Maintaining the Royal Robe

Reprinted from the Wedge June/July 1995 Newsletter.

Paracelsus referred to skin as the "royal robe of woman." It is indeed humankind's royal robe, and reflects the wealth of our being. The skin is also the largest organ of the body, covering about 18.2 square feet and weighing about 6 pounds in an adult. A healthy skin is slightly moist, soft, flexible, acidic and free from blemishes and disease. Skin texture should be smooth and fine grained.

The first non-official layer of the skin is oil and water. Through the activity of sweat and sebaceous glands, it acts as a moisturizer, balancing skin pH (acid-alkaline balance).

• 1st layer: Epidermis
• 2nd layer: Dermis
• 3rd layer: Subcutaneous

The epidermis is the outermost skin. Dead cells constantly are being replaced here. It is our protective layer.

The dermis is the inner layer of skin, sometimes called the "true skin." It is made up of living cells, a highly sensitive vascular layer of connective tissue, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, sweat glands and oil glands.

The subcutaneous tissue is a layer of fatty tissue below the dermis. It contains fat for use as energy. It also acts as a protective cushion for the outer skin.

Blood and lymph supply nourishment to the skin. Half to 2/3 of the total blood supply of the body is distributed to the skin. As blood and lymph circulate through the skin, they contribute essential materials for growth, nourishment and repair of the skin, hair and nails.

So our skin presents us to the world, and its elasticity protects us against shock and damage. The dermis and epidermis guard against infection and pollution. It is a filtering organ, aiding in the removal of wastes and toxins. But the skin is not impermeable. It absorbs both healing and harmful substances which pass into the body. For instance, chemicals from cosmetics have been found in the blood stream and aromatherapy oils rubbed into skin affect the nervous system.

Hair, skin and eyes that lack luster and a dull complexion are indicative of:

• Sluggish circulation of blood due to lack of proper exercise and recreation
• Lack of fresh air
• Poor quality skin care products
• Poor eating habits, lack of proper nutrition and irregular elimination of wastes
• Lack of rest and relaxation, poor sleeping habits

The skin, being an organ of elimination, will aid the body in discharging built up toxins, wastes, fats, sugars, chemicals, additives and the list goes on. The discharge may take the form of blemishes, cysts, dry patchy areas, blotches, etc.

To serve our bodies' needs we should choose foods within the categories of complex carbohydrates, organic and seasonal vegetables and fruits, nuts and seeds, sea vegetables, beans and soy products, such as tofu, tempeh and miso. Minimize simple carbohydrates, sugars, carbonated drinks, baked flour products, processed and refined foods, meats and dairy products and fried foods.

Many commercial products can cause allergic reactions. Others upset the skin's natural pH level, which protects it from germs and chemical toxins. In the U.S. eight common ingredients of deodorants and antiperspirants have been withdrawn from the market over the last ten years because of health risks.

I encourage the purchase of natural and organic skin care products. Food co-ops are a likely place to find these items. Skin will more effectively absorb therapeutic ingredients when carried in an organic base.

Shelly McCoy is a licensed esthetician practicing at Spot Body Work. She can be reached at 612-331-4182.