Hair, Nails and Skin Health

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Your Skin

 

Your skin is actually an organ, the largest organ of your body in fact. It provides a cover for your skeletal system, muscles, nerves, veins, arteries and vital organs. It protects you from infection, heat, injury and environmental damage. It also regulates your body temperature and stores water, fat and vitamin

> Description
> Conditions
> Statistics
> Causes
> Diagnosis
> Signs and Symptoms
> Treatments
> Conventional
> Natural
> Recommended Protocol

Description

Your skin is actually an organ, the largest organ of your body in fact. It provides a cover for your skeletal system, muscles, nerves, veins, arteries and vital organs. It protects you from infection, heat, injury and environmental damage. It also regulates your body temperature and stores water, fat and vitamin D.

Your skin is made up of 3 main layers:

  • The Epidermis
  • The Dermis
  • The Hypodermis.

The Epidermis is the thint top layer. It protects your body. Within this there are actually 5 more layers as well as many different types of cells, including:

  • Keratinocytes, producing keratin, the skin’s protein
  • Melanocyes, producing your skin’s pigment, Melanin, and
  • Langerhans cells, helping to prevent foreign body invasion.

The Dermis is the middle layer. It contains a network of blood vessels, hair follicles and sebaceous glands as well as collagen and elastin, 2 vital supporting proteins.

The Hypodermis is a fatty layer. It contains sweat glands and fat. It conserves body heat and protects your vital organs.

The relationship between your hair, nails and skin and your overall health is underestimated. They share the same nutritional requirements for health. They react to deficiency in similar ways. Their general look and feel alone can even reveal much to the non-professional.

Lack of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and trace elements show your health status clearly through dull, blemished skin.

Deficiency of necessary nutrients for hair, nail and skin health, through chemical or hormonal imbalance, illness or side effects from medication, can result in disease becoming more and more commonplace around the globe due to biological, environmental and genetic causes.

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Conditions

Like your hair and nails, your skin is vulnerable to disease. Diseases occur as a result of nutritional imbalance, environmental, chemical and hormonal imbalances, reactions to medications and many illnesses.

Negative condition can result from diseases of nutritional deficiency in particular.

Your skin reflects the state of your body and the balance within it. Many negative effects will disappear when your nutritional balance is restored and will remain as long as the balance remains.

Acne
The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris". It is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands commonly characterized by black heads, pimples, cysts, infected abscesses, and possibly leading to scarring without proper containment and treatment.

Eczema
A non-contagious skin inflammation, causing itching, scaling and/or blisters considered to be related to malfunctions of the immune system.

Boils
An inflamed hair follicle that has accumulated infection and dead tissue. Often a painful swellings of the skin caused by deep skin infection with bacteria. Symptoms can include redness, tenderness and possible pus.

Bruises
A minor injury caused by knocking or grazing of the skin where capillaries are damaged and bleed into the surrounding tissue. Sometimes painful with a possibility of leading to hematoma, they are usually blue or purple in color when more serious, and brown or yellowish when minor.

Cellulitis
(Not to be confused with cellulite!) An inflammation of the connective tissue, often occurring where the skin has been broken, cracked, cut or wounded.

Psoriasis
A chronic condition where the skin is inflamed, red, raised and possibly scaled. It may be itchy and spotty. It often reoccurs in ‘flare-ups’ or as a reaction to stress. Common areas include the trunk, knees, elbows and scalp.

Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can be caused by over-exposure to the sun. There are different types, including:

  • Basal-cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma, and
  • Malignant melanoma.

It causes problems when skin cells grow out of control and begin to kill healthy cells.

Skin Tagging
Skin ‘tags’ are benign tumors that form in skin creases, eg. the neck, armpits and groin. They range in size from two to five millimeters, although larger ones have been seen. They may be smooth or irregular and are raised from the surface of the skin.

Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a form of scarring associated with pregnancy, obesity, bodybuilding and, to a lesser extent, puberty. They come about as skin is overstretched, disrupting the normal production of collagen. They appear as red, white, or purple lines.

Warts
These are viral, common and contagious and are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Wrinkles
These appear usually with age, thinning the skin as the dermis loses collagen and elastin. Subcutaneous fat starts to disappear and the epidermis sags.

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Statistics

  • The average number of hairs on an adult scalp is 100,000.
  • Blonde people have around 140,000 hairs, redheads have around 90,000.
  • Baldness affects 1.7% of the population, with over 4 million in the US alone.
  • Baldness generally occurs in 2 out of 3 men and 1 out of 5 women.
  • Male pattern baldness is thought to occur in 66% of adult males.
  • 1out of 10 children will develop eczema before they reach their teens.
  • Androgenetic alopecia affects approximately a third of susceptible women, and is most commonly seen after menopause.
  • Nail disorders comprise about 10% of all skin conditions.
  • Onychomycosis makes up approximately 50% of all nail disorders.
  • Around 10-15% of patients with psoriasis develop joint inflammation (psoriatic arthritis).
  • Around 50% of patients with psoriasis have finger and toenail conditions.
  • Around 50% of people with psoriasis, and 80% of people with inflammatory arthritis also have nail problems.

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CausesThere are many causes leading to poor skin. The most common and most important causes are the chemical and hormonal imbalances that occur as a result of aging, illness and nutritional deficiency. Nutritional deficiency being the most significant, leading to chemical and hormonal imbalances and illness, and accounts for the majority of all hair, nail and skin disorder.

As well as nutritional deficienc, common causes of skin conditions include:

  • Natural chemical deficiency
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Stress
  • Medications and side effects of them
  • Illness
  • Viral and bacterial infection
  • Digestive and absorption disorders.
  • Poor nutrition

It is difficult to get full nutrition from our food, meaning deficiency and disease are ripe even in otherwise healthy people. Poor eating and eating disorders can cause the body to lose essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that encourage and maintain skin health.

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Diagnosis

Your health professional will ask questions about your diet, medicines you are taking, any recent illnesses, your menstrual cycle, any pregnancies and whether or not you are experiencing menopause and associated symptoms.

A physical examination will take place, possibly including hair and nail analyses or skin biopsy if necessary.

Blood tests may be requested if underlying disorders are suspected. These may include vitamin and mineral analyses to locate any nutritional deficiencies.

If a reaction to medication is thought to be the cause your health professional may suggest an alternative medication or therapy.

Neurological, circulatory and the musculoskeletal systems should all be examined, along with thorough history taking including details of occupation, family history and drug history.

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Signs and Symptoms

Because of their natural relationship and similar build, signs of hair, nail and skin disorders usually intertwine, especially if they are age-related, related to an underlying medical condition, or are down to nutritional deficiencies.

Common symptoms to look for include:
 

Hair  Nails Skin
Finding small patches of hair Slow growth Itching
Thinning of the hair Dull and brittle nails Lesions
Excessively dry hair Discoloration Moles
A flaking scalp Hardening/thickening of nails Rashes/Hives
Red, itchy or oily scalp Splitting at the fingertips Skin color changes
Frequently weak or tired Appearance of ridges or dents Tenderness
  Itching, redness or pain Swelling or bumps
    Leathery (thick) skin
    Hypersensitivity
    Peeling
    Bleeding or bruising

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Treatments

Skin that is sore or itchy, blemished in some way, looks dull, discoloured, produces excessive oil or is wrinkled and dry are all points that need attention and should direct you to believing that your system as a whole is unwell in some way.

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Conventional treatments

There are many prescription medications on the market for the treatment of hair, scalp, skin and nail conditions. Although these medications have a short-term effect they do not address your underlying causes. They also have numerous detrimental side effects that can cause you serious health issues.

Common prescription medications for skin conditions include:

Acne, Boils and Warts

Topical Products

Benzoyl Peroxide is available as soaps, lotions, gels and creams.
A common side effect is skin dryness and irritation.

Sulfur, Resorcinol, and Salicylic Acid are not as strong as Benzoyl Peroxide and are used for mild acne. They are available in creams, lotions, gels and soaps.
Side effects include a strong smell and may cause the skin to turn brown.

Topical Antibiotics

Clindamycin, Tetracycline, and Erythromycin are used to treat moderate to severe acne when acne is resultant from bacteria. They are available in lotions, solutions, gels, powders and creams.

Side effects include skin irritation and stinging upon applications along with sensitivity to the sun.

Azelaic Acid is a cream with antibacterial effects.
Side effects include skin redness, itching and burning.

Tretinoin is available in creams, gels, solutions, a microsphere gel and liquid polymer.
Side effects include a "flare" of acne that may occur after starting.

Or, as an alternative…

Adapalene is available as a gel or lotion.

Or…

Tazarotene gel. Side effects include skin irritation, peeling and redness.

Oral Products

Oral Antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Clindamycin, and Cotrimoxazole. Often used in combination with topical acne products.

Side effects include sun sensitivity and predisposition of a woman to vaginal yeast infections, skin discolouration and diarrhea.

Isotretinoin (Accutane), used to treat severe cystic acne.

Isotretinoin is associated with some potentially bothersome side effects including extreme drying of the mouth, nose, and eyes (approximately 90% of patients), joint aches, muscle stiffness, sun sensitivity and birth defects during pregnancy.


Eczema, Cellulitis and Dermatitis

Creams, Ointments, Lotions, Bath Oils, and Emollients may result in burning of the affected area due to their alcohol content.

Topical Steroids

Topical Immunosuppressants

Tacrolimus (Protopic) and Pimecrolimus (Elidel) need further studies to identify any potential long-term effects.

Antihistamines

Hydroxyzine (Atarax), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) contain additives that may exacerbate the condition they are treating.
Oral Steroids are generally used for treatment-resistant eczema only because of the potential side effects of these drugs.

Psoriasis

Common topical medications include:

  • Anthralin
  • Calcipotriene (Dovonex)
  • Salicylic acid
  • Steroids
  • Tazarotene (Tazorac)

Skin Cancer

This is usually treatment with chemotherapy drugs in a lotion or cream applied to the skin. Aside from many major physical and digestive side effects, redness and inflammation in treated parts of the skin also commonly occur.

Alternatively, systemic chemotherapy may be given in a pill, injected into a muscle, or intravenously. Side effects include nausea and other major physical symptoms.

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Natural treatments

Along with general dietary and lifestyle tips to improve your resistance, many specific natural ingredients are known to boost your body’s normal processes and maintain the correct nutritional composition needed by your skin, hair and nails.

These ingredients include:
 

Sulfur as MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) A naturally occurring organic compound used to maintain normal keratin levels in the hair, skin and nails. It helps to make the cell walls more permeable which increases circulation and helps regulate insulin production, improving hair, nails and skin.
PABA
(Para-aminobenzoic acid)		 A co-enzyme forming part of the folic acid structure, necessary for healthy skin and hair pigmentation. It stimulates intestinal bacteria to produce folic acid and promotes the breakdown of proteins. Beneficial in hair loss, hair greying and dermatitis.
Saw Palmetto Comparable in efficacy to Finasteride (Proscar), but much better tolerated with little or no side effects. It blocks receptor sites on cell membranes that are required for the absorption of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a causative factor in alopecia.
Iodine A trace mineral that converts to iodide. It helps to regulate thyroid hormone production, preventing dry hair and hair loss. The condition of hair, skin and nails are dependent upon a well functioning thyroid gland.
Biotin A water-soluble B vitamin acting as a co-enzyme to metabolise proteins, fats and carbs. Beneficial in hair loss and the underlying causes of hair and nail problems. Studies show a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails.
Inositol Hexaphosphate A powerful antioxident effective in promoting lecithin production, required for brain neurotransmitter action. It inhibits the production and activity of free radicals and slows the rate of abnormal cell division.
L-Methionine A sulfur-bearing essential amino acid necessary for hair and muscle production. A building block of proteins and peptides. The body uses methionine to manufacture creatine and uses the sulfur in methionine for normal metabolism and growth.
Vitamin B5 (D-Pantothenate) Supports carb, protein and fat metabolism. Beneficial in hair loss, dandruff, grey hair, enhancing the immune system and benefiting the underlying physical disease causes of hair and nail neglect.
Omega 3 Fish Oil Essential fatty acids known for their ability to improve hair and nail health significantly, improving lustre and condition, as well as many other health benefits.

These ingredients are available in literally thousands of hair, nail and skin products advertised all over the world. However, although these ingredients certainly have their place, individually they are not powerful enough to provide the treatment you need to correct your chemical and nutritional imbalances and prevent reoccurrence.

Combined in a synergistic and balanced way however, and with other ingredients as co-factors, these ingredients show significant benefits not only in treating your problem, but in providing an overall health advancement regime, strengthening the immune system and helping to ensure optimum whole health.

Xtend-Life lead the way in combining these ingredients, plus other enhancing trace elements, to provide such advanced results.

Thousands of people throughout the world have found that after taking Xtend-Life Total Balance for a period of time they have noticed a distinct improvement in the condition of their hair and nails, and major enhancement in skin health, indicating an underlying improvement also in their general health.

Their results have shown to be further enhanced with the addition of Xtend-Life Omega 3/DHA Esters to their regime, as per the recommended protocol below.

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Recommended Natural Protocol

Xtend-Life Total Balance is recommended in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and a good diet.

Protocol
 

Product     Quantity Per Day You need
Xtend-Life Total Balance
 Adults: 6 tablets per day
Teens: 3 tablets per day		 Adults: 2 bottles per month
Teens: 1 bottle per month
Omega 3 DHA/Esters 2 soft gels per day 1 bottle per month

NB: Please note that we develop our formulas in a way that minimizes possibilities of interaction. However, as with all natural supplements there is still potential for ingredients to interact with prescription drugs. You are advised to either check with your physician or Contact Us with details of your medicines so that we can check our databases for potential problems. Please also check our legal notices found in About Us.

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