Xen2

Psoriasis is created by silvery, scaly patches that can appear anywhere on the body, but most common are on the scalp, ears, arms, legs, knees, elbows and back. It may or may not be itchy, and follows a pattern of periodic flare-ups followed by healing. Even toes and fingernails sometimes lose their luster, and develop ridges and pits. Psoriasis can be associated with a form of debilitating arthritis that is difficult to treat, called psoriatic arthritis.

Your skin cells mature and shed every 28 to 30 days. With psoriasis, new skin develops seven to ten times faster than normal. Because your skin cells can?t shed fast enough, they pile up, forming raised, scaly plaques. As the dead cells are pushed farther from the surface, they form silvery white scales over the plaques.

Psoriasis solutions require a comprehensive and consistent approach. It is important to note that any program may take months to show improvement, so be patient. Continue treatment even during times of remission when no lesions are visible. You see, the problem is still there, just waiting for a trigger. The following tips will help you not only prevent psoriasis attacks, but minimize their severity.

Here?s what you do?

1. A diet that?s low in saturated fat, and low in animal products, has an ameliorating effect on psoriasis. Eat a diet that is 50 percent raw foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables sprouts and grains. Also eat seafood that?s high in omega-3-fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and herring. Citrus may aggravate psoriasis in some individuals.

2. Arachnidonic acid is a natural substance that aggravates the inflammatory response in psoriasis lesions, making them swollen and red. Taking Evening Primrose Oil interferes with the production and storage of arachnidonic acid. Take 500mg daily. Other good sources of the essential fatty acids are flaxseed oil and salmon oil.

3. Vitamin B complex is needed for healthy skin. Use a high-stress, yeast-free formula. Take 50mg three times daily with meals. You will want to take extras of the following B vitamins as well.

4. Other vitamins, minerals and supplements that are important are:- Vitamin A - important for healthy skin and nails. Take 75 IU daily for two weeks, then 50 IU daily for two months, then 25 IU daily. Vitamin C with Bioflavenoids - important in boosting your immune system, and forming collagen and skin tissue. Take 2,000mg four times daily. Vitamin E - is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that damage the skin. Take 400 to 1,200 IU daily. Zinc - important in protein metabolism, and proteins are needed for healing. Take 50mg of zinc daily. Folic acid deficiency has been linked to psoriasis. Take 400mcg daily. Glutathione may inhibit the growth of psoriatic cells. Take 500mg twice daily on an empty stomach.

5. Shark cartilage - stops the spread of psoriasis by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels. It may take three or more months to show results. The first to resolve is the itching and scaling, followed by gradual fading of the redness. Take 1gm per 15lb of body weight in three divided doses, daily.

6. For mild cases of psoriasis, sunlight alone may be all that?s necessary. Ultraviolet rays slow down cellular division in the skin.

Expose your skin regularly to moderate amounts of sunlight. To prevent sunburn, which can actually aggravate your condition, avoid exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, especially during the summer months.

7. You need to be aware that certain drugs trigger flare-ups in some people with psoriasis and therefore need to be avoided. Some of them are propranolol hydrochloride and other beta-blockers, quinidine gluconate, lithium, antimalarial medications, and even alcohol.

Detoxification programs are helpful with psoriasis as they rid your body of potential triggering toxins. Include the following steps in your program?

8. Milk thistle extract - increases the flow of bile, and cleanses your liver. This is important in keeping your blood clean. Take 300 mgs three times daily.

9. Fiber is important in maintaining a healthy colon. The fiber binds to colon toxins, and aids in their elimination. In addition to foods rich in fiber such as raw fruits and vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals, take psyllium seeds daily. Mix with water or juice and drink immediately.

10. Moisturize - as skin prone to psoriasis tends to be dry. Moisturizing is particularly important during the winter months, when psoriasis tends to flare up because of the dry, cold air.

Avoid These Dry Skin Mistakes

Your Skin is the largest organ "on" your body. In fact, that is the first thing people notice about you. That is why, from time immemorial, the care of the skin has been the preoccupation of many.

Your skin is 70% water, and many skin problems are associated with dry skin. That is why many skin preparations are made, using the concept of preventing moisture from leaving the skin. They therefore use occlusive agents, that is ingredients that clog your pores, thus theoretically sealing moisture in.

Your skin consists of two distinct layers: The outer layer, the epidermis, consists of dry mature cells and forms the protective layer. The inner layer or dermis consists of collagen. This gives the skin strength and flexibility. The dermis also contains the sweat glands, nerves, blood capillaries hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

Your skin is an important, vital, living, dynamic organ without which you could not survive. Among its many functions, it regulates your body temperature, and through its more than 2,000,000 sweat pores, is an organ of excretion. Your skin should also be allowed to breathe.

With this background, it?s easy to understand why the following ingredients do NOT belong on your skin:

Mineral OilPetroleum
(Petrolatum) Petroleum products such as Vaseline, etc., do not penetrate your skin, but sit on the surface blocking natural respiration, excretion, and absorption of other nutrients. It is also an occlusive agent, and needs to be avoided.

Lanolin Derived from sheep wool, Lanolin is a common lubricating ingredient in many cosmetics and creams. In addition to being occlusive, it has been proven to cause allergic reactions in skin of sensitive people.

Solvent Solvent alcohols in the form of propyl of isopropyp are drying to your skin

CollagenArtificial Colors Known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCES Known to create allergic skin reactions and photosensitivity in some people.

The jury is still out on such chemicals as Retin A, Retinol, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids.

The best to use for your skin are Jojoba oil, Apricot kernel oil, Almond oil, Purcelin oil, Avocado oil and Squalene. Not only do these natural oils take moisture deep into your skin, but Jojoba, Avocado and Almond oils have the same consistency and molecular structure as sebum, your skin?s own natural lubricating oil. They therefore also serve to lubricate your skin.

Why is this so important to you?

You see, your skin is 70% water. Sebum, your skin?s own natural lubricating oil, functions to lubricate your skin and prevent it from drying out. This natural protection breaks down with many skin problems, and also as you get older. Women especially, experience an estimated 32% reduction per decade in sebum production, after age 20. Do you understand now why everything you have tried for your dry skin has not worked? A mixture of refined liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. Mineral oil is the stabilizing ingredient of many skin care products. Mineral oil forms an occlusive film on your skin, blocking your pores, and interfering with normal skin respiration. It may, therefore, not only harm your skin but be a contributing cause of blemishes.

This animal product is added to cosmetics as a moisturizing agent. The molecules are too large to penetrate your skin. They therefore clog your pores, and in some cases cause allergic reactions.

Here?s an interesting exercise. Check your skin care products now and see how many of them have one or more or the above offending products. You may be surprised.

Kelly

Thanks for the information Xen2 and welcome to SkinCare Talk!

I have flare ups every now and then, with psoriasis in my hair line, but I'm pretty good at keeping it under control. Most of the things you mentioned are things I am doing...or have learned. It rarely ever flares up anymore.

I know all too well about some of the bad ingrediants.

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34/married/SAHM of 3/blue-green eyes/NW25/hyper oily-sensitive & acne prone

Independent Executive w/Leaders Club

Naturally

Great post Xen2! Welcome aboard!

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Arbonne Consultant - botanically based products that work!