalances and digestive disorders can contribute to the appearance of many common skin conditions.
- Environmental factors – Environmental factors probably have the greatest influence on skin health. Exposure to noxious chemicals, excessive sun and exposure to natural irritating extracts such as poison ivy can contribute in a large degree to the development of skin ailments.
- Hereditary factors – Hereditary factors can also play a small part in the development of skin ailments because ultimately the skin type of the person can be a predetermining factor in the development of many skin problems.
TYPES OF AILMENTS
The most common skin ailments are listed below. They are related by an interruption of the skin’s integrity, which results in an inflammatory phase whereby the body acts to initiate a natural and necessary healing process. Repair of the insult is the next step. This results in laying down collagen, the natural protein of the skin, in an attempt to give a longer lasting natural response to the breakdown of skin integrity. If, however, the insult to the skin integrity is significant, scar formation is the inevitable consequence of natural soft tissue repair and healing.
Pigment irregularities are one of the more common conditions. The pigment system in humans is biologically important to some degree for protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light. The color of the skin and differences in skin color are directly related to the quantity, distribution and chemistry of melanin, a natural pigment in the skin cells of the epidermis or outer layer of the skin.
Besides the hereditary causes of irregular pigmentation, such as albinoism, there are many physical and chemical causes of irregular pigmentation. Lightly pigmented skin can result from damage to the epidermis by physical and chemical agents. Superficial fungal infections are also a very common cause of irregular pigmentation. A variety of skin diseases such as psoriasis and dermatitis can cause irregular pigmentation. Excessive sun exposure can manifest itself in tan to brown spots on the face in adults. Freckles are a common benign evidence of irregular pigmentation and melasma, most commonly found in women. This is a common irregular pigmentation disorder characterized by brown patches distributed over the cheeks and, less commonly, over other regions of the face.
Another common skin ailment is solar-damaged skin. This condition is discussed in my article entitled, “Tanning the Healthy Way.” Excessive sun-exposed skin has been damaged by protein breakdown due to its exposure to ultraviolet light, poor skin health, and a susceptibility to common skin ailments.
OTHER CAUSES
Another common reason for altered skin health would be common bruises and burns or everyday trauma to the skin. Any repetitive episode of trauma leads to excessive scarring and ultimately results in less than optimal skin health and subsequent higher incidence of common skin ailments.
Inflammatory changes of the skin are also an important cause leading to poor skin health. Acne is an ineffective skin process which will affect approximately 85 percent of adults during their lifetime. The condition is usually noted in early puberty, and typical acne lesions are blackheads, whiteheads, and localized areas of inflammation. Acne is a disease of the hair follicle and the adjacent sebaceous gland unit. A number of changes during puberty can cause the excess production of the sebaceous gland, resulting in an increased germ production within the structure. This may subsequently result in blockage of the pore, therefore resulting in inflammation and infection of the skin.
It is interesting to note that patients with acne produce a much higher amount of oil in their skin and demonstrate abnormality of the sebaceous gland. Another common inflammatory condition of the skin is psoriasis, which is characterized by drying and scaling plaque accumulation usually noted in the scalp, elbows and knees. This is a lifelong process that is poorly understood.
TREATMENT
I feel strongly that any treatment program for skin ailments should first be directed in a natural and preventative way. Thorough cleansing and exfoliation are the most important factors in obtaining and retaining healthy skin. Any cleansing program should be focused on the avoidance of harsh synthetic chemicals and the use of natural scents. A good preventative plan for maintaining healthy skin is necessary in the oily skin type, which is very prone to the development of acne and other skin inflammations. With the use of natural cleansers such as cucumber extracts, honey and the anti-inflammatory effects of ginseng, we have found that the natural oils which can accumulate within the pores of the skin can be more easily removed, therefore resulting in a more effective cleansing process of the pores. This natural approach to preventative care can be an important factor in avoiding many of the problems of acne-infected skin and also in helping to prevent its progression.
An important factor in prevention would be the avoidance of synthetic irritants commonly found in non-natural skin care products and also the avoidance of excessive sun exposure.
Many topical agents on the market can act to improve skin health; aloe vera is one of the more remarkable health and beauty plants of the modern era. Aloe vera has been around for centuries and scientists continue to discover new ways to use its healing gifts. It is one of the most versatile plants on earth containing all of the essential minerals and enzymes needed for rapid cell regeneration with subsequent improvement for overall skin health.
The plant contains 22 amino acids, complex carbohydrates, vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12, and many other minerals which are paramount in the maintenance of good skin health. It also has an inherent ability to penetrate into the damaged and infected tissue until it reaches healthy cells. Aloe is probably best known for its ability to treat common traumatic ailments of the skin such as burns and abrasions. The leaf contains a natural gel helpful in the healing of abrasions and burns because it contains salycilates, the same anti-inflammatory agent found in aspirin. Aloe also contains magnesium lactate, a substance which inhibits the histamine reaction causing the excessive redness and swelling in the skin that is a natural byproduct of injury.
A research team in Texas has found that aloe vera has enormous therapeutic potential because it penetrates the tissues, relieves pain, and serves as an anti-inflammatory agent. Research has also found that aloe produces an anti-aging effect on the skin, and its high mineral and water content make it ideally suited for use in skin creams. I have based my approach to preventative skin care on many of the natural ingredients and properties of this remarkable natural product.
Vitamins, which I consider to be essential nutrients needed only in very small amounts to prevent a deficiency syndrome, may be used in other ways to affect skin health. Topical vitamin A has been found to be extremely helpful in the treatment of acne and age-related skin damage. Oral vitamin A has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of severe cystic acne and psoriasis. Psoriasis, a common dermatological disorder, has responded nicely to topical vitamin A for treatment of the scaling plaques of this disease. Vitamin D has also been shown to be extremely effective in the topical treatment of psoriasis. Vitamin C, and to some extent vitamin E (although less pronounced), has also been shown to assist in the regeneration of solar damage and age-damaged skin.
Kojic acid, a natural skin lightener, has been effective in the treatment of irregular pigmentation problems. This natural product has a solid reputation in parts of Asia and is extracted from a species of mushroom. Its properties reduce the amount of melanin produced in the skin. Kojic acid also has a mild antibiotic property and is useful in the treatment of hyper pigmentation that often accompanies certain acne conditions. Combined with the use of the natural alpha-hydroxy acids, kojic acid also significantly improves fine wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.
Diet is also an important factor in skin health. It would be beyond the scope of this article to suggest any specific approach to diet; however, a well rounded diet with a vitamin supplement is extremely important in maintaining healthy skin.
It is important when addressing common skin ailments to direct attention to the preventative and natural approach of skin care. Common conditions of acne, psoriasis, and irregular pigmentation have been shown to be responsive to a variety of natural products. A preventative approach with a focus on aggressive cleaning and exfoliation, in my estimation, is the first line of defense against the ravages of skin inflammation and damage.