Skin Revolution | Spring Skin - Asha Evertsz

Skin Revolution | Spring Skin – Asha Evertsz

By

Spring Skin – by Asha Evertsz

Spring happens to be my favourite season. We start to unfurl after a long winter and as the days grow longer more time is spent outdoors. In clinic however, we see that not all skin loves spring. In fact, it can be a very reactive time of year. As pollen counts rise, so does histamine for some which can cause quite sudden and upsetting consequences. Read on to find out how to manage your spring skin.

 

WHAT IS HISTAMINE? 

Histamine is a substance that is released to injured cells, and in allergic and inflammatory reactions.

Histamine is made in all of our body tissue, but especially in the gut, skin and lungs. It is produced by the immune system. Histamine not only regulates immune reactions, but also coordinates the various cells involved in an immune response.

If this system gets aggravated, it can send the immune system haywire and intent on attacking itself.

This is when we see skin expressions such as:

  1. Itching
  2. Redness
  3. Dry/flaky patches
  4. Increased sensitivity
  5. Welts/hives
  6. This may be accompanied by symptoms of hay fever.

     

We must remember that the skin has it’s own immune system, and can launch an immune response when impaired or aggravated.

 

 

WHAT AGGRAVATES THE SKIN?

Externally, if the skin barrier and protective structures and layers are compromised this will result in a leaky, permeable environment.  A bit like a sieve. Without an intact barrier, the ever-ready immune cells will have no filter and will be constantly surprised and on red alert.

Using skin care, sunscreen and makeup that contains sensitising ingredients (fragrance, preservatives, surfactants, emulsifiers) will compromise the skin’s barrier defence systems and can even case a delayed type hypersensitivity allergic contact dermatitis.

A deficiency in Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) will also impair the strength of the cell membranes and must be used topically and internally for clients who have a history of asthma, eczema, dermatitis, hay fever and reactive/sensitive skin.

 

TOP SPRING SKIN TIPS

DIET

  • Eliminate inflammatory foods such as gluten, dairy & sugar
  • Increase anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, ginger, papaya and pineapple

SKIN CARE

  • Eliminate all products that contain sensitising ingredients
  • Have a professional skin analysis
  • Be patient, whilst the skin’s immune cells are hyper-reactive you must go slowly
  • Using skin care with EFA’s such as Linseed, Kiwi Seed and Evening Primrose Oil (preferably in conjunction with phosphatidylcholine)
  • Using immune regulating ingredients such as Vitamin B and Echinacea

TREATMENTS

  • LED (Light Therapy) can help to calm a reactive skin safely.  LED works by harnessing the skin cells ability to absorb light and transform it into energy that can stimulate healing.  It also reduces the inflammatory response and helps to create a healthier, more appropriate immune system.

NATUROPATHY

  • If your immune system is in overdrive, you may need to work with a Naturopath on the internal factors such as:
  • Inflammation
  • Gut & digestive imbalance
  • Stress
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Anti-inflammatory dietary protocol

 

In clinic, we find that a combination of therapies works well to reduce spring skin issues. Starting as soon as symptoms present is key.

Xx Asha.

 

Let me introduce Asha Evertsz. We met at the last International Association of Applied Corneotherapy conference in Germany, last May. Asha was so approachable and we were fast friends! Sharing the trials and tribulations of running our own gig in this sometimes fickle industry. We soon found that we were singing from the same song sheet.
Asha a Nauropath, Skin Treatment Therapist and Herbalist owns and operates Clear Skin Experts. The leading natural skin clinic in Melbourne. Combining nutrition, lifestyle techniques and herbal medicine with effective facial therapies and equipment to treat her clients’ skin, Asha overcame her own adult acne skin problems and therefore decided to specialise in skin. I’m so thankful and proud to be treading this new path to a ‘Skin Revolution’ with you Asha. Thank you Asha from us all! x

Skin Revolution | Inflammaging - Pia Kynoch

Skin Revolution | Inflammaging – Pia Kynoch

By

Inflammaging – by Pia Kynoch, as published in Dermascope magazine

 

The mysteries of aging that control an individual’s lifespan, and the way they look and feel, are still yet to be completely unraveled, despite the many scientific advances in all the relevant fields of medicine, genetics, health, and wellness.

Aging is truly a complex collaboration involving epidemiology, psychology, and cell biology, and there is no single theory that satisfactorily explains all aspects of aging. A host of molecular, cellular, structural, and functional alterations affect tissues and organs to varying degrees, which is occurring at the same time various psychosocial factors exert their influence. All of this means it can be a little bewildering to know how to age gracefully, especially if it begins before a person is even born.

 

 

What is Inflammaging?

Inflammageing is a result of a multitude of influencing factors beginning at preconception and pre- and post-natal health, and is added to through genetic susceptibility, injuries, environment, lifestyle, and all the different conditions in which an individual is born, grows, works, lives, and ages – even how they sleep. Social determinants, such as income, education, employment, and social support, can strengthen or undermine the health of individuals and their ability to cope with inflammation.

 

Possible Treatments:

There is no one magic bullet to prevent the onset and progression of inflammageing. How an individual chooses to move, eat, drink, and think at every single stage of life will contribute to their personal skin and body inflammageing history – so will the skin treatments that they have chosen to work with.

 

LED

LED light therapy is photobiostimulation that offers positive regenerative effects at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. LED works powerfully when combined with either sonophoresis

(low frequency sound waves) or pulsed iontophoresis (galvanic current) by massively enhancing penetration of specifically chosen actives (vitamins and other anti-inflammatories) into the skin to improve cell health at the subepidermal junction level. Enzyme facial treatments are also a less invasive option that aim to restore vital cellular nutrition and oxygenation for reduced inflammation and better skin function.

 

Corneotherapy

As corneotherapy gains more and more momentum in the skin industry, there has been a notable shift away from traditional microdermabrasion and peels, as these erode the upper levels of the skin, (stratum corneum,) a vital layer for optimal functioning and overall optimal wellness. If the stratum corneum is continually compromised, inflammation can spiral out of control. Common presentations of inflammatory-based skin conditions are acne, dermatitis, pigmentation, urticaria, loss of laxity, and glycation.

 

Heat-based Modalities

Heat-based modalities such as IPL, radio frequency, and laser can all be extremely effective as antiaging modalities, yet all do induce inflammation in the skin, so it sensible practice to understand the underlying levels of inflammation in your skin before beginning a treatment, and how to best ensure you have the nutrient resources required to combat the inflammation that will be created. Hormones, immune function, starting point skin health, and nutritional status are all factors for your Skin Treatment Therapist to consider.

 

 

Nutrition

In terms of nutrition, it is well established that a balanced diet with sufficient essential nutritional elements to suit the lifestyle of the person is critical for maintaining an optimally healthy body. Both nutritional excess and deficiency, as well as defective gastrointestinal digestion and absorption functions, are associated with disease, so working with a professional could be the best option to ensure you are optimizing your antioxidant nutrient capacity. A recent study found that increases in polyphenol intake, measured through a Mediterranean diet (extra virgin olive oil, nuts, fruit, vegetables, and red wine) are inversely associated with inflammatory biomarkers through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

 

Mindful Movements

Increasing awareness about the best choices for a unique recipe for inner and outer health is the perfect beginning. Science has shown that meditation, mindfulness, and mindful movement practices, such as Qi Gong, can positively impact specific markers of inflammation and potentially improve immunity and biological aging. Considering an intentional and sustained practice of conscious mindfulness to improve aging is a free, accessible, and fairly easy place to begin.

The coming decades are projected to see a move into the most long-lived populations of all time. It is possible to facilitate successful aging by devising individualized, multi-pronged solution plans that include a number of internal and external anti-inflammatory focused support measures to promote and protect health, energy, and wellness.

With love,
Pia.

 

Let me introduce Pia Kynoch. We met at the International Association of Applied Corneotherapy conference when it was held in NZ 2018 and we hit it off straight away. A kindred spirit in light and energy but also in skin and making a difference in peoples lives.
Pia owns and operates Melbourne
skin clinic Verve Beauty Skin Wellness, is twice published and is a qualified Naturopath. Pia also has completed certification in yoga, Reki, Qi-Gong and practices mindfulness. She specialises in energy and boy does she have some to share!!
I knew Pia was my girl as soon as we met and am so grateful to have someone to buzz off in an industry we both love. I hope to work with Pia more in the future, making waves in an industry that could do with a shake up and a “Skin Revolution!” Thank you Pia for being a leader and a comrade in this skin loving revolution.