The 21st century has presented us with skin conditions that reflect challenging times. Practicing aestheticians are caring for skin conditions that are far more complex than oily, dry, and combination. Physical, chemical, and biological application has reduced skin flora and vitality. The reduction in skin depth has eroded, alternating the skin’s ecology. The excessive treatment of skin has depleted nutrients, reduced skin’s ability to regenerate, increased temperature, discharge, and surface crusting. Nutritional value of skin care is not just declining, but collapsing. Skin care products are chemically bloated. While some companies make products that are safe to eat, other companies choose to use known human carcinogens or developmental toxins. Nearly all these chemicals can penetrate the skin, and some we ingest directly from our lips or hands. More than one-third of all personal care products contain at least one ingredient linked to cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, children receive 50 percent of their lifetime cancer risks in the first two years of life! The EPA warns that chemicals are up to 10 times more toxic to children than adults, precisely because: “Children’s internal organs are still developing and maturing and their enzymatic, metabolic, and immune systems may provide less natural protection than those of an adult. There are ‘critical periods’ in human development when exposure to a toxin can permanently alter the way an individual’s biological system operates.” DEET can be found in over 230 different products such as deodorants, soaps, makeup, and sunscreens. DEET sprays can melt plastic. Duke University Medical Center Pharmacologist discovered that prolonged exposure could impair cell function in parts of the brain. The accumulation of the following chemicals has a detrimental effect on the whole body. A few of these materials include: Mineral oil, paraffin, and petrolatum are petroleum-based products that coat the skin like plastic, clog pores, create a build-up of toxins, and lead to various dermatologic issues. Parabens are preservatives that mimic estrogen and disrupt the endocrine system, leading to cell malformation and all forms of acne. Propylene glycol may cause dermatitis, kidney, or liver abnormalities, inhibit skin cell growth, or cause skin irritation. Affect Skin Management Implementation of better skin management practices needs to be acknowledged and regarded as a health issue. Effective skin management is to anticipate the possibilities of skin breakdown and to initiate risk factor, prevention, protection, supplementation, and care. Risk Factors Internally sugar is the greatest enemy. Sugar increases insulin, which directly influences the production of oil and growth of the follicular canal whereby oil is transported to the surface of the skin. Sugar causes inflammation, which injures capillaries, thus leading to cell starvation. Cancer loves sugar! Any free radical agents such as smoking, over exposure to sun, and over use of alcohol and medications are detrimental to overall health including skin. Externally chemical agents and peels weaken capillaries. Increased inflammation deteriorates the skin’s barriers, making it more susceptible to sun damage leading to skin cancers. Degraded skin is more permeable, thus leading to quicker and deeper penetration of toxins. Prevention and Protections Skin is the cream that rises to the top. What goes in, physically or emotionally, will eventually make its way to the surface. How to prevent break down to the skin as we age? Chemical-Free Sun Protection and clothing Use antioxidants. Avoid chemical-based skin care products. Avoid peeling skin if it is unnecessary. Find joy in your life. Release negative emotions. Do something silly at least once a day. Incorporate healthy eating habits and get adequate sleep and rest. Supplementation and Care Minerals play an important role in the health of your body in terms of healthy skin, bones, teeth, hair, nails, nerve and muscle activity, and regulation of body fluids. Minerals are required for the body to utilize vitamins. Our bodies can live longer without vitamins than they can with a deficit of minerals. Without minerals your body could not repair damaged cells and tissue. The lack of just one trace mineral could create a multitude of skin problems. The theory that there is a greater risk for certain types of skin cancer in someone who suffers from sub-optimal levels of certain minerals in the body or a deficiency in some trace element like selenium is being increasingly supported by evidence garnered from various clinical studies done on human subjects. Essential fatty acids (EFA), which are lipids and proteins, are also an integral part of a cell’s protection and are necessary for supplementation and care. EFAs reduce inflammation and repair injured cells. Minerals – Herbs – Clay – Salts Minerals can be found in several skin care ingredients such as herbs, clay and salts. Herbs, especially the weedy ones, are minerals powerhouses. Minerals from plants have been predigested by the plants root and are known as water-soluble, hydrophilic (organic) minerals. Hydrophilic minerals are thought to be 99 percent absorbable and most beneficial to the skin. Zinc: This mineral promotes growth, accelerates healing, regulates oil glands, and promotes healthy immune system. Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, fennel seed, mullein, nettle, and rose hips Magnesium: This mineral supports the integrality of cell structure, strengthens the blood vessels, and prevents hair loss. It is responsible for muscle contraction and nerve impulse. Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, fennel, lemongrass, licorice, mullein, nettle, oat straw, peppermint, raspberry leaf. Iron: This mineral is essential for metabolism and oxygenation of skin cells. Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, chicory, dandelion, fennel seed, lemongrass, licorice, mullein, nettle, oat straw, peppermint, rose hips. Calcium: This mineral builds and protects bones and teeth and maintains the integrity of cell structure. It is responsible for muscle contraction and nerve impulse. Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, chamomile, chickweed, chicory, dandelion, fennel seed, lemongrass, mullein, nettle, oat straw, peppermint, raspberry leaf, rose hips, violet leaves, yarrow. Minerals in Salts Himalayan pink salt has a rich mineral content that includes over 84 minerals and trace elements such as: calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron. This salt is recognized for its high mineral content and therapeutic properties. Regular use of Himalayan pink salt provides essential minerals, trace elements, supports proper nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, balances the skin’s pH, and increases circulation of lymph and blood. Minerals in Clays Indigenous people as an important medicinal and cosmetic tool have used clay around the world for centuries. Recently, medical research has emerged that supports the efficacy of clay, and it is now becoming increasingly popular as a rediscovered treatment for many different health and skin care conditions. Revered for its ability to stimulate blood and lymph circulation, remove dead skin cells, absorb impurities and fats, and tone and strengthen connective tissues. Externally, clays are used to absorb excess oil, dirt, and toxins from the skin while simultaneously exfoliating and improving skin circulation. They are a rich mineral source that aids skin nutritionally. Minerals should come from pure sources. There are a lot of genetically modified herbs that claim they have the same effect on the skin and the body as pure plant material. Genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These organism are false representation of the pure plant and mineral source and should be avoided. Using products that have ingredients that are organically grown and that come directly from the earth are the safest and purist ingredients to use on your skin. References: Mineral in Bibliography: Bergner, Paul, The Healing Power of Minerals, Prima, Rocklin CA, 1997Clays Anne Willis has been part of the aesthetic industry for more than 30 years. She offers premier educational programs and customized training to schools and spas and is CEO of De La Terre Skincare. Her programs are taught throughout the country delivering innovative solutions and quality support. The highest standard for education insures maximum success for your staff and the facility. 828-230-5125, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , www.anncwillis.com Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.