News — agent nateur

Here’s an amazing fun fact that is really mind blowing. Our skin is our largest organ in the body. There’s a whole ecosystem living on our skin that’s made of billions of bacteria, microbes, fungi and virus’s! Working in unison with our skin barrier, our skin microbiome protects the body from external sensitivities and different types of pathogenic invasions. When our microbiome is flourishing and balanced our skin looks gorgeous and feels healthy, but when we tamper with this ecosystem our skins defense system fails and we start to deal with a broken skin barrier. Our skin barrier is our first line of defense! When this barrier becomes damaged our skin becomes vulnerable. Irritants and allergens seep in and water evaporates leaving the skin dull, dry, dehydrated, and prone to inflammation. What’s key here is diversity and keeping this ecosystem in balance!

What can a healthy and balanced skin microbiome do for us?

- Prevents infection

- Regulates collagen

- Maintains the acid mantle

- Reduces UV Sensitivity

- Communicates with the gut, brain, hormones and nerves

- Regulates lipids, peptides, and sebum

- Helps maintain hydration in the skin

- Improves innate immune function

- Prevents cell abnormalities

- Upregulates vitamin D receptors

How do we heal this beautiful ecosystem so we can get the protection and healthy skin we have always longed for? 

- Pay attention to over cleansing with things like foaming cleansers and surfactants.

- Make sure not to excessively exfoliate... too much is never good!

- Stay away from antimicrobial soaps that strip the natural barriers of your beautiful skin

- Stay away from unnecessary antibiotics which rid us of all our good bacteria

- Avoid alcohol-based skin products as these strip our skin

- Avoid harsh chemicals in your skincare. Always opt for organic and natural ingredients

If you are dealing with a broken skin barrier there are ways you can start healing the skin!

- Use a daily cleanser that is oil based like our Holi(cleanse) that is gentle and wont strip away the skin barrier

- Pay attention to your diet and eat nourishing foods that feed the gut microbiome. We have something called the gut-brain-skin axis which shows that the bacteria we have residing in the gut influences all the bacteria we have on our skin and vice vera.

- Get full spectrum sunlight on the skin

- Protect the skin barrier integrity using products that keep the skins PH balanced and moisturized. All of my skincare products are full of ingredient’s that help heal your skin and retain more water. This water retention helps the enzymes on your skin work optimally! These ingredients include things like hyaluronic acid, fatty acids.

- Replace other acids that dry out the skin and damage the skin barrier for lactic acid found in my acid (wash) lactic acid brightening cleanser which increases moisture levels in the skin by binding to water! Unlike other acids that weaken the skin barrier, lactic acid strengthens it by encouraging it to make more ceramides. These protect the skin from pollution and other environmental stressors.

- Reduce your stress levels as your skin is an extension of your nervous system 

- Make sure to hydrate on the cellular level. Your cells loose water throughout the day through things like physical activity, environmental pollution and generally just living life. Keeping the body hydrated is fundamental! The skin is always a last priority so if the body is lacking proper hydration the skin will be the first to suffer. Thing is, drinking water doesn’t guarantee hydration as this water needs to get inside your cells!  Fiber helps your body absorb water at a higher level so eating things like fruits and vegetables are sometimes more hydrating than drinking water itself. To build a charge necessary for proper hydration you can use electrolytes to increase the charge across membranes.

What is the state of your skins Ecosystem? Just like any ecosystem on earth, the flora of our skin form important symbiotic relationships that serve pivotal roles for the health of our skin and bodies. Healthy skin is anything but squeaky clean!  

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA.  WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.

Article Written by Jena Scaccetti

The views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe & Chic, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

While there are various reasons you could be experiencing brain fog, most of those reasons stem from the liver, and partly the brain. Whether you are experiencing mild, moderate or severe brain fog, it’s important to follow a protocol that eliminates viral issues, strengthens the liver and adrenals, removes neurotoxinsand rebuilds neurotransmitters. 

Viruses and Neurotoxins

One of the causes of brain fog has to do with viruses, such as Epstein Bar Virus, residing in the liver. Viruses tend to camp out in the liver because food sources are so abundant there. As EBV or other viruses consume these food sources, they release neurotoxins. Once the liver fills up with these neurotoxins, they escape into the bloodstream and their unique travel ability allows them to cross the blood-brain barrier. Once they reach the brain, they can interfere with, and short-circuit neurotransmitters. Neurotoxins in the blood and cerebro-spinal fluid are a huge factor in brain fog.

Adrenal Issues

Another culprit for brain fog is adrenal dysfunction due to prolonged periods of stress. The erratic spurts of adrenaline produced by excess stress is absorbed by the liver causing the liver to become stagnant. A stagnant liver can lower energy levels and in turn cause mild brain fog. The adrenaline can also get into the brain where it diminishes neurotransmitter chemicals and electrolytes.

Heavy Metals

 Toxic heavy metals in the brain can cause a type of brain fog that comes and goes, bringing with it moments of clarity and then confusion. While this type of brain fog isn’t felt on a daily basis, it can cause a mild type of confusion. Heavy metals such as mercury and aluminum will oxidize and create a metallic runoff that saturates brain tissue, short-circuiting electrical impulses and disrupting neurotransmitters.  

Toxins

When the liver becomes toxic with chemicals and other toxins, this can also cause brain fog. People with this form of brain fog experience less fatigue than those with a viral form of brain fog.  

Foods and Supplements that Heal Brain Fog

Celery Juice: Celery Juice is a brain fog banisher. The mineral salts in celery juice feed electrical impulse activity and support neuron function, which is key if you suffer with brain fog. It also cleanses the liver and restores the adrenals. 

Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is a must if you are dealing with brain fog. Its supports the nervous system, mental sharpness and alertness, improves concentration, prevents memory loss, protects against neurotoxins from viruses, strengthens neurotransmitters and the immune system, boosts mental and emotional health, and helps keep the liver out of stagnation.

Spirulina: Spirulina is a powerful antiviral and detoxifier. The superfood is packed with nutrients that can provide an energy boost if you’re dealing with a viral form of brain fog. 

Chaga: Chaga is a powerful medicinal mushroom that detoxifies the liver and boosts the immune system. It’s highly antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial.

Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that is very beneficial for strengthening the adrenals. It also has powerful immune boosting properties, which help the body to fight infections. 

Lion’s Mane: The medicinal mushroom is known for its powerful effects as a brain tonic. It’s extremely effective at stimulating nerve growth factor in the brain and is a powerful catalyst for brain cell rejuvenation. It stimulates the repair and creation of neurons and boosts neurotransmitters. It also helps to boost the immune system.

Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie: It’s also important to detoxify your body from heavy metals as they are a food source for viruses. Medical Medium’s heavy metal detox smoothie is a safe and gentle way to remove toxic heavy metals from the body.

Foods to Avoid:

According to Anthony William, the Medical Medium, it’s alsoimportant to avoid the following foods as they feed pathogens:dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, corn, cane sugar, processed beet sugar, agave nectar, artificial sweeteners, natural flavors, citric acid, msg and canola oil. It’s best to stick with natural sugars such as fruit, raw honey, maple syrup and coconut sugar.

Medical Medium’s Protocol for Brain Fog:

5-MTHF: 1 capsule twice a day

Ashwagandha: 1 dropperful or 1 capsule twice a day

Barley grass juice powder: 1 teaspoon twice a day

B-complex: 1 capsule daily

Cat’s claw: 1 dropperful twice a day 

Chaga Mushroom: 1 teaspoon twice a day

Lemon Balm: 1 dropperful twice a day

Licorice root: 1 dropperful daily (two weeks on, two weeks off)

L-lysine: 2 50-milligram capsules twice a day

Nettle Leaf: 1 dropperful or 1 capsule twice a day

Spirulina: 1 teaspoon twice a day

Vitamin B12 (as adenosylcobalamin with methylcobalamin): 1 dropperful twice a day

Vitamin C: 2 500 milligram capsules Ester-C or one teaspoon liquid liposomal twice a day

Zinc (as liquid zinc sulfate): up to 1 dropperful twice a day

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA.  WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.***

Lactic Acid’s Superiority

Exfoliation and proper hydration are key in any skincare regimen. In fact, they are the two most important steps in your skincare routine, if you are looking to achieve a bright, glowing complexion and super smooth skin texture.

As old skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface, it can leave the skin looking dull and its texture looking dry and rough. Removing the barrier of dead skin cells through exfoliation, reveals a fresh new layer of skin, allowing moisturizer to penetrate more deeply and leaving skin looking fresh and healthy.

When it comes to exfoliators, there are two types, manual and chemical. Manual exfoliators require scrubbing with abrasive materials; while chemical exfoliators, use an acid or enzyme to dissolve or loosen the bonds that hold dead cells on the skin's surface.

You have probably heard of AHA’s and BHA’s. AHA’s or alpha hydroxy acids, such a glycolic acid and lactic acid, are water soluble acids that work only on the skin’s surface. BHA’s or beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid, are oil soluble acids that work on the surface as well as deep inside the pores. While each acid has its own set benefits, there is one acid that stands out from the rest and that is lactic acid. Lactic acid, which can be found in fermented foods, is the gentlest of all the acids. While other powerful acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, can work wonders on the skin, they do have drawbacks. Both glycolic and salicylic acids can be irritating and thin the skin barrier. Overuse of glycolic acid can even break down collagen over time.

While lactic acid is less potent, it still delivers incredible results. It also provides something the other acids do not and that is hydration. While the other acids can cause dryness and irritation, lactic acid increases moisture levels in the skin. This is because lactic acid’s unique structure allows it to bind water with the skin.

Lactic acid’s benefits go far beyond just exfoliating and moisturizing. It’s a true multitasking ingredient that works on multiple levels at once. Unlike other acids, which can weaken the skin barrier, lactic acid strengthens it by encouraging it to make more ceramides. Ceramides are lipids found in naturally high concentrations in the very top layers of the skin. They make up over 50% of the skin’s structure and form a protective layer to prevent moisture loss. They also protect the skin from pollution and other environmental stressors. Lactic acid also aids in strengthening the skin by stimulating collagen production.

So what kind of results can you expect to see with regular use of lactic acid?
Right away you will probably notice a brighter, more glowing complexion thanks to its exfoliating properties. You will also notice a smoother, softer skin texture. Then gradually over time, you will notice a more even skin tone as hyperpigmentation and sunspots begin to fade due to its skin lightening properties. If you have mature skin, fine lines and wrinkles will smooth out and skin will become firmer and plumper as collagen production is increased.
While lactic acid can be beneficial for almost all skin types, it can be especially helpful for mature, acne prone and sensitive skin. In fact, lactic acid helps with acne as it is known to kill bacteria. It can also help to fade acne marks and reduce scarring.

Lactic acid comes in many forms. You can find it as an exfoliator, serum, mask moisturizer or even as a cleanser. In fact, a lactic acid cleanser is a great way to incorporate lactic acid into your routine if you have sensitive skin.

Our new cleanser, acid (wash), combines lactic acid with lavender floral water, aloe leaf and peony root extract to gently exfoliate, while brightening, refining, and reducing the appearance of imperfections. The lavender water’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties transform the skin by calming redness, reducing irritation, and minimizing enlarged pores. Aloe leaf’s rich makeup of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants nourish the skin, while its hydrating properties plump and moisturize. Peony root extract’s nourishing botanicals, brightens skin tone and increases firmness, while its antioxidants protect against aging.

Tips
For unparalleled results, follow acid (wash) with holi (cleanse) cleansing face oil and the holi (trinity).
Once weekly, for deeper exfoliation and cleansing, apply acid (wash) to clean, dry skin as a mask. Leave for ten minutes, then rinse with warm water to remove.
Lactic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. It’s important to make sure to protect your skin from the sun, even on days you are not using lactic acid. Some studies suggest that sun sensitivity can last up to four weeks after you’ve stopped using lactic acid.

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.

Written by Agent Nateur - Jena Scaccetti

The views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe & Chic, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.