Enter the No Inflammation Zone

CosMedix’s chirally correct line of skin care effectively combats inflammation

Many skin care specialists believe inflammation is a key factor in premature aging and a majority of diseases. Because the body’s basic response is to protect itself from injury, irritation and infection via inflammation, many people believe this response is a positive one. However, several scientists and skin care professionals from around the world advise people to avoid inflammation altogether. Bottom line: Anything that causes redness, warmth, swelling and pain is detrimental to a person’s overall wellbeing.

Often referred to as the battle from within, inflammation can occur when the immune system is not working properly and attacks itself. Donna Killian is the National Director of Education for CosMedix, a chirally correct line of skin care that effectively communicates with the cells’ receptor sites. She says inflammation is caused by several factors, including environmental pollution, overexposure to UV rays, allergens, extreme heat or cold, wind, smoking, secondhand smoke, pesticides, various foods, food additives, chemicals that are foreign to the body and countless ingredients. “When an area of the body/skin is sensitized, it becomes easily irritated and inflamed,” she says.

Even ingredients known for their safe and soothing properties can cause inflammation. “Non-chirally correct vitamin E is an ingredient that sensitizes the skin,” Killian notes. “The dl form of alpha tocopherol is believed to cause allergic reactions to vitamin E in some people, which can equate to inflammation. However, the chirally correct form—D-alpha tocopherol—is recognized and accepted by the body and thus, links up properly with the correct receptors. This is why chirally correct ingredients are more effective—there is less chance of an allergic reaction and less chance of inflammation.”

Other factors that cause inflammation include stress, surgical procedures, injections and exfoliation (either too quickly or too deeply). Although it is difficult to avoid inflammation completely, one thing is certain: Once it occurs, it should be addressed immediately.

The CosMedix philosophy is based around the principle that inflammation is the core cause of all skin conditions. Through its process of chiral correction, CosMedix’s skin care products contain a high concentration of active ingredients that communicate with the skin and encourage natural restoration. “The ingredients found in CosMedix products are recognized by, and linked up properly with, the skin’s receptors. Its formulas are carefully constructed to contain ingredients that work to alleviate or prevent inflammation. While the main active ingredients in the products combat inflammation, the entire formula delivers results without adverse reactions,” Killian says.

There are a few upsides to inflammation: It is a sign of the body attempting to repair an affected area by bringing blood and heat to the site; it helps to remove infectious agents from the site; and the additional white blood cells arriving at the site help to fight the infection. Still, individuals should avoid inflammation at all costs.

“Chronic inflammation is considered to be the leading cause of illness and death,” Killian says. “Therefore, a person should take action by reducing this protective response. Since inflammation is considered to be a primary cause of premature aging, one will look younger longer if he or she takes necessary action to combat it. Additionally, less inflammation helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes and other complications of aging.”

While inflammation is a negative reaction,
it is treatable. With a nutritious and balanced diet, a skin care regimen containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, and an overall healthy lifestyle, the no-inflammation zone is just around the corner.

Natural Health Remedies for Reducing Inflammation by Dr. Rita Louise From SoulHealer.com

• Avoid or modify activities that may aggravate pain.
• Exercise regularly—it releases compounds such as endorphins into the blood that can soothe inflammation.
• Increase your consumption of vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and salads, which contain anti-inflammatory nutrients.
• Avoid sugar, white breads, pasta and starchy vegetables, which can increase inflammation.
• Avoid polyunsaturated oils like corn, safflower, peanut or soy, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids. Instead, cook with healthier oils like olive oil, macadamia nut oil or cold pressed canola oil.
• Increase your consumption of coldwater fish like salmon, mackerel and herring, which contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, or supplement with omega-3 or flax seed oil that can block inflammation-producing compounds.
• Try an elimination diet, which can rule out any food intolerances that may promote an inflammatory response in the body.
• Examine your environment. Eliminate or reduce your use of toxic household cleaners that may be causing an allergic reaction.
• Valued for centuries, ginger has a long history of being an anti-inflammatory, having properties similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen.
• Calcium and magnesium are important minerals in the healing process and are often depleted in conditions of inflammation.
• Chamomile, turmeric, green tea, cat’s claw, boswellia and white willow bark all have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
• Take a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs to operate properly.