Skin, Hair & Nail Health

Skin is our boundary with the outside world and the body’s largest organ. It communicates important information about our world through nerves via our sense of touch, which can protect us from burns, pressure, and injuries. It also creates vitamin D, a critical hormone, through exposure to sunlight. Skin also plays a role in protecting us from heat, dehydration and exposure to harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. Our hair, nails and sweat glands all reside in our skin. Various skin infections and chronic conditions are often caused by invaders, such as foods that elicit an autoimmune response, chemical exposures, viruses and bacteria, and other toxins. While creams and medications like corticosteroids can minimize symptoms, lifestyle changes including eating whole foods and drinking plenty of water can be beneficial in easing inflammation as well as strengthening hair, nail and skin. Avoiding stress and substances that commonly cause allergies and sensitivities—such as heavily perfumed soaps, fabric softener, solvents, metals, chlorine, and nail glue—will help us care for our overall body, as well as our skin.