the secrets of Skin Health (From Within)

Dr Mark's Health Report - Dr Mark Atkinson is an integrated medical doctor, founder of the British College of Integrated Medicine and an expert in holistic approaches to chronic health challenges. he is also an award winning writer and author of the Mind-Body Bible.

There's a saying in natural medicine that 'the skin is the barometer of our health'. I agree. When I meet  a patient with skin blemishes, rashes, bumps, patches of inflammation, dryness, patchy colouring, wrinkles, acne and so on, this tells me they have underlying imbalances in their body and lifestyle, showing up in their skin. Skin problems often have their origins elsewhere. I have found that when people are nourishing their physical needs - diet, exercise, sleep, relaxation and good hygiene - and their emotional needs - attention, intimacy, meaning, purpose, security and autonomy - then their health literally shines through their skin.

If you want to improve the health of your skin here is what I suggest:

Step 1

Make an Honest assessment of the skin
Take a look at the skin in natural sunlight and , wherever you can, feel it with your hands. Be honest and objective. What Colour is it? Is it dry, moist or oily? Are there imperfections? Which parts of the skin are less healthy? Are there any age spots, cellulite, dryness, cold sores, moles, sagging, scars, skin tags, stretch marks, varicose veins, thread veins?
Then identify specifically what your client wants to change and move on to step two.

The key to good skin is to nourish the body/mind and address any underlying factors affecting health

Step 2

Follow the basic skin health advice
Keep Hydrated
The first things I get my patients to do is drink between one and three litres of water a day. Dehydration causes skin to become saggy and promotes inflammation. Stick to either filtered water or mineral water.
Limit Exposure to the Sun
Ultraviolet damage accelerates ageing and damages skin. As a general rule, people should stay out of the sun from 11am to 3pm in summer, wear a hat, keep areas that burn easily covered up and use a good sun cream. Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant from algae, can help reduce damage from UV rays.
Eat skin-friendly foods
Healthy fats, such as oily fish, olive oil, olives, unsalted nuts, seeds and avocados; high quality protein, such as organic meat, fish, lentils and quinoa; and fresh fruits and vegetables should make up the bulk of your client's diet.
Limit skin-unfriendly foods
Sugar, processed foods, fried foods and foods high in trans-fatty acids are known to damage skin and promote problems. Limit sweets, confectionary, desserts, white bread, pasta, margarine etc..
Supplement Collagen
By the time one reaches their 30s, production of collagen, which helps skin keep its elasticity, starts to decline. Consider recommending a collagen supplement if skin is losing its elasticity. My patients report that its best taken with hyaluronic acid, which nourishes and hydrates the collagen.
Supplement the diet
Vitamin, mineral and essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiencies are common among the general population and contribute to skin problems. For example, dry, rough or inflamed skin may indicate a deficiency in omega 3 and/or omega 6 fatty acids. Try Omega essential balance oil, omega 3 fish oil or Smartstart for at least 2 months and increase their intake of cold water fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel; include nuts and seeds such as sesame, flax, pumpkin and hemp. If they are not taking a multivitamin or want one that is specifically designed to support skin health, try Higher Natures Skin Support Formula. This also contains MSM, which is helpful for skin. If the skin is particularly inflamed, you might want to recommend True Food Zinc as well.
Stop Smoking
Smoking depletes the body of nutrients, reduces blood flow to the skin and ages it. A combination of hypertherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (Which helps one manage thought and feelings better) is particularly effective in helping people stop smoking. If your client does smoke, they should take extra vitamin C and an antioxidant such as SuperPhyte to limit the damage. A course of Alka-Clear may also be helpful.
Manage Stress
Stress also accelerates ageing and makes one likely to further undermine their health. Learning simple stress management and addressing issues that cause stress can help improve the skin.

Step 3

Address Underlying Causes
The most common skin problems are inflammatory-based conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne. The key to recovery is identifying the root causes. Here are some of the most common factors influencing skin:

• Food intolerances - if suspected, order an IgG allergy test, or recommend avoiding suspect foods for 10 days and see if skin health improves. Common culprits are wheat, dairy, eggs, soya and gluten.
• Low Levels of stomach acid or digestive enzymes - if your client burps or gets bloated soon after eating, try a digestive enzyme formula such as Supergest and/or the stomach acid supplement Betaine HCL. But avoid these if you suspect that they have an ulcer.
• Candida - if your client has bloating, fuzzy thinking and a history of antibiotics or steriods, try Probio-Intensive and Oxyflex and adopt a diet low in sugar.
• Contact with irritants - Including cosmetics, perfumes, topical medications, soaps, wool, metals, dyes, etc...They should consider switching to natural products.
• Poor Detoxification - if your client feels toxic and their eyes look red, recommend one teaspoon of Alka-Clear in warm water first thing in the morning for 2 weeks.