Over the past couple of years, the skin industry has seen a huge growth in looking at whole body functions when treating skin conditions. Due to modern day diets and lifestyle factors we have seen an increase in these health-related skin conditions. How many of these can you relate to?
Congestion, pimples, and open pores
If you are suffering with lots of blackheads, breakouts and enlarged pores you are most likely deficient in Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s). This type of nutrient is called ‘essential’ because it is necessary for the functioning of your body and unlike other vitamins and minerals, your body is unable to produce them. When congestion, pimples and large pores present on the skin it tells us that the oil your skin naturally produces is of poor quality and is too thick to escape the pore. This creates thick, stubborn blackheads and clogged pores, which is always the start of a breakout. EFA’s help to improve the quality of oil by thinning the consistency so it is not trapped in the pore anymore.
Inflamed, sore, deep pimples
Inflamed cystic acne has strong links to inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An inflamed GI tract can be due to a number of things; poor diet, alcohol, dehydration, overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria and parasites (more common than you think). Many people suffer from an inflamed gut, without even realising.
Cystic acne is also strongly related to a hormone imbalance. When female hormones such as estrogen or progesterone fall out of balance with male hormones such as testosterone, we see an over production of oil in the skin which is unable to escape the pore.
Bumps on the back of your arms or legs
Keratosis Polaris (KP) also known as ‘Chicken Skin’, presents itself as rough, bumpy skin usually seen on the backs of arms, elbows, knees, upper legs and even the cheeks. This skin condition happens when keratin, a hard protein which makes up the skin, forms harden plugs that block the hair follicle. KP can be a symptom a gluten intolerance, or a vitamin A deficiency. Many people think that using harsh scrubs will improve the appearance of KP, but this only irritates the skin and can make it worse
Cellulite
Cellulite is a concern for many women, but do you know what it may say about your health? Cellulite occurs when your fat cells enlarge causing them to protrude into the spaces between the connective tissue between the skin and fat cells. A decline in oestrogen levels have been known to cause an enlargement of the fat cells located on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen which would explain why these are the most common location of cellulite. It can also be due to poor circulation in the legs causing a lack of nutrients and oxygen to the area or a EFA deficiency. This means the collagen structures (which usually provide strength to the skin), cell membranes and connective tissue, are poor quality and can start to decline in their usual function.
Red, flushed face with small watery pimples
The technical name for this skin condition is ‘Rosacea’ or ‘Acne rosacea’. This looks like constantly red, flushed and usually warm skin on the face. The redness can be found on the cheeks, chin, or whole face and can be with or without pimples. Rosacea usually indicates the immune system of the skin is not function as well as it should (Yes, the skin has its own immune system!). This leads to skin that is easily irritated, has reactions to most products, and can also attack the normal flora of the skin. Rosacea has also been linked to gut inflammation, causing an increase in skin inflammation.
These are just some of the skin conditions we see regularly which relate to your overall health. If any of these conditions concern you, book your FREE consultation with one of our skin therapists to assess the best method to become a happier, healthier, you.
