Holistic Skin Care

Skin is far more than merely a protective barrier – it is an organ, and it serves to regulate excretion of metabolic waste products, regulates temperature, and includes receptors for pain, tactile sensation and pressure. The health and appearance of your skin, like the health of your other organs, correlates with the lifestyle and dietary habits that you choose, as well as with critical age-related factors such as toxin exposure and hormonal imbalance.

Holistic skin care is the philosophy of treating the body and skin as one cohesive unit – what happens inside our body is reflected on our skin. Unlike most mainstream approaches to skin care which are destructive to the skin, holistic skin care focuses on restoring balance to create beautiful and healthy skin. With an emphasis on supporting the skin’s function, holistic skin care focuses on what is out of balance with the whole body, mind and spirit to affect the health and quality of the skin. It is in essence an inside and outside approach.

Skin is at risk for similar degenerative effects seen in other organs, yet due to its visibility, the skin outwardly reveals many aspects of our inner health. Skin aging is influenced by many factors including ultraviolet radiation, poor nutrition, intense physical and psychological stress, excess alcohol consumption, tobacco abuse, and other harmful environmental exposures. In addition, few people realize that as their body weight increases and their blood sugar levels rise, biochemical reactions disrupt the very structural framework of their skin leading to cumulative deterioration in skin appearance and function.

Depending upon one’s lifestyle and genetic makeup, normal physiological functions within the skin may decline by 50 percent by middle age. Within the skin, aging is associated with a loss of fibrous tissue, slower rate of cellular renewal, and a reduced vascular and glandular network – decreasing circulation. Barrier function which maintains cellular hydration also becomes impaired. The subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) flattens, particularly in the face, hands and feet.

Utilizing potent antioxidants both internally and externally is essential. High dose antioxidants have proven to not only significantly reduce damage in the skin, they actually allow the skin to rebuild itself by shrinking the repair requirements, thus resulting in a thicker, healthier dermis.

Enhancing circulation in the skin is vital. All the skin's food, immune support, antioxidant and remodeling efforts all come from the blood supply. There is no skin condition (rosacea, dark circles, etc.) that is better off with less blood flow – good circulation is essential! It is important to stimulate the skin without damaging it. The key remodeling components in the skin are the Fibroblasts. They make collagen, elastin and glycosaminogylcans (GAGs), all of which are critical to a youthful, wrinkle-free appearance. I regularly have my clients take a gelatin supplement which is very high in collagen.

Trauma, such as what occurs with conventional skin care techniques like chemical peels and microderm abrasion, does activate them but for little net gain. Activating their receptors is the true target and the vitamin Retinaldehyde does a wonderful job at stimulating Fibroblasts without trauma.

There are many other natural, holistic ways to support your skin's intrinsic defense systems to dramatically slow and potentially reverse the signs and symptoms of accelerated skin aging, maintaining the youthful qualities of your skin. For example, to help with inflammation, I focus on cleaning up the diet, balancing the omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid ratio in the diet, identifying and removing food allergens, using botanicals and key nutrients, including antioxidants, to decrease the inflammatory process. I also apply customized facials with active treatment serums and powders, and apply treatments using microcurrent and non-invasive microneedling techniques. I also often recommend clients see a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist. There are many who use specialty testing to help identify food allergens, balance hormones, heal the gut, decrease stress and restore normal balance to the immune system and body. Rooted in science, holistic skin care addresses every aspect of skin damage and aging, targeting pathways from the inside out, resulting in permanent changes.

Brigitte Hallowitz is a Licensed Esthetician and owner of Brigitte’s Holistic Esthetics. She is located inside Pilgrim’s Wellness Clinic at 1310 N. 4th Street in Coeur d’Alene.

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