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A skin specialist comes to the rescue -- naturally

Ah, winter. Though the chill in the air may bring out the red in your cheeks, there’s nothing glamorous about a dry, itchy epidermis. But don’t fret: there are things you can do right now to bring back the glow you lost once the mercury took a dive, and changes you can make to keep your skin healthy and beautiful—forever. Holistic dermatologist Rowan Hamilton gives us the “skinny” on our cutaneous cover.

Q. Why are there so many skin disturbances among us like eczema, psoriasis, and acne?

A. There are as many reasons as there are stresses, toxins, and malnutrition in our world—the list is staggering. Our skin is formed from the same cells in embryo as our central nervous system. The underlying dermis is a part of connective tissue and connects with blood, immunity, hormones, our digestive tract—even our DNA. Some of us think the skin is just the wrapping—it’s much, much more than that.

Q. If there’s something going on with my skin, does it necessarily mean there’s more than meets the eye? Can I be in good health and have a skin problem?

A. If your health was truly wonderful and yet you had a skin problem, it would likely be due to something you came in contact with. For instance, 85 per cent of nurses have skin problems—mostly dry, cracked, and even bleeding skin. This is due to repeated use of antibacterial soaps and alcohol rubs at work. Our skin absorbs what it comes in contact with.

Q. What’s wrong with plain old soap and water to wash my face?

A. Is there anything wrong with that? I don’t think so. Goat’s milk soap is gentle. Very hot water is unnecessary and can lead to problems. Stay with warm for your face and when showering.

Q. Why does skin tend to act up in the winter?

A. Hormones levels really do change in winter and reduce moisturizing in the skin. Add to this the cold and wind of a Canadian winter—just remember how quickly a refrigerator dries food.

Q. By far one of the most frequent self-treatments for skin conditions is over-the-counter cortisone cream. Are there any downsides to this?

A. As a short-term remedy for acute conditions, cortisone does its job. It suppresses the immune response and reduces swelling and pain. Unfortunately, most skin problems don’t just go away and cortisone doesn’t solve anything. As a healer it is useless. Natural remedies are the only effective healers. They are not an alternative: they are the only solution.

Q. A lot of people have dry skin and there’s a ton of moisturizers out there. Are they helpful?

A. Moisturizers spread oil over the skin. That is fine for mild or occasional dryness. For truly dry skin they just don’t work. The oil washes off and nothing is changed. It doesn’t matter how natural the oils are. The principle is wrong for chronically dry skin.
I worked on this problem for 15 years and developed a protein-restoration system, which reconnects the surface skin cells and restores smooth skin. With the microstructure restored, the natural oils and herbs can truly heal the driest skin.

Q. What are “parabens” and why are they so bad?

A. Parabens exist in nature: they act as preservatives in plants [like in blueberries]. But this is a natural form and so part of the healthy world. The cosmetic industry got hold of these compounds and synthesized the chemical, making it part of the not-healthy world. Synthetic parabens act as xenoestrogens and are of concern, especially with estrogen-sensitive cancers.

Q. Do you think the general trend of skin-care products reflects ingredients that have more purity?

A. Purity is indeed the trend. Just look at the advertising! Truly pure ingredients cost more, need special manufacturing, and are sensitive to handle. Coconut oil sounds wonderful; however, it may mean a synthetic derivative in a skin cream. Really pure, natural ingredients—especially herbs—are almost never white!

Q. How important are organic ingredients in our skin-care products?

A. Essential. A general rule is to only put ingredients on your skin that you would be happy eating. Think about it: our skin absorbs whatever goes on it very well. Even drugs are now given as skin patches.

Q. If there’s one thing in particular that I could do to promote healthy skin, what would it be?

A. Include a detoxification program as part of your regular health practice. But truly: Discover how to love who you are, and be loved, touched, and caressed by loving people.

Rowan Hamilton is a medical herbalist and specialist in holistic dermatology who is well aware that beauty isn’t merely skin-deep.

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