The Bare Facts about Skin

Your dermal surface is the largest organ of the body.

This organ contains…
one fourth of the blood supply for the body;
•    half of the primary immune cells of the body;
•    and every square inch harbors approximately…
o    15 feet of blood vessels,
o    12 feet of nerves and
o    100 oil glands!

The skin is the largest organ of excretion, releasing approximately one kilometer (two pounds) of waste every day. It has three layers: the subcutaneous layer, the dermis and the epidermis. Most cellular activity occurs in the dermis. The process of keratinization allows the cells made in the dermis to rise to form the epidermis. The epidermis contains five layers; the top layer consists of dead cells that serve as a barrier against bacteria, viruses and toxins. This layer also protects us against transdermal water loss. However, by the time that we are 35 the cellular activity of the dermis is approximately half of what it was when we were 18. This degeneration accelerates the process of keratinization, causing a thickening of the upper layer of the epidermis that, left untreated, prevents healthy dermal function.

We need only two things for excellent skin: Cell turnover and proper balance of oil and water. Most commercial skin-care concoctions do not work and cause harm. For example, collagen creams serve only to soothe, because the collagen molecule is too large to cross a dermal junction. Instead of adding collagen to the skin, we must stimulate the skin to produce more of its own collagen to maintain health and youthful appearance. Most of the skin dryness that fosters the appearance of aging is caused by a break in the dermal junction that allows trans-dermal water loss. Rather than adding moisture to the skin – which is merely a comforting effect – we must stimulate the skin to produce its own cells for the regeneration of the dermal junction.

The lymphatic system cleanses body tissue, so it is one of the aesthetician’s primary concerns. Lymph is a clear, colorless fluid that is carried throughout the body, especially in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. Its function is to eliminate toxins from all of the body’s tissues. One of the primary means of removing toxins from the lymphatic system is through the skin. We call this the excretory function of the skin. Unfortunately, after the age of 18, many of us develop a thickened epidermis due to sun damage, lethargy, poor diet and disease. A thickened epidermis combats the excretory process by inhibiting skin function: This forces toxin back into the body, where the lymph must dump them either into the venous blood supply or the urinary system.

Exfoliation is the key to reducing the epidermis and stimulating the lymphatic system. The skin therapy known as the Salt-Glow encourages and enhances detoxification by the exfoliation and stimulation of the skin.

Healthsthetics at Hippocrates Health Institute is a vital part of the Active Aging Team. We offer various hydrotherapies, wraps and facials for detoxification and beautification. These procedures include the entire body – except for the face. They have the residual effect of providing you with soft, healthy, glowing skin.

The Art and Science of Aesthetics

Aestheticians are devoted to improving and maintaining the health and beauty of the skin. It is an exciting time to be an aesthetician. During the past decade the art and science of aesthetics has gone from being a minor service to becoming an integral part of specialized services at health centers, spas, and medical facilities.

The skin is the window to the whole person: MIND/BODY/SOUL. The skin is a reflection of everything that we do and are; the health and the beauty of the skin is directly related to every aspect of our lives – diet, relationships, emotional health, physical activity, rest and spirituality.

The skin also serves the following basic functions: It protects the entire body; is a fundamental immune barrier; helps to regulates body heat; and controls excretion, secretion and absorption. Complete skin health and rapid detoxification require maximum skin functioning which can largely be accomplished simply by exfoliation, a process that is fundamental to all of the skin therapies of Hippocrates.

The tradition of aesthetics began with ancient medicine. The Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used aesthetics to prevent and promote the healing of illness with the use of massages and baths. Ayurvedic, Asian and Middle Eastern practitioners utilized the skin’s property of absorption by treating abnormal conditions with essential oils and poultices. Although various ancient modes of practice had their own theories of treatment and application, their unifying and underlying philosophy was the balance of mind, body and spirit which is essential for health and beauty.

It is this honored and proven understanding that provides the cornerstone Healthsthetics at the Hippocrates Health Institute. Today we combine traditional natural therapies with modern healing rejuvenation. This comprehensive approach involves spa therapy, facials, wraps, hydrotherapy, essential oils and contemporary scientific therapies that include laser, infra-red and radio-frequency treatments.