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Skin Detoxification

• Introduction
• Anatomy of the Skin Barrier
• Skin Permiability and Allergic Skin Conditions
• Causes of Skin Barrier Damage
• Skin-Care Products
• Nutritional Therapies that Support the Skin
• Physical Therapies for Skin Detoxification

Introduction

Allergy prevention is literally skin deep. The skin is the largest organ of the body and one of the first lines of defense against external pathogens, such as chemicals and poisons, and one of the key pathways in eliminating toxins from the body.

For all the emphasis Americans place on the appearance of skin - using cosmetics to cover up blemishes, topical ointments to combat pimples, and collagen and botox injections to fight wrinkles - they generally do a poor job of protecting their skin. In fact, many skin-care products actually damage the skin barrier and clog detoxification pores, leading to a host of allergic conditions and other skin problems. Other factors, including essential fatty acid deficiency, humidity, radiation, and stress, impair cutaneous integrity.

Anatomy of the Skin Barrier

The skin is made up of two distinct layers, the epidermis and beneath it, the dermis. The outermost level of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum (SC), is important for allergy and sensitivity. The SC is a network of cells on the surface of the skin that provides immediate protection from the outside world and helps restrict the loss of water.

The SC requires three main types of lipids (fats) to form a healthy cutaneous barrier - ceramides (such as alpha-hydroxy and omega-hydroxy acids), cholesterol, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (essential fatty acids). When the lipids are tightly packed into the spaces between the SC cells, potentially harmful substances that touch the skin are unable to squeeze their way through the skin surface and enter the body. On the other hand, when there are disruptions in the number and compactness of the intercellular lipids, the skin barrier becomes permeable.

Skin Permiability and Allergic Skin Conditions

Does increased skin permeability cause allergic skin conditions? In the case of allergic contact dermatitis, the answer is obviously yes. When you brush up against poison ivy, oak, or sumac, the urushiol oil released by the plant leaves touches your skin. If your skin barrier function is impaired, the toxin seeps through the gaps between the SC cells, enters the blood vessels in the dermis and subcutaneous fatty tissue, and sparks an antibody-mediated reaction. This explains why some people do not suffer with allergic contact dermatitis when exposed to poisonous plants - their skin barriers are intact and able to effectively protect the body from the toxin.

Atopic dermatitis can also be sparked by numerous allergens - inhaled, ingested, and contactant substances. Various studies have shown that foods (especially eggs) or inhalants (dust mites and cat dander are most common). Other studies have determined that atopic eczema is not always accompanied by skin permeability, but it appears that skin barrier default is the primary culprit in initial sensitization.

The fact that individuals with eczema develop allergies to substances that enter the body via the gut or respiratory tract suggests that these people become more susceptible to other allergies once the skin barrier has been disrupted.

Causes of Skin Barrier Damage

In general, two mechanisms increase skin permeability: removing/depleting surface lipids and altering the cells in lower levels of the epidermis. Essential fatty acid deficiency or abnormal metabolism of essential fatty acids, skin-care and cleaning products, ultraviolet radiation, climate changes, hormonal changes, and even psychological stress can lead to skin permeability and increase the risk of sensitization.

• Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency

  Usually most Americans have adequate supplies of cholesterol or ceramides for the skin, both from dietary sources and internal metabolism, but they may not get enough polyunsaturated fatty acids (essential fatty acids, EFAs) that are only available through diet. The skin barrier requires an abundance of omega-6 essential fatty acids.

  There are two primary types of omega-6 EFAs, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, both of which are only found in foods. Linoleic acid is found in the oils of safflower, sunflower, corn, soy, and sesame. An enzyme is responsible for converting linoleic acid into gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that is needed to complete the skin surface lipid structure. GLA is found naturally in evening primrose oil, black currant oil, and borage oil.

  (See Nutritional Therapies section below for product recommendations).

• Changes in Humidity

  Exposure to humidity changes seems to cause an increase turnover rate of skin cells, which exhausts the oils in the skin barrier and exacerbates inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

• Dehydration

  The surface skin is thicker than the interior tissues of the body. Circulation comes to the base of the skin, and the water has to seep upwards through all the strata of the skin to reach the outer layer. The exposed surface of the skin is also constantly losing water due to environmental factors such as sun, wind, and chemicals, to name a few. When the body itself is dehydrated, circulation to the base of the outer skin may be shut down as an emergency measure so that water is not lost through evaporation from the skin’s surface. Chronic dehydration shows in the face with wrinkles, lines and furrows. It's best to drink filtered water. There are many quality filtration systems on the market.

• Ultraviolet Radiation (Sun)

  We know that both types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, can lead to skin cancer and eye problems if we don’t protect ourselves from the harsh radiation. What most people don’t realize is that UV radiation also increases skin permeability and can be a significant factor in sensitization. Studies have shown that skin lipid synthesis significantly declines 72 hours after UVB exposure but recovered after 96 hours, suggesting that UVB-induced barrier damage may not be permanent.

Skin-Care Products

Most people are aware that abrasives and chemical agents such as bleach can irritate the skin. Research has shown that these, indeed, damage the skin barrier and those with eczema and psoriasis are affected more severely. However, numerous skin-care products also contain ingredients that have been clinically proven to damage the skin barrier.

• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, also known as sodium laureth or lauryl sulfate) is a highly irritating chemical cleanser that is found in many shampoos, conditioners, body washes and other skin-care products. It alters the nuclei in epidermal cells and also disturbs the SC lipids just beneath the skin surface. Barrier creams (like cortisone cream), greatly reduced the damaging effects by more than 50%. However, corticosteroid drugs have not been shown to significantly improve barrier function in SLS-damaged skin. Discontinuing use of SLS-containing products is the only way to avoid the permeability caused by this chemical.
• Acetone, another well-known irritant, is the main ingredient in nail polish remover. In fact, these two chemicals are routinely used in lab experiments to induce skin permeability!
• Retinoids and Retinoic Acid (Vitamin A) are popular in skin products as a means to decrease wrinkling, brown spots, and acne. But anyone who has used products such as Retin-A knows about the side effects: dry skin, peeling, and photo-sensitivity (adverse reactions to the sun). These effects are due to skin permeability induced by vitamin A. Several studies have found that retinoic acid loosens the cohesion of cells and lipids in the skin. While this process provides for greater elasticity and smoothness to the skin, it also causes barrier dysfunction, increased skin water loss and scaling.
• Alkanes (Paraffin) are by-products of petroleum manufacturing commonly used as the base of many topical lotions, cosmetics and hair-care products. Alkanes act like plastic bags when applied to the skin - they form a sealed film of grease on the skin barrier, impeding the absorption of oxygen from the air and blocking the elimination of wastes from within the body. Continuous use of skin-care products containing alkanes and other saturated fats contributes to the development of allergy and sensitivity. The inability to eliminate wastes allows for toxins to accumulate in the subcutaneous connective and fatty tissue. Over time, this leads to lymphatic stress. When the detoxification pathways - lymph, skin, liver and other organs - are overloaded with toxins, the immune system will tend to overreact because it is overwhelmed with dangerous antigens. Allergic reactions are just one of the many symptoms of a hyperactive immune system caused by toxic overload.

Nutritional Therapies that Support the Skin

Alternative therapies for the skin focus on repairing barrier function and stimulating detoxification mechanisms. While all allergy and sensitivity sufferers will benefit from these remedies, they are especially important for people suffering from skin allergies. To order the following products, go to the products page and follow the directions.

1. Essential fatty acids are crucial to skin barrier repair. Both topical and oral administration of essential fatty acids improves skin barrier function. The lipids found in topical creams are absorbed into the stratum corneum and appear to actually fill the intercellular spaces in the skin surface. Oral supplements of omega-6 EFAs, especially GLA, boost skin cohesion and lipids and prevent transepidermal water loss. Since patients with atopic eczema often have low levels or metabolic blocks of the enzyme that converts linoleic acid to GLA, GLA supplements are highly recommended. It is important to avoid fats high in arachidonic acids (such as dairy and meat) because these acids exacerbate allergic reactions. Furthermore, do not overuse omega-6 EFAs, especially if you are suffering from arthritis, since these fats can contribute to an arthritic flare. Omega-6 EFAs need to be balanced with omega-3 fats in a ratio of approximately 1:2 for health.

   Product recommendations: To order or view product details, go to the products page

   • M981 Omega-EFA by Metagenics (contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids with Vitamin E and GLA)
   • S150 Bio-Omega - 3 Flax Seed Oil by Nutrition Dynamics (contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids with Vitamin E and Beta Carotene)
   
   
2. Evening primrose oil is naturally high in GLAs (9-10%) and is effective as both a topical and oral supplement. It is widely used throughout Europe, Especially Germany and England, for eczema. The typical recommended oral dosage of evening primrose oil is 500 mg to 2,000 mg daily for at least 12 weeks. Severe cases may require up to 6,000 mg daily. There are a few side effects attributed to this oil, including headache, mild nausea, or soft stools. Talk to your doctor if you’re on prescription medications before taking evening primrose oil, because certain drugs may increase its effects. If you’re on anticoagulants, evening primrose oil can enhance blood clotting.

   For topical ointment, the standard dosage is the same as for oral supplements mentioned above. In fact, you can break open the capsules and apply the oil directly to the skin.

   Product recommendations: To order or view product details, go to the products page

   • M984 Meta EPO Primrose Oil Capsules by Metagenics (Contains pure Evening Primrose Oil)
   • P431 Primrose Oil by Nutrition Dynamics (Contains pure Evening Primrose Oil)
   
   
3. Borage seed oil and black currant seed oil are other sources of GLA. Borage oil contains twice as much GLA (up to 24%) as evening primrose oil and black current oil is at 18%. However, neither oil has proven to be as effective as evening primrose oil. Borage oil is not recommended for people with epilepsy or for those taking phenothiazine drugs, without medical supervision. Standard dosage is three to four 300 mg capsules taken orally, daily.

   Product recommendations: To order or view product details, go to the products page

   • M844L GLA Forte by Metagenics (Contains Borage Oil, GLA and Vitamin E)
   
   
4. Moisturizers containing urea, alpha-hydroxy acids (gluconolactone and tartaric acids) and glycerol are recommended. Glycerin (the synthetic version of glycerol), a common ingredient in skin-care products, can be detrimental to the skin barrier because it tends to draw water from the skin layers to moisturize the skin surface leading to chronic dehydration. However, research has shown that glycerol actually promotes skin barrier recovery. Rose Hip seed oil may also help repair damaged skin. This oil contains traces of retinal, a natural retinol (vitamin A). Unlike retinol products, rose hip seed oil is bound in a natural balanced formula and doesn’t cause the skin permeability, peeling, and photosensitivity of the synthetic forms. This oil also contains a small amount of vitamin C and omega 3 and 6 EFAs.

   Product recommendations: To order or view product details, go to the products page

   • NuSkin (www.nuskinusa.com) - contact Andrews Chiropractic for up to 30% discount on nuskin products.
   
   

Physical Therapies for Skin Detoxification

Dry Skin Brushing

To enhance the skin’s ability to detoxify, use a loofah sponge or dry skin brush. Brushed skin is better able to eliminate toxins from the body, as oils and dead skin are removed and pores are unclogged. Toxins are transferred into the main lymphatic drainage ducts, which go directly to the liver for elimination. White blood cells also migrate into the skin after brushing and enhance the function of the immune system.

To proceed, simply begin gently brushing from the ends of the arms with long strokes that sweep towards the trunk of the body. Do all sides of the arms. Then brush the head and neck with downward strokes towards the collar bone. Brush the feet and legs upward towards the groin area; again, be sure to brush all areas of the legs. As you brush the trunk, use upward-sweeping motions towards the heart. The ideal time to perform the dry skin brushing is prior to showering or bathing. Then jump into the shower to remove the dead skin cells. Be sure to clean the brush thoroughly with soap (a natural hypoallergenic brand) and water followed by hydrogen peroxide after each use.

Sauna (Heat Stress Detoxification)

Using a sauna can effectively clear the body of fat-soluble toxins. Studies of fat biopsies before and after a heat stress detoxification protocol revealed an average of 21.3% reduction in the body levels of 16 toxic chemicals, including PCBs and PBBs, and a 64-75% reduction in harmful toxins. After discontinuing the heat and detoxification therapy, the study found that toxins in patients continued to decrease for up to four months. Some experts recommend that allergy patients do at least 15 minutes of aerobic exercise preceding sauna therapy to "improve circulation so that the chemicals will more easily leave the fats and move to the liver."