Your SKIN is The Largest and Most Noticeable Organ: Discussion on How to Take Care of this Important Organ By Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh, MD, NMD 05/01/2014

1. By
Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh, MD, NMD
05/01/2014
1
Your SKIN is The Largest and Most Noticeable Organ:
Discussion on How to Take Care
of this Important Organ

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1) WHAT IS SKIN?
2) COMPONENTS OF SKIN
3) SKIN TYPES
4) CARE FOR OILY SKIN
5) CARE FOR DRY SKIN
6) ON AGING SKIN
7) BASIC SKIN CARE
8) COMMON SKIN DISORDERS INCL.
CANCER
9) SUN SUSPECT
10)EASTERN UNDERSTANDING OF SKIN
DISEASES
11)FOOD INFLUENCES
12)LIST OF INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
13)WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE PRE
CANCER OR CANCER?
14)NUTRITION FOR HEALTHY SKIN
15)SUGGESTIONS ON BRANDS TO USE
16)REFERENCES
CONTENTS:

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WHAT IS SKIN?

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1. It is the largest organ of the human body and
averages about 20 square feet.
2. It is the outer covering of the body.
3. Skin contains multiple layers
4. It protects muscles, bones, all internal organs,
connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels
5. The skin has multiple functions and they are:

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• Protection: skin is the barrier against pathogens; prevents damage between the
external and internal environment; immune cells are within the skin to serve as
“soldiers” of defense.
• Absorption: external oxygen is needed by the outermost layers of skin (1/4 mm
thickness) which is not part of the internal oxygenation of the body, hence we
can say that the SKIN BREATHES. The skin can take up medication that is specially
formulated to be transported into the layers and bloodstream for rapid action. It
absorbs certain particles and resists others that are large.
• Sensation: all skin has nerve endings that allow for perception of heat, cold,
touch, vibration, pressure and injury to the tissues.
• Storage: the skin holds water and fat.

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 Heat regulation: blood supply to the skin is plentiful that allows for
evaporation and radiation of energy. If the blood vessels open or dilate, as
occurs in response to increase in body heat, heat is lost and the body releases
excess via the skin that is in the form of sweat; constriction of blood vessels
conserves heat if a body is exposed to cold environments. NOTE: one may not
sense sweat if the outer (external to the body) temperature is warm but dry
with low humidity. So, one does sweat in warm temperatures even if it is not
sensed overtly.
 Control of evaporation: skin will not allow fluid loss to occur so easily; there is
a semi-impermeable barrier present meaning that fluid can move through it
but with restriction and regulation mechanisms intrinsic to the body. NOTE: in
severe third degree burns of the skin, the control mechanism of fluid loss is
destroyed and there is tremendous fluid loss as a result that threatens the life
of the person afflicted.

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• Synthesis: vitamin D is generated by the action of UV (ultraviolet light)
directly on the skin. The sun on skin activates 7-dehydroxy cholesterol that
contains prohormone Vit D3transported by bloodstream to
liverconverts Vit D3 to 25-OHD3 that moves into the kidneyconverts
this to 1,25 (OH)2 D that is a useable form for calcium balance, immune
strengthening, possibly preventing depression and cancer.
• Water resistance: a water-resistant barrier to prevent loss of essential
nutrients.
• Excretion/Discharge: small concentrations of urea (breakdown of protein)
and the formation of spots, pre-malignancies and malignancies of the skin
are all possible outcomes.** See below for “Eastern Understanding” of the
skin manifestations.
• Aesthetics/communication: the skin “speaks” to the world about all the
time. A viewer can see a person who looks pale, ruddy, angry or sad at
any given moment. Facial expressions and motions that we make with
our skin can tell a story.

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WHAT ARE COMPONENTS OF THE SKIN?

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The average SQUARE INCH of skin (6.5cm squared) has:
650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60, 000 melanocytes
and over 1000 nerve endings and approximately…
50 million BACTERIA! This number can be up to 500
million (yes, that’s right, ½ billion bacteria) on skin that is
oily.
But, all of that bacteria, on the entire skin surface can be
compiled into the volume of a PEA.

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THE SKIN HAS 3 LAYERS:
1) Epidermis: outmost layer: barrier and skin color
2) Dermis: beneath epidermis that has connective tissue,
hair follicles and sweat glands
3) Deeper subcutaneous (hypodermis): fat and connective
tissue.

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Mesodermal cells-these are cells that will renew and replace skin
regularly.
Pigmentation- color by skin cells known as melanocytes and it is
melanin that absorbs potentially dangerous UV in sunlight.
DNA repair enzymes- these are proteins that help repair any sun
burning or underlying factors that disturb the skin integrity. In
conventional medicine, there is the understanding that melanoma
and other skin cancers are all related to sun exposure. In traditional
Oriental medicine, there is an underlying derangement of the tissue
due to poor life habits. **See below for more on this subject.

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SKIN TYPES…

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Normal-no or few imperfections, no severe sensitivities, radiant, few pores seen
Combination- nl in some areas, oily in others like the T-ZONE (nose, forehead,
chin), pores can be overly dilated, blackheads seen, shiny skin
Oily- enlarged pores, dull or shiny thick complexion, blackheads, pimples;
worsened by puberty, stress, exposure to heat or high humidity

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Dry- invisible pores, dull rough complexion, red patches, less elasticity, more
visible lines, can be scaly, itchy, crack and peel easily, irritable, inflamed;
worsened by genetics, aging, weather-wind, sun, cold, UV from tanning
beds, indoor heating, long hot baths/showers, ingredients in soaps,
cleansers, cosmetics, medications
Sensitive- redness, itch, burns, dryness all occur easily

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CARE FOR OILY SKIN:
Wash no more than 2 times daily and wash after
perspiring; use gentle cleansers; no picking or squeezing
of blemishes; non-comedogenic products that DO NOT
CLOG THE PORES

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CARE FOR DRY SKIN:
Take shorter baths/showers; use mild gentle soaps with
moisturizing elements in the soap; avoid deodorant soaps; no
harsh scrubbing when bathing or drying; apply rich moisturizer
right after bathing- USE OINTEMTS & CREAMS instead of lotions
because they have better staying power; reapply the cream a few
times daily; use humidifiers if your environment is dry; try to keep
indoor temperatures comfortable without too much heat; wear
GLOVES when using cleaning agents, solvents or detergents.

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SOME WORDS ON AGING SKIN..

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Skin becomes thinner and more easily damaged. There is a reduced ability of
the skin to repair.
Why? Less blood flow and reduced gland activity.
See reduction in skin and hair volume and skin elasticity. There is sagging or
laxity, wrinkles or rhytids, photoaging (long term sun effects).
Many products in the skin and hair industry are being pushed by advertising.
Be very much warned on the products. Many are making false claims and
costing the unsuspecting consumer money and loss of health.
Follow a good lifestyle with proper food, exercise, safe measures and non-
toxic agents and your skin will not suffer.

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For more information on personal care products and
the environment, see the reference listed on the last
page for ENVIRONMENTAL WORKER’S GROUP
(EWG). You will get a lot of important information on
what is happening in the industry and what the FDA
is and is not doing.

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BASIC SKIN CARE

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1) Be aware of your environment and take whatever steps are needed to
have your skin comfortable.
2) Use natural soaps and organic (preferably) hand cleaners at home and
office; tote your own if travelling; try to avoid the chemical dispensers
for hand sanitation if you can; they are full of alcohol and chemicals;
health shops carry cleaner, safer hand washing wipes, etc.
3) Wear NATURAL BREATHING FIBERS like cotton, flax, silk, rayon, wool.
Acrylics, polyesters and other fabrics should be minimized for better
skin and health by virtue of their artificial components.
4) EXERCISE EVERY DAY. A brisk walk in AM and PM for 10 -15 minutes is
recommended. Stretch, yoga, Pilates, core strengthening to keep the
middle slim and trim. Play regularly and enjoy yourself to stimulate
that special organ!!

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5) Touch your loved ones, friends, pets, plants and everything for skin
stimulation.
6) Brush skin daily, gently, with a natural bristle brush over entire body;
face should be handled gently and patting of skin is best when drying
wet skin.
7) Massage your skin daily. Do this yourself or HAVE SOMEONE WITH
LOVING HANDS HELP!!
8) Eat whole foods and avoid highly processed items. Your daily intake of
rich greens, orange, yellow, purple colored vegetables will all be skin
nourishing and provide antioxidants and anticancer ingredients that
protect the skin from cancer and other skin diseases. Nuts, seeds,
seaweeds, whole rice, grains, lentils, beans, fish, some egg are all very
nourishing for skin.

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9) Use a sunscreen that is not loaded with too many chemicals. ***Avoid
the list of ingredients below. Be aware of the fact that the beach, reefs,
aquatic and other wildlife that will be affected as well by toxic
ingredients.
10) Wear hats, sunglasses
11) Avoid direct sunlight and be careful between 10:00 and 4:00 hours of
sunlight. Caution: the not-so-sunny days count too so be safe most
days.
12) DO NOT SMOKE- smoking robs oxygen from the body; facial motions in
the smoking act contribute to the wrinkling and skin loosening around
mouth and eyes. TOXIC ALL THE WAY with no exceptions.

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13) Sugar is not going to help your skin. Watch what you pick
up at the grocery or other retail outlets.
14) Stay hydrated. No need for excess but be aware of your
body needs. CLEAN WATER please.
15) Wash skin thoroughly.
16) Do not wear makeup to bed.
17) Moisturize with excellent products.

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COMMON SKIN DISORDERS
INCLUDING CANCERS:

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>Rashes- redness usually
>Dermatitis: inflammation; atopic (a type of eczema) is most
common
>Eczema: skin inflammation causing itchy rash; due to
overactive immune system.
>Psoriasis: autoimmune with silver, scaly plaques
>Dandruff: scaly scalp condition

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>Acne: affects over 85% of people at some point in life
>Cellulitis: inflammation of dermis and subcutaneous tissue
usually due to infection; see red, hot often painful skin rash
>Skin abscess (boil, furuncle): localized skin infection creates
pus under skin; some need incision and drainage but not all.
>Rosacea: chronic redness with some acne usually around
cheeks, over nasal bridge and can enter the eyebrow area;
poorly understood in Western medicine.

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>Warts: viral condition; treatable by many applications
>Vitiligo: depigmentation of parts of skin; melanocytes do
not function; may be autoimmune, genetic, oxidative stress,
neural or virally induced.
>Herpes: blistering that is painful caused by HSV1 or 2
>Hives: raised red itchy patches that arise suddenly from
allergic substance
>Tinea versicolor: benign fungal skin infection; see pale areas
of dotting or coalescing pattern on skin

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>Shingles (herpes zoster): from chicken pox virus; shingles is a painful rash on
ONE SIDE of body.
>Scabies: mites into skin into webs of fingers, wrists, elbows, buttocks that is
intensely itchy, especially at night; human transfer is mode.
>Ringworm: fungal infection that is NOT caused by worms!
>Seborrheic keratosis: benign lesion that looks like a “stuck-on” wart.
>Actinic keratosis: crusty or scaly bump that forms on sun-exposed skin; may
progress to cancer.

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Melanoma: most dangerous type of skin cancer; need
biopsy to identify as melanoma; variegated and
irregular moles that can be flat or raised are suspects.
Can occur anywhere including where the SUN DOES
NOT SHINE

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Basal Cell carcinoma: most common type
of skin cancer; grows slowly; found
commonly on face, arms, legs and back.

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Squamous cell carcinoma: less
common but often seen on face
and arms

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WHAT ABOUT THE SUN BEING OUR #1
SUSPECT IN CANCERS?????

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Unfortunately, we have unleashed a monster in this earth. The OZONE
layer in the atmosphere, that was present before airplanes and super
industrialization, is a very thin layer that is essentially gone. It has been
destroyed by modern living with industrial chemicals and gases that
have destroyed this protective layer for all living things. It was the ozone
layer that offered considerable protection from the sun’s strong rays.
Now, we must be more cautious when exposed to sun for long periods.
By following excellent diets, avoiding toxic exposure in the
environment and protecting our skin from excess of direct sun, we
would see significant reductions in skin diseases/cancers.

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**Eastern Understanding of Skin Disease:
We are products of our diet and elements
That we ingest, absorb, inhale, take in emotionally, psychically and
Spiritually. The skin will DISCHARGE or demonstrate the products
That the body is exposed to.
In Eastern understanding, the SUN is not the culprit. Humans are the
culprit when they make poor decisions and lack discipline in nature and
with all natural things. The sun nourishes and provides life.

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**Meat- leathery, thick skin, forceful expressions, deep lines and cancers
**Poultry- painful and stiff joints with skin thickening and retraction as in
“trigger fingers” and other tendon problems, especially in the hands
**Dairy- thick, insensitive skin, cancers
**Fish- scaly skin
**Bread and baked goods- puffy, pasty skin, bloated cheeks
**Fruit and juice- thinning hair, dandruff
**Sugar and sweets- freckles, brown spots, white dots on fingernails
Some food influences on skin:

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1) Parabens- toxic and cheap; in MANY products
2) Phthalates (bibutyl & diethyl) in hairsprays, nail polish and some
fragrances; hazardous!
3) Synthetic colors: FD & C, and D&C followed by a # are coal tar based
and many are carcinogenic
4) Synthetic fragrances: allergy inducing; the word “fragrance” can mean
“anything” at all; don’t fall for it!
5) Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA): act as foaming
agents, stabilize pH; are often irritating and are toxic
***LIST OF INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
IN YOUR PERSONAL CARE
PRODUCTS:

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6) Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea: are preservatives that cause
dermatitis- release FORMALDEHYDE that is toxic
7) Petroleum based products: Sodium Laurel Sulfate- a cheap detergent
in shampoos: allergenic; Propylene glycol (PEG & PPG)-allergenic; PVP
& PVA copolymers- toxic if inhaled, found in hair products
8) Petrolatum-Petroleum jelly- coal tar
9) 1,4 Dioxane: a BY-PRODUCT of other chemicals that is not listed on
your bottles and containers! It is found in hair care products, hair
removers, baby soaps, tanning products, hormone creams, facial
moisturizers and eye care creams.

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A
SKIN GROWTH THAT MAY BE
CANCER OR PRECANCEROUS?

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All moles and growths are not alike. Most are benign. However, it
may be in your best interest to have the skin checked before
something becomes more serious. Have this checked by a trained
licensed professional. Listen to your options.
If you prefer a more natural approach, seek the assistance of a
health provider who knows what works and will not harm you.
One treatment that is listed below is available by ordering from a
company such as Amazon on line. It is not sold in stores. It is not
endorsed by dermatology with the FDA.
It is for the individual to decide which he/she may be comfortable
with for health safety sake.

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1) Cryotherapy- no-scalpel involved; used for actinic and seborrheic keratosis,
warts and some early cancers.
2) Topical antineoplastic agents- these are used by MDs; ask about there use.
3) Other chemotherapeutic agents
4) Radiation- this is done by radiation oncologists; many possible adverse
outcomes; must be discussed with the physician
5) Surgical removal- this can take several layers of skin; can and does cause
scarring; no guarantees for future re-growth; costly
6) Curaderm- a safe, non-toxic cream formulated by a chemist, Dr. Bill Cham,
Ph.D., over 25 years ago, that is used to clear basal, squamous and early stage
melanoma; available for $129.00 to order from overseas. See web/internet for
more details and read the book entitled THE EGGPLANT CANCER CURE (SEE IN
REFERENCES BELOW). This cream has not been approved by the FDA and is
used by one’s own careful decision and experience with the results that have
been nothing less than excellent.
Options:

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NUTRITION FOR HEALTHY SKIN:
As indicated above, one must eat a diet that
consists of WHOLE FOODS and eliminates
JUNK.
Plants with color are healthful and provide
ingredients that nourish the skin. Use a wide
variety of vegetables. Fruits that are in
season and not high in sugar are preferred:
berries, pears, apples, pomegranates,
avocadoes and plums are all good choices.
Un-milled rice and other grains are preferred. Fish and seafood 3 times a week for fatty
acids and protein sources are important. Nuts and seeds are helpful in providing
minerals and vitamins for the skin. Meat and dairy must be carefully selected, used
infrequently, if at all for optimal outcomes.

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You may use a quality multivitamin and mineral product for additional
nutrients.
DO NOT OVERDO ANY VITAMINS!! Vitamin C can be used daily up to 5000
mg for those who do not form stones or are not sensitive. Vitamin D3 may
be used daily up to 5000 IU. Most people will be recommended to take
2000 IU daily. This is a safe amount as far as our understanding of the
supplement to date.

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SUGGESTIONS ON SAFE BRAND
PRODUCTS FOR THE SKIN:
Aubrey products, Aura Cacia, Burt’s Bees, Seventh Generation,
Desert Essence, Andalou Naturals, California Baby, Farmer’s Market
(1-800 451-7096), Pacifica, Shea Moisture, Organique by Himalaya,
Chandler Farm

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Look for certifications; products should be
certified organic or BDIH (a German
certification process that some American
companies are exploring).
_______Thank you________
BE AWARE:

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1) Cham, B., Ph.D. The Eggplant Cancer Cure; Smart Publications,
CA, 2007
2) http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatment
3) http://www.ewg.org/skindeep
4) http://www.exg.org/about-us
5) http://www.organicconsumers association.com
6) Kushi, M. The Macrobiotic Path To Total Health; Balantine
Books, 2003
7) Pirello, C. Glow; Penguin Group, 2001
REFERENCES: