- Watch your environment- limit exposure to household toxins such as cleaning products, BPA, toxins in cosmetics and sun exposure (buy sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, these are the best protection from harmful rays).
- Enhance your digestion- the body must have a way to eliminate toxins. If you do not have regular digestion your body is unable to do this, try eating more fiber or a daily probiotic to align your body's digestive tract.
- Allow your body to detoxify- the last newsletter focused on detoxification, so I urge you to glance back on that for detox tips.
- Modulate your immune response- The best thing you can do for your immune system is adding a quality multi-vitamin and omega-3. Read about the benefits here!
- Balance your blood sugar- the best way to do this is by avoiding sugar as much as possible, this also includes fruit juices, honey, agave, rice syrup and corn syrup.
- Keep your hormones balanced- eating well, keeping stress levels down and exercising 3-5 times a week can really keep you balanced.
- Boost your nutrients-eliminate all processed foods and choose whole, organic foods.
Showing posts with label Skin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skin. Show all posts
May 13, 2016
7 Tips to Keeping Your Skin Healthy
Aug 6, 2014
Probiotic Treatment of Sensitive Skin
A recent experiment involving a randomized double blind placebo-controlled
trial sheds light on the ‘gut-skin connection’.
In the experiment, half of the participants were provided with a sachet
containing powder of Lactobacillus paracasei.
The other group was provided with a placebo sachet containing the food
additive maltodextrin. The study
duration was 2 months.
The study included 64 Caucasian women aged 18 to 40 years
selected for sensitive skin based a
questionnaire, whether or not they had a positive reaction to capsaicin. The effects of Lactobacillus paracasei
on skin sensitivity and skin barrier function recovery were the primary outcome
measures.
The results of the experiment showed Lactobacillus
paracasei to have a positive effect on skin sensitivity, skin barrier
function recovery, and key associated physiological parameters. It also showed,
there was statistically significant improvement in perceived skin roughness in
the intervention group vs placebo.
In his analysis, Traub stated how the double-blind experiment
reinforces the concept of an inside-out, outside-in approach to the treatment
of common skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. ‘In
order to provide comprehensive care to patients with sensitive skin, probiotic
strains should be selected with proven benefit for these conditions and ideally
prescribed at proven-effective dosages. We are at the cusp of a much more
sophisticated understanding of the therapeutic applications of probiotics not
only for skin disease but for a great number of immune-mediated conditions that
are intimately tied to the fact that the vast majority of our immune system is
located in the gut,’ he concludes.
Jun 13, 2014
New! Shaded Rose-Solar Healing Facial Cream
SANRE Organic Skinfood
Shaded Rose-Solar Healing Facial Cream
Moisturizes and helps soothe irritated skin while gently fighting infection and fungus, and decrease inflammation and brown spots. Assists in repairing existing skin imperfections and promotes the formation of new skin cells.
- Organic Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) Oil: Highly moisturizing oil with an exceptionally high amount of oleic acids. Deeply soothing.
- Organic Evening Primrose (Oenothera Biennis) Oil: Rich source of gamma linoleic acid, omega-6 fatty acid that is needed to maintain healthy cells. Has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.
- Organic Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Oil: Antifungal, anti-inflammatory and reduces the appearance of intrusive pigments like lipotuscin (brown, freckle like spots) on the skin. Reduces free-radical activity and oxidation, while healing, repairing and encouraging the growth of new healthier tissue. Protects the skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
- Purified Water (Aqua).
- Zinc Oxide - SOLAR only: Natural mineral used to shield against the harmful effects of the sun, which is here utilized in a non-irritating, non-sticky form. Unlike other chemical sunscreen ingredients it cannot be absorbed into the skin and is not metabolized by the body.
- Organic Aloe Vera (Syn A. Barbadensis) Gel: Healing, soothing, oil-free nourishment, which minimizes wrinkles and infuses the tissues.
- Organic Beeswax (Cera Alba): Natural thickener and emollient, with hydrating, emulsifying and protective properties.
- Titanium Dioxide - in SOLAR only.
- Organic Rose (Rosa Damascena) Hydrosol: Organically distilled from petals of vital rosa damascena.
- Organic Citrus (Citrus Aurantium) Extract: Assists in fighting infections, gently soothes and calms the skin.
- Organic Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Essential Oil: Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic which heals, assists in strengthening capillaries and promotes new skin growth.
- Organic Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) Essential Oil: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, soothing and calming astringent.
- Organic Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia) Essential Oil: Has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which are calming, healing and purifying. Also provides a fragrant natural scent.
- Organic Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) Essential Oil: The floral, rosy scent is uplifting and fresh. Excellently strengthens and restores vitality to your skin, relieves and cools the damaged tissue.
- Organic Sweet Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis) Essential Oil: Rich in vitamins A and C, revitalizes, balances pH.
New! Avocado & Sea-Buckthorn Cream
SANRE Organic Skinfood: Siesta Sunset
Avocado & Sea-buckhorn Cream
Lavish cream with beneficial avocado oil and praised sea-buckthorn oil helps restore, smooth and deeply hydrate mature to dry skin without clogging sensitive pores. A vital and natural rejuvenator, assisting elasticity and renourishing stressed or aging skin, through application as either a daily or night moisturizer.
- Organic Avocado (Persea Gratissima) Oil: Although it is classed as a vegetable oil, the avocado is really a fruit since it has a pit - but none-the-less it yields a rich and extremely deep penetrating oil, rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, as well as potassium - known as the youth mineral. It is also high in sterolins, which are reputed to reduce age spots, help heal sun damage and scars. It was found that avocado oil significantly increases the amount of collagen in the skin - which normally is under attack as we grow older.
- Organic Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) Oil: Highly moisturizing oil with an exceptionally high amount of oleic acids. Deeply soothing.
- Purified Water (Aqua).
- Organic Aloe Vera (Syn A. Barbadensis) Gel: Healing, soothing, oil-free nourishment minimizes wrinkles and infuses the tissues.
- Organic Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides) Oil: Sea Buckthorn is a praised source of herbal medicines, modern vitamins and nutrients well recognized around the world. It is used as an active ingredient in anti-aging and medicinal skin care products, dietary supplements and health foods with nourishing revitalizing, and restorative action. One of the main Sea Buckthron products - Sea Buckthorn oil is traditionally utilized to promote the healing of skin injuries, such as burns, sores, wounds, eczema and help improve conditions of mucous membranes, including ulcers, lesions, erosions. Due to the high content of nutrients essential for the metabolism of skin cells, Sea Buckthorn oil is also applied to combat wrinkles, dryness and other symptoms of malnourished or aging skin, for skin rejuvenation and accelerated healing properties. It is has als been used topically as a natural treatment for eczema, rosacea and scars, and as a lotion for healing stretch marks.
- Organic Beeswax (Cera Alba): Natural thickener and emollient, with emulsifying, hydrating and protective properties.
- Organic Citrus (Citrus Aurantium) Extract: Assists in fighting infections, gently soothes and calms the skin.
- Organic Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) Essential Oil: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, soothing and calming astringent.
- Organic Fennel (Funiculum Vulgare) Essential Oil: Antiseptic, stimulant. It is a moisturizer, helps increase the flow of oxygen to the skin, and has a toning effect on skin tissue, and has vital anti-wrinkle properties.
- Organic Hyssop (Hyssopus Officinalis) Essential Oil: Has tonic, sedative properties, and is an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Organic Rosemary (Rosinarinas Officinalis) Essential Oil: Astringent, anti-bacterial, and helps to improve skin circulation.
Jun 11, 2014
New! Aloe Vera Day Cream
100% USDA ORGANIC
SPF 30
Antioxidant & Balancing, Light Moisturizer
For oily or acne prone skin
1.1 oz (33 ml)
A light,
hydrating cream with organic Aloe Vera that helps balance sebaceous activity
while providing sun exposure protection. This moisturizer has soothing
properties, minimizes sensitivity, and helps restore moisture and elasticity.
Natural antiseptic moisturizer.
Ingredients
·
Pure
Hazelnut (Corylus Americana) Oil: Known for its astringent qualities and
because of this, it is best used for those who have oily skin but do want to
abstain from using oils. Helps regulate sebum, rich in oleic and linoleic acid.
With its astringent properties and exceptional ability to penetrate and diffuse
into the skin, it is very helpful in the treatment of acne, dermatitis and
seborrheic eczema.
·
Organic
Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Oil: Has excellent moisturizing, emollient
and protective effects. Heals, softens and penetrates the skin.
·
Organic
Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) Oil: Highly moisturizing oil with an
exceptionally high amount of oleic acids. Deeply soothing.
·
Purified
Water (Aqua).
·
Zinc
Oxide - Natural mineral used to shield against the harmful effects of the sun,
which is here utilized in a non-irritating, non-sticky form. Unlike other
chemical sunscreen ingredients it cannot be absorbed into the skin and is not
metabolized by the body.
·
Organic
Aloe Vera (Syn A. Barbadensis) Gel: Soothing, healing, oil-free
nourishment that minimizes wrinkles and infuses the tissue.
·
Organic
Beeswax (Cera Alba): Natural thickener and emollient, with emulsifying,
hydrating and protective properties.
·
Titanium
Dioxide
·
Organic
Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis) Extract: Extracted from the fruit of the
sweet orange, which properties are used as a skin-conditioning agent. Also
provides a fragrant natural scent.
·
Organic
Citrus (Citrus Aurantium) Extract: Assists in fighting infections, gently
soothes and calms the skin.
·
Organic
Sweet Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis) Essential Oil: Natural
preservative, high in vitamins A and C, revitalizing, balances pH of the skin.
·
Organic
Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens) Essential Oil: Repairs broken
capillaries, astringent, healing and revitalizing.
·
Organic
Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) Essential Oil: Has antiseptic,
anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which are calming, healing and
purifying. Also provides a fragrant natural scent.
·
Organic
Lemon (Citrus Medica Limonum) Essential Oil: Antibiotic, sedative,
astringent, and assists in closing large pores.
·
Organic
Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) Essential Oil: The floral, rosy scent is
uplifting and fresh. Excellently strengthens and restores vitality to your
skin, relieves and cools the damaged tissue.
·
Organic
Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Essential Oil: Rich with antiseptic and
antibacterial properties, which are very helpful for balancing skin conditions.
·
Organic
Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) Essential Oil: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory,
soothing and calming astringent.
·
Organic
Sage (Salvia Sclarea) Essential Oil: Has a softly floral and sweet aroma
with slightly herbaceous overtones. Promotes healthy blood circulation and is
helpful in balancing soothing and calming effects.
Jun 9, 2014
New! Supple Sunshine-Solar Rosemary Lavender Day Cream
Now Available at Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic & Natural Pharmacy! Call 970-949-9250 to order now
SANRE Organic Skinfood: Supple Sunshine-Solar Rosemary Lavender Day Cream
·
100% USDA ORGANIC
·
Broad Spectrum SPF 30
·
Organic Rosemary & Lavender Day Cream
·
For Dry to Normal Skin
·
Anti-Aging & Hydrating
·
1.1 oz (33 ml)
Shields and protects your skin from sun exposure and
pollution, while gently restoring moisture and elasticity, all without clogging
sensitive pores. This natural rejuvenator is applied as a daily moisturizer to
provide a soothing and healing barrier against Mother Nature, as it strives to
reduce skin irritation, inflammation, and free radical damage.
Ingredients
·
Organic Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) Oil:
Highly moisturizing oil with an exceptionally high amount of oleic acids.
Deeply soothing.
·
Organic Grape Seed (Vitis Vinifera) Oil:
Antioxidant, rich in vitamin C, combats free radicals, rejuvenating agent.
·
Purified Water
·
Zinc Oxide -Natural mineral used
to shield against the harmful effects of the sun, which is here utilized in a
non-irritating, non-sticky form. Unlike other chemical sunscreen ingredients it
cannot be absorbed into the skin and is not metabolized by the body.
·
Organic Aloe Vera (Syn A. Barbadensis) Gel:
Healing, soothing, oil-free nourishment minimizes wrinkles and infuses the
tissues.
·
Organic Beeswax (Cera Alba): Natural thickener
and emollient, with emulsifying, hydrating and protective properties.
·
Titanium Dioxide
·
Organic Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Oil:
Antifungal, anti-inflammatory, reduces the appearance of intrusive pigments
like lipotuscin (brown, freckle like spots) on the skin. Reduces free-radical
activity and oxidation, while healing, repairing and encouraging the growth of
new healthier tissue. Protects the skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
·
Organic Citrus (Citrus Aurantium) Extract:
Assists in fighting infections, gently soothes and calms the skin.
·
Organic Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia)
Essential Oil: Has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which
are calming, healing and purifying. Also provides a fragrant natural scent.
·
Organic Sweet Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis)
Essential Oil: Natural preservative, high in vitamins A and C, revitalizing,
balances pH of the skin.
·
Organic Rosemary (Rosinarinas Officinalis)
Essential Oil: Astringent, anti-bacterial, and helps to improve skin
circulation.
·
Organic Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Essential Oil:
Natural preservative has antiseptic and aromatic properties.
·
Organic Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin) Essential
Oil: Excellent rejuvenator, which invigorates and restores the skin.
·
Organic Hyssop (Hyssopus Officinalis) Essential
Oil: Has tonic, sedative properties, and is an anti-inflammatory agent.
May 26, 2014
Top 9 Water Sources
This morning's blog was about the current research on hydrotherapy, and the benefits of regularly soaking in mineral water. Below are 9 of the most formidable sources for soaking.
Bad Sulza, Germany
Toskana Therme is known for its natural, warm salt water
that springs from an ancient underground ocean, allowing guests to float as if
in the Dead Sea.
Ojo Caliente, N.M.
Revered by Pueblo Indians for over 3,000 years, the springs
at Ojo Caliente are heated by subterranean volcanic aquifers and fill 11 pools
with 80- to 109-degree waters with different combinations of minerals. One of the pools contains a high arsenic
content. Arsenic is said to relieve
arthritis.
The Omni Homestead touted
as the “oldest spa structure in the U.S,” contains waters that remain a consistent
98 degrees, even in winter. This spa is
where Thomas Jefferson soaked to relieve his rheumatism.
Saturnia, Italy
Here at the Terme di Saturnia
Spa and Golf Resort, the water pours into a large mineral pool fast enough (132
gallons a second) that it is refreshed every four hours. The spa has been favored by discerning
travelers as well as cutting-edge beauty clinics of Switzerland, such as La
Prairie. The mineral water is known for having a lot of sulfur which is a building
block for collagen and makes skin feel soft and smooth.
Baden-Baden,
Germany
Baden means “bath” in Germany,
and the old joke is the town is so charming, special and lovely, they named it
twice. Situated in the foothills of the idyllic Black Forest, it is one of
Europe’s classic spa towns where Roman emperors once came to ease their aches.
The Caracalla Spa is famous
for its glass walls. The mineral waters
come in both hot and cold (alternating temperatures are believed to stimulate
circulation and build the immune system). The second floor is for those who
prefer to go au natural, a common practice for Germans.
The Thalasso Center was built by three-time Tour de France winner Louison Bobet after thalassotherapy helped him recover from several surgeries following a car accident. Everything about the property embraces the ocean.
The closest the U.S. has to a thalasso center is in Montauk on the tip of Long Island. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, pumps ocean water into its heated indoor Olympic-size pool.
Healing Waters
"The word spa is believed to be an acronym of the Latin phrase ‘salus per aqua’- health through water."
The belief in water’s ability to heal goes back to the
ancient Egyptians and Greeks who knew the value of a warm bath to sooth aches
and pains. As the population ages, we are
increasingly seeking healing waters.
The Romans are credited with the world’s first spas-
elaborate bath houses built near mineral springs. The word spa is believed to be an acronym of
the Latin phrase ‘salus per aqua’- health through water. Doctors in Europe in
the 18th and 19th centuries prescribed drinking and bathing at
well-known hot springs and seaside towns, such as Brighton, England and
Baden-Baden, Germany.
Resorts became fashionable hang outs for monarchs and artists of the day — some for the social scene and others hoping to relieve ailments including infertility, rheumatism and gout. Seawater therapy was termed “thalassotherapy” (thalassa means sea in Greek) by a French doctor in 1865. Patients were prescribed a strict regimen of ocean water, sea air, algae wraps, walks on the beach, massage and healthy meals.
In the U.S., many thermal springs were held sacred by Native Americans and later frequented by nobility, celebrities and presidents. Franklin Roosevelt enjoyed many a good soak in mineral waters throughout the country to relieve symptoms from his polio. Proponents of the “water cure” believed that it replenished our bodies as we absorbed needed minerals through our pores.
Resorts became fashionable hang outs for monarchs and artists of the day — some for the social scene and others hoping to relieve ailments including infertility, rheumatism and gout. Seawater therapy was termed “thalassotherapy” (thalassa means sea in Greek) by a French doctor in 1865. Patients were prescribed a strict regimen of ocean water, sea air, algae wraps, walks on the beach, massage and healthy meals.
In the U.S., many thermal springs were held sacred by Native Americans and later frequented by nobility, celebrities and presidents. Franklin Roosevelt enjoyed many a good soak in mineral waters throughout the country to relieve symptoms from his polio. Proponents of the “water cure” believed that it replenished our bodies as we absorbed needed minerals through our pores.
A growing body of
evidence shows that our ancestors may have been right. A study done
in Israel in 2008 indicated that soaking regularly in mineral water can relieve
pain and improve motor function in elderly adults suffering from chronic lower back pain and arthritis. Another study from
the Italian Board of Medicine looked at data from over 23,000 spa goers and
found a major reduction in hospitalizations, sick days and pharmacological drug
use. It has been found that hydrotherapies help with common health complaints
due to aging. Others conclude that
hydrotherapies help us relax more and worry less.
Dec 11, 2013
5 Easy Skin Protecting Tactics for Skiers & Snowboarders
Colorado is known for its high mountains, beautiful scenery, and great winter snow recreation. As high altitude equals thin air this also increases sun exposure resulting in Ultraviolet Ray (UV) levels being dangerously high. The importance of using sunscreen through all seasons is a must. Here are a few ways to decrease your exposure and additional research to back it up!
1. Apply SPF 15+ sunscreen to exposed areas on the face about 30 minutes before going into the sun to allow sunscreen to absorb and become effective
2. Re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours: this is the optimal recommendation to reduce exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight for the prevention of skin cancer

4. Carry lip balm with you that has an SPF 15+ , this will improve sun protection on lips and avoid them chapping too
5. Wear eye protection even on cloudy days: overcast may seem to be less sunny however sun exposure remains the same. Continue wearing goggles during sports and sunglasses in between activities to keep your eyes along with the delicate skin around your eyes free of the sun’s harmful rays
Studies suggest that the compliance of wearing sunscreen during winter sports is well under the recommended amount. In a study published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, aspects of compliance were examined. Among a cohort of 4,837 adult skiers, sunscreen advice was given and results were measured. Based on the aforementioned suggestions, a low compliance rate resulted. This suggests the general skiing public perceives there susceptibility to skin cancer as low- even when provided with skin protection advice and statistics on adverse outcomes of noncompliance.
Natural Sunscreen Vs Chemical
When shopping for sunscreens be wary of your options. Sunscreens can often times contain toxic additives that are harmful to the body. Always opt for a truly natural sunscreen that does not contain parabens or pthalates.
Skin Deep provides the public with a searchable database of cosmetic products along with safety information please visit:
For more information about AAD's study please read:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193866/
Oct 14, 2013
Help Improve Your Skin Health: Acne
Acne is caused by a bacterial infection of the skin. It is most common in teenagers, but can affect people of any age. Acne can be a sign of overall decreased immunity and hormonal imbalances.
What can make acne worse?
- Certain cosmetics, especially ones with many chemicals.
- Harsh facial products, especially those that dry out skin.
- Hygiene. Dirt and oil block pores and lead to acne.
- Dry skin. When skin is dry it produces more oil, leading to acne.
- Hormone cycle. Acne will often get worse during certain times of the hormone cycle.
- Food allergies. Certain foods, especially dairy products, can worsen acne.
What can make acne better?
Diet
- A healthy diet of fruits and vegetables. Overall health leads to skin health.
- Low saturated fat foods. Saturated fats can thicken oil secretions.
- Olive oil. Healthy oil improves skin's resilience.
- Fish 3x a week. Omega 3 oils from fish or flax seed improve the health of your skin
Hydration
- Drinking 8 glasses of water a day improves the fluidity of your skin.
- Add an extra glass for any coffee, soda, or alcohol consumed.
- Add at least one extra glass for every 30 mins of exercise.
Exfoliation
- Exfoliation treatments, using natural organic products, can prevent acne.
- Avoid harsh chemical exfoliates that can cause sensitivity.
- Olive oil. Healthy oil improves skin's resilience.
- Fish 3x a week. Omega 3 oils from fish or flax seed improve the health of your skin
Hydration
- Drinking 8 glasses of water a day improves the fluidity of your skin.
- Add an extra glass for any coffee, soda, or alcohol consumed.
- Add at least one extra glass for every 30 mins of exercise.
Exfoliation
- Exfoliation treatments, using natural organic products, can prevent acne.
- Avoid harsh chemical exfoliates that can cause sensitivity.
Supplements for acne
A consultation with a naturopathic physician will help determine which supplements and herbs are right for you.
- Zinc
- Vitamin A, B, E, & C
- Omega 3 oils (Fish or Flax seed oil)
- Probiotics
Natural topical treatments for acne
- Tea tree oil
- Niacinamide
- Natural light moisturizers
Riverwalk Acne Program
To determine the underlying cause of acne including contributing factors such as hormone levels, immunity levels, and digestion efficiency can be checked leading to customized supplements, herbal formulas, and topical treatments such as the use of natural makeup, skin products, & facials for optimal results.
Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic and Natural Pharmacy
280 Main St, Suite C-105. Edwards CO 81632
(970) 926-7606
Labels:
Acne,
Ageing,
Illness Prevention,
Lifestyle,
Skin
Apr 18, 2012
Exposure to Phthalates Tied to Diabetes
According to a Swedish study recently published online in Diabetes Care, common chemicals known as phthalates are linked with the development of diabetes in older adults. Phthalates are found in numerous products of our modern world, including plastics, cosmetic products, some medications, and even certain types of medical equipment.
The study population involved 1016 people who were 70 years and older. Researchers examined the participants’ medical histories, exercise habits, smoking habits, and educational background. They also took blood samples, analyzing both lipid and glucose levels. Out of all the participants, 119 had diabetes while 88 had a history of diabetes that averaged nearly 9 years. Four of the participants had diabetes for over 20 years. (In this study, diabetes was defined as having a fasting blood glucose result of more than 7.0 mmol/L).
After analyzing serum levels of phthalate metabolites, the researchers noticed that in almost all (96%) of the individuals with diabetes, 4 of 10 phthalate metabolites were detected. These include mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), and monomethyl phthalate (MMP). These metabolites are frequent ingredients found in personal care products.
Three of the phthalate metabolites studied by the researchers were linked with a 25-30% higher diabetes risk. "Although our results need to be confirmed in more studies, they do support the hypothesis that certain environmental chemicals can contribute to the development of diabetes," according to Dr. Monica Lind.
Dr. Shana McQueen
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/761957
Labels:
Illness Prevention,
Skin
Jul 11, 2011
Topical Coconut Oil in Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a common condition affecting the skin. The skin is typically dry, itchy and inflamed, and there may be other unpleasant symptoms such as redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting, and scaling. The skin may also be readily colonized by the bacteria Staph aureus as well as other unfavorable micro-organisms, predisposing the person to infection. When treating eczema, the underlying causes (i.e. food sensitivities, improper digestion, diet, etc.) should always be considered and addressed. Specific topical creams and salves can also be applied to the skin to help heal, moisturize, and protect the skin from infection.
Coconut oil has historically been widely used for the treatment of dry infected skin. Not only is there a large body of anecdotal evidence supporting both its effectiveness and safety, but now there is some scientific research that reveals the same. In a 4-week double-blind controlled trial, patients aged 18-40 years with eczema applied either extra virgin coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil to affected areas twice daily (Dermatitis, 2008). Researchers found that the patients who were treated with coconut oil had significantly lower scores for dryness and dryness-related conditions including excoriation, lichenification, redness, and swelling. In his clinics, the author of the published study has also “found consistent improvement or clearing of inflamed or mildly to moderately infected psoriasis and atopic dermatitis lesions” after application of coconut oil.
For those with eczema looking for a way to help moisturize and heal the skin while also preventing skin infections, topical extra virgin coconut oil may be a good option. It proves to be effective, safe, inexpensive, and without the potential side effects of other topicals available.
Dr. Shana McQueen
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