MA'AT -
THE HEALTH OF NATURAL SKIN


What Are You Feeding Your Skin?

Did you know that what you put on your skin, hair and nails affects your body chemistry?

You'll be surprised at the amount of toxins that can enter your body through your skin, especially through environmental pollution, cumulative daily exposure to toxic ingredients found in personal & beauty products.

"From the time we are born  and grow to adulthood, we rub an estimated 2,000 liters (84,000 ounces) of chemical-based cosmetics and body products into our skin more than 470,000 times"  All of these chemicals must be broke down by the liver. If the liver is unable to break them down they are stored in the body eventually causing dis-orders and dis-eases.

It is true, topical application of creams, moisturizer, gels & liquids onto the surface of the body readily penetrates the skins surface and the ingredients are absorbed into systemic circulation. This is called "Trans-dermal absorption".


THE SKIN EATS,  DRINKS, COVERS & PROTECTS but did you know the skin has to "BREATHES"

Our skin is the largest eliminator on the body. It is a two-way membrane. Toxins are eliminated through the skin via perspiration and absorbed through the skin into the body’s systemic circulation, through hair follicles and sebaceous glands (not through sweat glands). One square inch of skin contains 65 hairs, 100 sebaceous glands, and over 650 sweat glands.

What Type of Things is Adsorbed through Your Skin?
Toxins from personal care products, feminine products, scented products, air pollution, pesticides, herbicides, off-gassing from new products, plastics and radiation are just a few. Disposable diapers alone can contain or release dye, fragrance, plastic, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, and dipentene. Researchers are studying the possible connection between "asthma-like" reactions and chemicals released by disposable diapers. Do you know what toxins are in the personal care products you use.
 Women are especially at high risk of this kind of toxic trans-dermal absorption. Using make-up on a daily basis, for instance, you can absorb almost 5 pounds of chemicals into your body each year! for what? all in the name of Beauty!

"Toxic Over Load contributes to many health problems.
These chemicals toxins can cause acne, hormonal imbalance, premature aging, accumulation of free radicals,fatigue, headaches, digestive upsets, flu-like symptoms, aching joints, and other types of cancers which are just some of the symptoms of toxic overload.
A scientific article from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggested that more than 75% of cancer is caused by diet and environmental factors. In addition toxic exposure is a contributing factor to cardiovascular diseases, (heart attack), cerebrovascular diseases, (stroke), and neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Environmental pollutants build-up over a period of time in the body contributing to chronic dis-eases."

Scientists estimate that everyone alive today carries within their body at least 700 contaminants, most of which have not been well studied.

FDA Regulatory Requirements for Marketing Cosmetics in the United States
The regulatory requirements governing the sale of cosmetics are not as stringent as those that apply to other FDA-regulated products. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, cosmetics and their ingredients are not required to undergo approval before they are sold to the public. Generally, FDA regulates these products after they have been released to the marketplace. This means that manufacturers may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances, to market a product without a government review or approval.
But some regulations do apply to cosmetics. In addition to the FD&C Act, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act requires an ingredient declaration on every cosmetic product offered for sale to consumers. In addition, these regulations require that ingredients be listed in descending order of quantity. Water, for example, accounts for the bulk of most skin-care products, which is why it usually appears first on these products.
Although companies are not required to substantiate performance claims or conduct safety testing, if safety has not been substantiated, the product's label must read "WARNING: The safety of this product has not been determined."
"Consumers believe that 'if it's on the market, it must be safe and can't harm them, and this belief is sometimes very wrong."
FDA's challenge comes in proving that a product is harmful under conditions of use or that it is improperly labeled. Only then can the agency take action to remove adulterated or misbranded products from the marketplace.
The Fine Line Between Cosmetics and Drugs
The FD&C Act defines cosmetics as articles intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions. This definition includes skin-care creams, lotions, powders and sprays, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup, permanent waves, hair colors, deodorants, baby products, bath oils, bubble baths, and mouthwashes, as well as any material intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.
Products that intend to treat or prevent disease, or otherwise affect structure or function of the human body are considered drugs. Cosmetics that make therapeutic claims are regulated as drugs and cosmetics, and must meet the labeling requirements for both. A good way to tell if you're buying a cosmetic that is also regulated as a drug is to see if the first ingredient listed is an "active ingredient." The active ingredient is the chemical that makes the product effective, and the manufacturer must have proof that it's safe for its intended use. For products that are both drugs and cosmetics, the regulations require that active ingredients be listed first on these products, followed by the list of cosmetic ingredients in order of decreasing predominance.
Examples of products that are both cosmetics and drugs are dandruff shampoos, fluoride toothpastes that fight tooth decay, antiperspirants/deodorants, and sunblocking/tanning preparations, including foundations that contain sunscreens.
Before products with both a cosmetic and drug classification can be marketed, they must be scientifically proven safe and effective for their therapeutic claims. If they are not, FDA considers them to be misbranded and can take regulatory action.

Reading Is Believing
The ingredient list on a cosmetic container is the only place where a consumer can readily find out the truth about what he or she is buying. Consumers can check the listing to identify substances they wish to avoid. And becoming familiar with what cosmetics contain can help counter some of the alluring appeal showcased elsewhere on the product.






Dry Brushing for Healthier, Silky Skin

Dry brushing is an excellent way to wake up and start the day.  It rejuvenates, invigorates and supports one of the skin’s important functions, ridding the skin of accumulated toxins.short brush
Brushing the skin helps unplug the pores, increase its ability to absorb nutrients, increase circulation to the skin cells resulting in a better metabolic cellular exchange and polish it as well.  Healthy skin needs to ‘breathe’.  Rid it regularly of dry skin cells and the body will react by producing new skin cells more rapidly.  Your skin will immediately feel silkier and on the long term will look healthier, loosing that dry, pasty appearance.
 
Fat deposits are better distributed, the nervous system is rejuvenated, nerve endings are stimulated and dry brushing contributes to improved muscle tone. All this from dry brushing alone?
 
Yes!  But there is a right way to dry brush your skin for optimal benefits.
 
Start off with a natural bristle brush or loofah - my favorite is a short handled one.  Synthetic brushes or exfoliation cloths are harsh and create minute scratches on the surface which may result in drier, irritated skin.  Also, those with eczema, acne or other skin problems should consult with a health practitioner first.

"Never" scrub your skin using hard pressure.  Use firm but gentle pressure.  It should feel good!
*Always work in the direction of the heart.   Start with the right foot, working in a circular motion first on the outside upwards then the inside.   * Repeat on the left also up to the top of the leg.
 * Stomach area: in a clockwise, circular motion from the navel outwards.
 * Right buttocks then the left: large circular motion, ending with strokes upwards.
 * Right hand, arm: as described for the legs – outer first then the inner area working upwards.  Repeat on left.
 * Breast area:  gently in a figure eight several times avoiding the sensitive nipple area.
 * Ribs:  brush from the top down to the waist
 Back:  from the neck area downward horizontally (or circular if this is difficult).
All of the above will only add 5 minutes more to your morning routine.
 
Rinse off under a warm, not hot shower.  There is no need to use soap or shower gel on the brushed areas of the body as it is now impeccably clean.  If you can tolerate it, alternate between warm and cool water to really boost circulation, ending with the cool water.
 
Lightly pat the skin with a towel, leaving it rather moist.  Now is the moment to massage in nourishing oils that absorb quickly into the skin such as almond, jojoba, emu or rose moscata oil, or a good body lotion that contains no minerals or paraffin and preferably no preservatives.  By applying oils on to slightly wet or damp skin, you will be able to apply a very thin layer easily without pulling or dragging the skin nor will it feel oily.  A fine layer of nourishing oil will help the skin retain its natural moisture.
 
Wash your brush with soap and water now and again, allowing to thoroughly dry.
 
Well brushed skin will have increased blood supply and its metabolic function of helping the body eliminate toxins will be optimally boosted as well as improved cellular ‘turnover’ (regeneration).  You may not be able to restore skin elasticity (but it will be improved) or be rid of cellulite as these are often dependent on your genes - but you can help your skin to function optimally resulting in a healthier, better looking, seductively silky skin. 
 
Want to start off your day on a positive note?  A few really deep breaths at an open window, a dry brushing session followed by alternating warm and cool showers and your defense system will be boosted a little even within a week.  However, it will take a few months for long term effects. 
And I have not even mentioned other side effects to this quick morning routine – a clearer mind and boosted spirit.  What a wonderful way to start the day!
 
BEAUTIFUL SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT

"The real secret to beauty is no secret at all.  Eating these healthy foods will provide the nourishment your skin needs daily, from the inside out.  It is the first step to soft, radiant & glowing skin"

Make a promise to your skin today to keep it nourished and rejuvenated from the inside out! Having healthy skin year-round begins with the foods you eat and drink. To get skin that you will be confident to show off every season of the year, devote some time each day to getting the necessary nutrients to stay hydrated and fight the signs of aging.

  • Drink plenty of water. While the exact amount you should drink each day varies, no one can dispute the role of good hydration in keeping your skin looking healthy, young, and radiant. Experts agree that when the hydration comes from pure, clean water—NOT soda and fruit drinks—the skin cells rejoice! Aim for six to eight glasses every day.
     
  • Limit alcohol.
     
  • Sip green tea daily. This beverage contains polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that protect and benefit the skin’s overall health. Enjoy one or two cups per day.
     
  • Avoid simple carbohydrates.  Foods such as cookies, pies, cakes, candies, and pastries can increase acne breakouts due to insulin spikes.
     
  • Nourish your skin. Eating healthy foods can protect, repair, and slow the aging process. Check out the chart below for the top ten nutrients that provide beauty benefits.

Supplement - Suggested Dosage - Foods Source
Vitamin A 100,000 IU: Keeps skin soft and protect skin tissue/repairs  skin cells and tissue.  May help with acne control.
yellow vegetables and fruits, apricots, carrots, spinach, pumpkin, cantaloupe, yogurt
Vitamin B Complex w/Pantothenic Acid 50 mg 3x daily: Builds healthy skin tone
Vitamin C w/Bioflavonoids 3,000 - 5,000:Helps counter the effects of sun damage, smoking exposure, and pollution. Assists in collagen production, giving skin strength and elasticity. Improves the immune system.
broccoli, bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, cabbage, pineapple, tomatoes, dark-green leafy vegetables
Vitamin E 400-600 IU:protects skin tissue, skin texture and helps prevent wrinkles.
almonds, avocadoes, peanuts, nuts, seeds, olives, asparagus, wheat germ, soybean and coconut oil, dark-green leafy vegetables
Biotin:Helps produce nails, skin, and hair cells. Deficiency can cause dermatitis and hair loss. cooked eggs, rice bran, nuts, wheat germ, oatmeal.
Niacin 100 mg 3 x daily:Increase blood flow to the skin, smoothes dry, flaky skin. fish, legumes.
Selenium:May help prevent skin cancer. Helps counter the effects of sun damage, smoking exposure and pollution.Produces healthy skin cells. whole-grain products, seafood, eggs.
Copper:Forms elastic fibers that support the skin structure. nuts, seafood, dried beans and peas.
Zinc 30-80 mg daily: Can help control oil production and reduce acne lesions.
Chromium 200-400 mg:Helps reduce infections to the skin.
Lecithin 1 capsule before meals:Helps use essential fatty acids.
Primrose oil as directed: helps healing
Chlorophyll liquid or tablets as directed:Purified the blood and prevent infections

A deficiency can result in white heads and inflammation.
cold water fish, salmon, sardines, mackerel, flaxseed oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, walnuts
Antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory properties protect the membranes of skin cells.
green tea, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberry, cranberry

MELANIN

Inadequate diet (junk food, non-organic foods), physiological weakness and brain drain deplete Melanin.
remember acidity age the body, and drains the body of energy. Low energy causes cells to die before they can be replaced or moved.from the body. the dead cells get impacted in veins cartilage, arteries, nerves, organs and bones.

2511 E. 46th St. L-4 * Indpls, IN 46205 * 317/828-0016
Website Builder provided by Vistaprint