Love the Skin You're In

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It protects and gives you signals from the environment, and regulates temperature and water. We often don’t think about the functions of our skin until it starts to cause us problems – itching, rashes, acne, discoloration, premature aging, etc – all of which can be a signal of something deeper going on in our body. The skin is also a great absorptive surface, for better or for worse. We can use this effect to our benefit for absorbing certain medications or nutrients applied topically (eg. estrogen, testosterone, magnesium), though the absorptive nature of skin also makes us susceptible to adverse effects from environmental exposures that may be allergic or irritant in nature.

ouTSIDE IN VS AND INSIDE OUT

Whether it’s limiting exposures to harmful substances, or increasing exposure to therapeutic agents, both internal and external approaches can, and should, be used in conjunction to promote optimal skin health.

outside in

Skin & The Immune System —> Allergies

An allergic response occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to a substance found in the environment. The substance that provokes the reaction is called an allergen.

3 Categories of Allergens:

• Ingested allergens - reactions to food or things consumed orally

• Inhaled allergens - reactions to substances we breathe in

• Contact allergens - reactions to substances applied on skin or mucus membranes (lips, mouth, groin)

Skin Allergies

1. Allergic reactions tend to happen after repeated exposure to a substance. The reaction never happens to the first exposure because the immune system must first become sensitized to the chemical.

2. Once you have been sensitizes, you will always be allergic to it.

3. Sudden development of allergies is possible.

4. Even small amounts of allergen can trigger a reaction that can last for several weeks.

5. With each new exposure, the reaction becomes stronger.

6. The reaction can spread beyond the exposure site.

7. A reaction need not happen immediately - it can take hours or days to present.

Allergy Testing

• Prick testing - for allergens ingested or inhaled

• Patch testing - for contact allergens

Top Allergens in Personal Care Products

1. Fragrances

2. Preservatives

3. Hair dyes

4. Lanolin

5. Synthetic detergents

6. Botanicals

7. Nail cosmetics

8. Sunscreens

Skin and The Immune System —> Irritants & Intolerances

Skin irritants elicit non-allergy reactions, that may be immediate, dose-dependent, and/or cumulative.

Irritant Reactions

• Irritation is dose-dependent - the more you are exposed, the more severe the reaction.

• Irritation is cumulative - multiple exposures, multiple chemicals.

• Irritation can happen after a single exposure.

• Irritation does not necessarily happen after every exposure (cumulative exposures impact the outcome).

• An irritant reaction can happen immediately after exposures and can resolve quickly after exposure ends.

Top Irritants in Personal Care Products

1. Water

2. Soap and detergents

3. Fragrances

4. Botanicals

5. Alcohol

6. Abrasive scrubs

7. Vitamin A derivatives and Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

8. Shampoos and conditioners

inside out

Your skin is also reflective of what is going on within your body. We see this often with certain conditions that have dermatologic manifestations, such as Celiac disease (dermatitis herpetiformis), systemic lupus erythematosus (malar erythema), PCOS (acne) and many others. Aside from diagnosable pathologies, functional imbalances and other factors can also impact the quality and health of our skin. These may include:

• Inflammation

• Hormonal imbalances

• Diet

• Digestive issues

• Food sensitivities

• Sun exposure

• Stress

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Immune dysfunction

• Medications or supplements

• Smoking

• Infections

Skin problems are often multifactorial, and as such often require a multi-factorial approach. Whether you are addressing the symptoms of chronic disease or looking to improve the appearance and health of your skin overall, optimizing and correcting any one or several of these factors may be necessary to achieve desired results.

THE FIRST STEP TO TREATMENT IS A PROPER ASSESSMENT.

Deciding where to start can be overwhelming. With no shortage of information online, many times patients are confronted with information and option overload. A detailed history taking with a health professional can help to narrow down areas to focus on and get you started on a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs to help you love the skin you’re in.

In health,

Dr. Jacalyn Sieben, ND

PS - for more information about a holistic Outside-In approach I highly recommend the book referenced below.

Reference:

Skotnicki, S. (2018). Beyond soap: The real truth about what you are doing to your skin and how to fix it for a beautiful, healthy glow. Penguin Random House.

Back-to-School Tips for Staying Healthy

HEALTHY TIPS FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL

It’s back to school time for kids and teenagers, which is an extra busy time for parents and their children and may be an extra stressful time due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Are you wondering what you can do to make back-to-school time healthier for your young ones and family? We’ve put together a few tips and tricks to support parents and their kids during this time, and ways in which naturopathic medicine can help!

Make healthy lunches

Although another to-do list item, healthy lunches can go a long way in helping your child thrive during their school year. A lunch packed full of vital nutrients supports their immune systems, cognitive/learning capacities, weight and activity levels. Some tips are:

• Choose water over juice, pop and other sugary drinks

• Always include vegetables

• Fruit can be a good source of snacks/dessert

• Always include a source of protein - like nut butter/nuts; healthy lean meats like fish, chicken, turkey; legumes like chickpeas (hummus), beans, lentils; cheese

• Make lunches large so there is enough for snacks during the day, and whatever isn’t eaten can be brought home

• Try to limit sugar intake - including granola bars, sugary snacks like fruit snacks, candy and chocolate, juice/pop, and pastries/baked goods

Proper sleep is key!

Sleep is important for brain health, immune support and energy levels, especially in children! Children ages 6-12 years old should get between 9-12 hours of sleep per night. 

• Set a sleep schedule and stick to it! Schedules are helpful at maintaining consistency in sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day.

• Avoid screen-time for at least 1 hour before bed, ideally 2 hours! Screens emit light that can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone that rises in the evening and promotes healthy sleep. Instead of computers, TVs and phones, emphasize activities like reading a book, taking a bath, listening to music, playing a board game, journaling, creative arts or other non-screen activities.

Engage in enough physical activity

Children ages 6-12 years old should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. At school, this can include recreational time at recess as well as physical education classes, however this may not be enough. Consider:

• Engaging in recreational activities outside of school - for example, team or individual sports

• Minimize sedentary time around the house - engage children in helping out with household chores such as laundry, raking leaves, gardening, etc.

• Plan family activities, such as walking/bicycling around the block each night, or playing out in the snow come winter.

• If possible, encourage walking to and from school with a chaperone/parent instead of driving

Book a visit with your Naturopathic Doctor!

Your naturopathic doctor is an expert in holistic ways in which to promote health and prevent disease. An ND will make specific, individualized recommendations for your child, based on their current health status, main health concerns and goals. Some ways in which naturopathic doctors can help include, but are not limited to:

• Assessing immune health and recommending therapies that support the immune system

• Optimizing diet and physical activity levels based on your child’s age and interests

• Making stress reduction recommendations

• Assessing digestive health and food sensitivities

Interested in learning more about ways in which naturopathic medicine can help support your family’s health during back-to-school time? Give us a call today!

Wet Warming Socks

This remedy is great for:

• Supporting the immune system while fighting a cold or flu

• Decreasing congestion in the sinus, nose, chest and lung

• Relieving headaches, migraines and general aches and pains

How it works:

The body reacts to the cold socks by increasing blood circulation allowing new immune cells to come to the infected area. This hydrotherapy process supports the body to clear congestion in the upper airways and head. It is best to start the wet sock treatment on the first day of an illness, ideally repeating it for three nights in a row.

What you will need:

• 1 pair of very thin cotton socks

• 1 pair of thick wool socks

• 1 set of sweats or pajamas

• 1 bowl of ice water

Instructions:

• Soak the pair of thin socks in the bowl of ice water. then wring the socks out thoroughly so that they do not drip.

• If feet are warm continue to step 3. If feet are cold, warm feet by placing in warm water or take a hot shower/bath. Dry feet.

• Place ice-cold wet socks on feet. Then cover with thick wool socks. Put on pajamas and go directly to bed. avoid getting chilled.

• Wear the socks overnight and in the morning the cotton socks will be dry.

CAUTION:

Do NOT use this remedy if you have asthma, a heart condition, diabetes or other circulatory problems.