Elizabeth Massey PA-C
Honey – Oh let me count the ways that Honey is amazing and tasty! Honey seems to have it all. Honey is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and moisturizing for the skin. Honey has been known to help treat acne, soothe a sunburn, and even lighten scars. Clinical research has actual shown Honey to be effective in healing wounds from burns. Honey has shown anti-carcinogenic effects In vitro in a model of melanoma – however more research is needed to its complete value in the dermatologic treat of melanoma.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/
(not for ingestion in children under 1 yr of age)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)– This simple spice from the cabinet contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory components. Some use Turmeric orally to help with their anti-inflammatory diet. Please speak with your health care provider before ingesting Turmeric as it can have a blood thinning effect. Topically Turmeric has been known to keep its anti-inflammatory components. It has been shown to calm redness and reduction the appearance of scarring, fight acne and brighten the skin. There is even some research that show curcumin might help decrease UV damage and may even boost collagen production. There are some lab and clinical studies that are investigating how Turmeric may help with Psoriasis due to the down regulation of Interleukins and TNF-a (Tumor Necrosis Factor) Turmeric is commonly found in Indian dishes such as curry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29484027/
Hemp (Cannabis Sativa)has been all the rage lately.Hemp contains Omega Fatty Acids. These fatty acids can help reduce redness and inflammation. Those with eczema or Rosacea may find a benefit from this non-comedogenic oil.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16019622/
“Evidence suggests that phyto-, endo-, and synthetic cannabinoids contain properties that aid in the treatment of the brain, prostate, breast, skin, pancreas, and colon cancer.”
Vitamin E oil is a fat-soluble antioxidant. It is commonly used on scars and other skin imperfections. It has been used in dermatology and cosmetic products for years by acting as a free-radial scavenger. Some studies have suggested Vitamin E has antitumorigenic and photoprotective properties. Vitamin E is made by plants and dietary sources, such as, nuts, spinach, olive oil, sunflower oil, and whole grains. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
Colloidal Oats is an old topical treatment for various skin conditions. The oil acts as a skin barrier, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Antibacterial is still up for debate. Avenanthramide are phenolic compounds in the oats that inhibit NF-kB activation and inhibits cytokines.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
Activated Charcoal is activated Carbon that is highly absorbent. It is still used orally for medical overdoses due to its ability to absorb. It is not as commonly practiced as it once was due to the duration of certain toxins in the stomach. Activated Charcoal has natural antibacterial properties and when used topically may help lift bacteria and remove impurities from pores. Thus, may help reduce acne and improve overall skin health. Anecdotally some has said it helps with itching. While there is anecdotal evidence of the topical benefits there are limited studies. My personal experience has been – activated charcoal soap works best on hard to clean areas. Especially the hands of mechanics and painters. This works great on oils and permanent paints.
***Resources from the National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health and Pubmed.***
Honey: Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/
Turmeric: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7168306/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29484027/
Vitamin E: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
Hemp : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7571072/ , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16019622/
Activated Charcoal.
Colloidal Oats: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
Lavender: relieves anxiety, producing calming effects
Pamoments.com 