What Your Skin Says About Your Health

After you read this, I want you to investigate your skin. Take a look in the mirror at your face. Look at your arms, your legs, back…all over. What do you see? Do you see lines, dark spots and bumps? Are some areas dryer than others? Would you believe me if I told you that the health of your skin can be one of the biggest indicators of your overall health? How about that a lot of your skin symptoms can be the best link to what is happening from the inside of your body. Some of you may know this, but it might be news for others! Here’s the deal. Your skin is the largest organ of your body. Yes, it’s an organ! Your skin is not only the largest, but also most times the last organ of detoxification. Knowing this information can help solve a lot of “skin mysteries.” At Innovative Health Partners, we like to know what the health of your skin is like, because it is important.

We have seen a lot of skin health issues walk through the door. When you come in as a patient, you will regularly be asked about the food and drink you are consuming. Why is that important? Like many health problems, our skin health can ultimately be a direct link to the health of your gut. Remember, your skin is an organ of detoxification. If you are exposed to toxins, irritants, or foods that your body perceives as either of those, your skin can take a hit.

Now, it doesn’t end there. Just as important as it is to know what is happening on the inside of your body, it is vital to know what you are putting on your skin. More and more information is coming our way on the affects of skincare product ingredients and your health. As the skincare industry grows rapidly, there is a continual concern about synthetic chemicals and hormone disruptors (parabens) found in skincare products available on the market.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the average American woman uses 12 personal care products per day. The average man uses 6. The number of unique chemical ingredients these women are exposed to daily from the products alone is 126! That makes 45,990 chemical exposures per year just in your skincare products!

Knowing this information has been alarming to us doctors at Innovative Health Partners. That is why we passionately teach our patients about functional skincare. SophytoPro, the skincare line we are introducing, is designed to actively transform the health of your skin. This successfully returns the skin to an environment and pH that encourages its innate mechanisms for renewal and defense.

Functional skincare is vital to create a healthy and happy environment for your largest organ. Things to consider that affect and alter skin health and pH are:

• Some medications
• The weather (too much heat, cold or humidity)
• Water (chlorine and fluoride)
• Diet (high in sugar, dairy, trans fats)
• Cosmetics (containing acids, retinoids, and harsh foaming agents)
• Emotional imbalances (anxiety, depression, fear, stress)
• Environmental aggressors (pollutants and UV radiation)

All of these can lead to skin symptoms such as:

• Allergies and skin sensitivities
• Comprised immunity
• Skin reactions
• Eczema
• Bacterial overgrowth (fungus)
• Acne
• Rosacea

To learn more about functional skincare from the inside out…and outside in, contact Innovative Health Partners.