Archives for February 2021

SKIN PART IV : Moles, Skin tags, Bruising, and Early Aging
Isn’t the skin an amazing treasure map of health clues? Today we’re going to dive into some of the signs we’ve all noticed either on ourselves (or others).  Bumps, bruises, and wrinkles ….. Oh my! 
Moles (nevi)  are a common feature on dermal landscape, especially among the fair skinned population. Genetics, sun exposure and certain medications (eg: medications which suppress the immune system, certain antibiotics,synthetic hormones, and some antidepressants) can contribute to mole formation. Additionally, chronic nerve pain or nerve conditions often causes changes in color (mole production being part of those changes!) and temperature of skin. It’s not uncommon to develop a mole pattern on the back, legs, arms, neck etc when there has been damage to the “mothership” spinal cord from surgery or injury. 
The most important thing to consider when looking yourself over for moles is noticing changes. Do you know your ABCDE’s of moles? 
 A: Asymmetry (one side doesn’t match the other)
 B: Border (ragged, blurred, or irregular)
 C: Color (different colors or shades within a singular mole)
 D: Diameter (is it larger than a pencil eraser?)
 E: Evolving (is it different from other moles you may have, and has it changed in size, shape or color?)
You’ll notice that the picture  included in the graphic has several moles. The one with a red arrow pointing to it is an example of a concerning mole which should be seen by a health professional. 
If you have any of the health risks listed above, consider having a skin check done every year by a thorough dermatologist. (I do!)
Other interesting historical and scientific factoids:
*Studies indicated that very “moley” skin have an increased risk for skin, colon and breast cancers
*Studies also indicate that very “moley” skin (greater than 100 moles) tend to have less risk for osteoporosis
*In the 18th century, men and women wore small velvet patches made to look like moles to cover up scars from smallpox.
*On average, only 1 in 100 people are born with a congenital mole.
*Moles come in different colors and shades: Black, red and brown most typically.
Just as moles can “appear”, they can also disappear when healing to the nerve circuitry occurs. 
Skin Tags are different from moles. They may be considered an unappealing dermal feature and they are usually very harmless. That said, they are LOADED with health clues. 
HPV (human papillomavirus) comes in more than 100 different varieties and affects all areas of the body.   HPV is not deadly and it can be difficult to detect. Studies have found that nearly 70% of people with skin tags had a form of HPV. HPV is transmitted thru skin to skin transmission of any kind. While there is a vaccine sold for HPV, I am not a fan of it. As a pharmacist, I’ve done my research, and I feel that the benefits do not outweigh the risks of the vaccine. It is far more beneficial to boost the immune system daily in all the ways you are learning to do here in this group and to practice healthy lifestyle choices.
Skin tags are also an early indicator of diabetes. Diabetes causes a person’s hormones to fall further out of balance, and when hormones that are responsible for healthy skin grown are affected, skin tags may appear. Once normal blood sugar levels are restored AND MAINTAINED, skin tags tend to disappear on their own. If you notice you have skin tags, it may be worthwhile to check your blood sugar with either lab work or a home testing kit. 
Obesity paired with friction (hormones and collagen production cannot keep up with the body’s repair needs)
Hormone imbalances (often seen in poly cystic ovarian syndrome PCOS…. In PCOS, skin tags generally start appearing rapidly…. Like a new one every month)
Age (its harder to balance hormones and collagen production is weaker)
All of these scenarios revolve around unbalanced hormones and impaired collagen production to some degree or another. Remember that you are the ultimate CEO of you, and only you can make changes for the betterment of your health long term. God is giving us “check engine lights” with these clues and it is to our individual benefit to heed these  built in warning signs. #Sulfurzymesupportshealthycollagenproduction 
Bruising, or rather “easy bruising” or bruises that can take weeks to heal have multiple causes:
>>Certain medications can cause this effect (especially blood thinners and “anti-platelet” medications). Other drugs that can do this too include some anti-depressants (prozac, celexa, and paxil), prednisone,  and some chemotherapy agents. 
>>Aged blood vessels become weaker and skin thins (collagen is depleted). 
>>Vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels)
>>A small percentage of “easy bruisers” have a genetic bruising disorder, an autoimmune disorder, or another acquired deficiency.
>>Vitamin deficiencies (Vitamins C, K and/or B12)
>>Peripheral Vascular Disease can lead to decreased blood flow and cause unexplained bruising (most often in the legs)
Helichrysum essential oil has a chemical constituent within it called italidione. Italidione is known for being able to keep blood inside a vessel even after an injury has occurred. Italidione also supports the efficient breakdown of bruising and swelling which contributes to efficient healing time.
Roman Chamomile essential oil also helps support a healthy inflammatory response (not to be confused with the “run away train” variety!) and thereby also supports an efficient healing process. 
Premature Aging. Everyone’s favorite right? Have you ever heard the term “sugar face”? This refers to a forehead with deeply carved lines and it happens when too much sugar is consumed on the regular. Overconsumption of processed sugary foods causes a breakdown of collagen and elastin, two substances in our bodies that keep our skin firm and taut. Sugar inflames the skin and generally will aggravate skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Because of what sugar does to our skin, it doesn’t just cause the breakdown of collagen, it also makes skin stiffer and more brittle. This will ultimately lead to fine lines and wrinkles we are all trying to avoid! Sulfurzyme will always be a helpful tool, but it can only do so much if excess sugar remains in the picture. Ultimately, our job is to give the body the tools it needs and to also take away that which is causing the problems to begin with.
Other causes of wrinkles include:
Excess sun exposure (especially in a toxin laden body)#ditchthetoxins
Smoking
Wearing our emotions on our faces (I personally find laugh lines a beautiful thing…. Frown lines, not so much!) Remember how your mama may have said, “be careful or your face will freeze that way!”…. Turns out she was kind of right. Your emotions will eventually weave a pattern into your face. The world needs more smile lines! Use your emotional releasing/supportive oils. They work when they are used and not kept on the shelf 😉.
Chronic Dehydration ( If you don’t like plain water, give those YL Vitality drops a try! They are delish!! )
Did you find these clues helpful? Remember to work with your favorite healthcare professional if something about any of these clues triggers an “ah ha” moment within in you! 
xoxo~ liz😘

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#skininthegame 
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#goodmedicineisknowingthyselfwell
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