The skin is the outer covering of our body which protects us from external influences, such as toxins, infections, dirt, light, heat and cold. It is our external immune system and eco-barrier.
Apart from this, skin is a very important excretory organ. It helps us rid ourselves of a quarter of our waste products when it is functioning properly. If the skin is inhibited by eczema, psoriasis or other conditions, this function will only partially be carried out. Should the skin be under-functioning the lungs, kidneys, bowel, liver and bloodstream will have to deal with the burden.
When skin is unable to excrete, these organs will, in turn, feel the strain. It must be remembered, however, that these organs and systems could be the cause of skin problems, their own dysfunction giving rise to stagnated skin.
Touching your own and other people's skin can be a truly sensuous experience; there's nothing more gorgeous, for instance, than a baby's skin.
We touch, feel and exchange both emotionally and physically, sharing our feelings, thoughts and love with our skin.
This emotional connection can be seen even more clearly when we note that, as unborn babies, our skin is developed from nervous tissue type cells. Skin diseases can be the result of internal, emotional upset and, accordingly, a loving touch can heal and mend like nothing else.
Avoid foods that are not typically digested efficiently, or that you know you are allergic to - e.g. dairy and wheat products.
Reactions to foods can be reflected through the health of your skin, so keep an eye on your food intake and observe your skin's reactions. Skin needs essential fatty acids and water in order to maintain its good health, visually and otherwise; so include plenty of each in your diet.
Never use chemical deodorants, they clog the skin and destroy natural bacteria. Use essential oil-based products and wash frequently. Try crystal stones, available in health food stores, as deodorants.
Make sure all the eliminative organs are working, so that the skin is not burdened. Explore colon, liver and kidney cleanses.
Avoid conventional washing powders, cleaning equipment, washing-up liquid and so on. Instead, research eco-friendly and body friendly products. Propyl alcohol, PCB and other toxic ingredients should not be in your household and bathroom cleaners.
Do not wear man-made fibres. The skin needs to breathe, and nylon and synthetic fibres create temperature extremes, putting undue strain on the skin thermometer and immune responses.
Use cotton, silk or wool - wear these at bedtime or sleep naked, if it is warm enough. Use cotton sheets and preferably an all-cotton mattress - a futon. Air the futon and natural-fibre duvet by hanging over windowsills on sunny days, and leave the futon rolled one day a week, to re-fluff and aerate.
A little sun is fine, but protect from excessive exposure so that drying-out does not occur and natural oils are not lost. Paler skin, which does not contain sufficient pigment for safe exposure to the sun, will, of course, need more protection than darker shades. Jojoba oil is a natural protective; with a sun protection factor of 16 it is ideal for many adults with medium to darker pigment skin. Those with very pale skin, children and babies, will need more strongly protective sunscreens. Go up to a factor 50 or 60 depending on the strength of the sun and your proximity to the equator. With 'at risk' skins, covering with a sun cream on exposed skin from April to October in Britain will be important.
Drink plenty of water to allow the skin to excrete and function correctly.
Make contact with your body via your skin, through massage, barefoot walking on the earth and sand
Low body temperature can affect skin problems so create more body heat via exercise. Take care of your adrenals and thyroid in case your low body temperature is a result of imbalance there.
Swim in lakes, streams or the sea. Avoid chlorinated pools, if possible; if not, clean off the chlorine by bathing afterwards with lavender essential oil. Hot and cold showers are vital; problem skin often becomes overheated and a cold shower or cold bath can bring instant relief.
Balance the drying effects of central heating by placing bowls of water containing essential oils next to hot spots in the room.
Exercise to promote good circulation and to ensure that lymph and lungs are moving.
Dog hairs, cat hairs, fleas, ticks, household dust and pollen are irritants and can start skin irritations. If afflicted, remember to support the immune system, cleanse the colon, liver and kidneys and get the lungs to work better. You must not lose sight of internal processes, even when there are external causes or outcomes.
