Holistic Skin Care From the Inside Out

by Carrie Jackson

As the largest organ in the body, our skin works overtime to protect us. Its intricate structure is a barrier against ultraviolet (UV) light, pathogens, chemicals and other environmental threats. With so much exposure and so many duties, our skin requires constant maintenance. Meena Malhotra, M.D., is the medical director at Heal n Cure, an integrative facility in Glenview that specializes in functional medicine. She says that nourishing our skin from the inside out helps to leave skin looking and feeling healthy. “Oxidation, age, diet and other lifestyle habits can all affect skin quality, but there are a number of holistic ways to reverse or prevent the damage,” she says.

Understanding the structure of our skin helps to properly care for it. Skin is made up of three main layers, each with a unique function. The epidermis, or outer layer, is the initial environmental barrier. The middle area, or dermis, supports and protects the skin, while the hypodermis, or fatty bottom layer, cushions the muscles and bones.  

Making up 90 percent of the skin’s thickness, the dermis grows hair, makes oil glands, produces sweat and maintains blood vessels. “The dermis contains fibroblasts, which are cells that make up collagen and elastin. These important proteins help to keep skin moist and subtle looking. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up about 30 percent of the total protein content. It provides structure and strength to our tissues. You can think of this as the scaffolding for which other connective tissue can exist and work. Elastin, as its name implies, gives our tissues elasticity. It allows our tissues to return to their original shape after stretching or contracting, not unlike a spring. As we age, changes occur in our connective tissues. Collagen and elastin production decrease, leading to wrinkles and less flexible tissues,” explains Malhotra. 

Vitamins, minerals and nutrients help promote enzymes the body needs to heal. “Minerals such as copper, zinc oxide and silicone are essential for healthy skin and allow enzymes to properly function. They are antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, and help to repair DNA. The body cannot produce these minerals, so they must be taken orally, but in small amounts,” notes Malhotra.

Vitamins A, C and E can all be applied topically, as well as taken orally, but the easiest way to get these nutrients is through diet. “Foods like dark-green leafy vegetables contain high levels of skin-supporting vitamins. Silica, another mineral that helps collagen production, can be found in green beans, bananas, brown rice and lentils. Berries are rich in antioxidants and contain polyphenols that protect the skin from UV damage. Foods that contain essential fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna and nuts, help regulate oil production and soothe irritation. Minerals cannot penetrate through the skin on their own, so they need fats to help them move through the body,” says Malhotra. Copper can be applied directly to the skin in combination with peptides to get these benefits as well.

There are also several medical procedures that can help keep skin looking and feeling fresh. While Botox is popular, Malhotra says that it may not be the best solution for everyone. “Botox injections paralyze the muscle, preventing it from causing wrinkles and frown lines. While it can be a quick fix, other procedures that focus on strengthening instead of paralyzing the muscles may be preferable and give the face a more lifted appearance,” she explains. 

Heal n Cure offers several procedures that can help the body heal itself. Exion is a noninvasive, nonsurgical skin rejuvenation procedure that delivers radiofrequency along with ultrasonic technology. “These combined treatment modalities promote your body’s natural healing abilities, including the production of collagen and elastin, which help to improve skin texture and tightness. It can address a number of common but bothersome issues, including sagging skin, oversized pores, eye bags and stretch marks,” mentions Malhotra. 

Emface, another nonsurgical facial rejuvenation option, helps to rebuild lost facial muscle tone. “Emface combines high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) with radiofrequency (RF) energy. Working in tandem, these techniques boost the body’s natural collagen and elastin production and cause muscle contractions that rebuild support. Each 20-minute session leaves the skin with more volume and that youthful glow,” says Malhotra. 

Finally, Malhotra recommends a daily sunscreen and abundant hydration to maintain optimal skin health. “Skin is subject to constant exposure from the sun and other elements, so we need to protect it on a regular basis. Through proper nutrition, topical treatments and preventative measures, it’s possible to maintain healthy skin long into our lives,” she assures.

 

 For more information, call 847-686-4444, email [email protected] or visit HealNCure.com.

Carrie Jackson is an Evanston-based writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.