OUR SKIN, a vital part of our immune system, serves as a mirror

reflecting our internal environment. “The skin is a self-renewing organ

called an immunological organ where the epidermis can function as a

primary lymphoid organ, forming part of our immune system.” There are

an estimated 20 billion T cells in human skin, suggesting that immune

defense in the skin's dermis can prevent the skin from suffering a

premature breakdown. (1)

Additionally, the skin is an independent steroidogenic organ which

means skin can produce cortisol, influence whole-body states, and

emotions. Stress can disrupt cortisol levels within our systems and

organs, including our skin.

A fact unrecognized by the general public is that stress, hormonal

imbalances, and gut inflammation can impair the integrity and protective

function of the epidermal barrier (our skin). Why is this important?

Obesity stresses our skin and may negatively alter collagen formation,

hair follicle cycling, immunity, Mitochondria function and apoptosis.

Skin barrier structure and function is crucial for human health while

toxic environments negatively affect skin ecosystems and our overall

health!

The skin is a neuroendocrine organ which means there is crosstalk

between skin, brain, endocrine, and the immune system. There are

multiple neuroimmuno-endocrine functions, including tryptophan

hydroxylase, that occurs within our skin.

Because the skin protects us from injury and environmental toxins, it’s

health depends on intercommunication with our gut microbiome, skin

microbiome, skin immunity, and surprisingly enough, our brain.

Toxic skin-care products alter the conditions of the skin barrier and

contribute to the variation of skin microbiota. What is your skin eating?

These may include poor choices of makeup, cleansers, moisturizers, and

antibacterial hand gels. The layers of the epidermis and dermis work in

concert to execute immune responses in the skin while disruption and

imbalances can result in skin disease or skin infections. Poor skin

integrity may result in eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

The department of Dermatology in Sweden studied melanocytes produce

serotonin. (the mirror of the soul.)

Melanocytes are located in the proximal bulb of each hair follicle and

also near hair, in the sebaceous gland. Scalp health is skin health. The

scalp is an extension of the skin, and just like the skin on the face, it

requires proper care: hydration, protection, and nourishment.

Neurotransmitters. The skin can produce the neurotransmitter serotonin

and transform it into melatonin.

Serotonin is found in normal gut function. As humans, a balance of

these neurotransmitters can improve skin function, cognitive function,

metabolic function and gastrointestinal function.

The skin is a metabolic organ. “The skin can be considered a metabolic

organ because it regulates various processes such as water loss, body

temperature, and immune response. Additionally, the skin possesses a

neuroendocrine role, capable of sensing, producing, and responding to

neural and hormonal signals.”

Connie Rogers graduated near the beginning of the renowned Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC. (NYC 2003) She is accredited through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Connie Rogers is a Published Author (2015), Certified Integrative Nutritional Holistic Health Coach, Certified Brain Health Coach, Professional Researcher, Ghost Writer, Certified Cosmetologist / (1977) Skin Health Educator for over 40 years. Connie has owned and operated 2 day spas in her lifetime. She attended Gilda’s Club in NYC for caregiving studies in ovarian cancer. Studied http://www.newstart.com/program/ Training under Don Hansen New Start Program in Colorado. Connie currently writes, speaks, and offers holistic options for balancing wellness. She believes when we tune into our health, growth is a spiral process changing directions as we learn. Connie has helped clients regain their personal health by taking back control of their lives through gained knowledge and simple yet powerful positive daily habits.  Her passion is to discover and address the “causes” of health challenges and then create a movement of balance and vitality.  Anyone close to her will agree, Connie Rogers truly walks the talk and the many lives she has empowered will tell you her wisdom and guidance are priceless. She coaches on the topics of  the mind/body connection, gut microbiome/hormone connection, skin health from within, removing toxic exposures in order to create health, and the emotional balancing act of foods and moods.