According to the text in Anatomy & Physiology I, “the skin is considered the largest organ, it is the first line of defense against microbes and external hazards; it functions to protect, regulate body temperature, provide sensation, and excrete water and salt.” (Peterson, 2020, p.43) Our skin is responsible for eliminating about one-third of our body’s wastes each day, also known as our third kidney. The skin is made up of multiple layers, tissues, and glands. One of these glands being the sebaceous gland, which secretes an oily substance called sebum. Sebum lubricates the surface of the skin and keeps it soft and smooth. The endocrine system controls the secretion of sebum, and it increases during puberty, and decreases with age. Therefore, during puberty most teens develop acne due to the increase of sebum, and improper face washing.
Acne can occur during puberty or at any age when the body is out of balance, meaning the hormone levels are imbalanced. When our hair follicles are blocked due to the increase of sebum they block the pore, allowing skin bacteria to form just under the surface. This causes the skin to inflame and produce visible lesions, or acne. Anatomy & Physiology I states, “An imbalance in the eliminative channels of the body, principally the liver and kidneys, can be a contributing factor, as can stress and improper diet, which all cause hormonal changes.” (Peterson, 2020, p.52)
Fortunately, there are many holistic protocols that can help to restore the skin back into balance. Lifestyle modifications are crucial; this means fresh organic nutrition, adequate drinking water, good body care, early morning sunlight, and proper exercise. These are the basics to help build a solid foundation to support the body’s natural healing capabilities and to restore balance. When it comes to nutrition, it is important to know that processed, refined, and fast foods contribute to adding more waste to our bodies rather than nurturing and supporting it. These foods contribute to acne, among many other diseases. In an article written by Alexandra McPhee, she states “Zinc is the mineral for acne; it balances sebum production, reduces keratin, and speeds up the healing process.” (McPhee, 2020, para 5) There are many supplements that work to support the skin and bring our bodies into balance and can be used on a case-by-case basis. Along with the lifestyle modifications, body care includes cleansing the skin gently twice a day, dry brushing, face masks, and using essential oils in massaging. All these factors help to restore balance inside and outside of our body.
References
Petersen, D. (2020). Anatomy & Physiology I (19th ed.). American College of Healthcare Sciences.
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