Problem Solver or Problem Causer?

When we have a problem, we want to find something to use so that we can solve it. And quickly. This is a normal reaction. Oftentimes, however, the thing we use to solve a problem becomes a problem in and of itself.

For instance, while I’m not entirely opposed to caffeine consumption, many people become burdened by it when using it as a pick-me-up. Caffeine stimulates the brain by enabling us to become more alert, but try weaning yourself off caffeine, even for a little while,   and it causes withdrawal symptoms, like shakiness and headaches. The only way to stop the shakiness and headaches is to – you guessed it – consume more caffeine.

Another problem-based “problem solver” are those nasal spray decongestants. Sure, they may clear the sinuses for a few hours, but, like caffeine, it’s addictive. In fact, I know people who are practically wedded to those nasal sprayers; they used the spray so often during their cold that now, months after getting over their cold symptoms, they can’t breathe through their nose. It’s only with their trusty nasal sprayer that they can get some air.

But perhaps you knew about these problem causers that masquerade as problem solvers. I bet you didn’t know about this one, though: that lubricating skin creams can actually make hands drier than they were prior to using them!

One person who did notice this was Izabela Buraczewski of Sweden, who studied many different types of creams and analyzed what impact they had on various skin types. She publicly defended her study at the University of Sweden this past Friday (Oct. 24th).

Over a seven-week period, she examined creams that were vegetable oil based and mineral-oil based. While she found no significant difference in the effectiveness one had over the other, what she did find was that all the skin creams tested diminished the skin’s protective barrier, rendering the epidermis less capable of “bouncing back” if you will, from external stresses, like cold weather, wind, or excessive hand washing. She believes that skin creams interrupt the body’s ability to produce genes that protect the skin.

Buraczewski is not “anti-cream,” mind you. She’s hopeful that her research will enable manufacturers of skin creams to develop new topical solutions that might include alternative compounds that are tailored to specific skin types, especially those who suffer from chronic dry skin.

In the meantime, there are lots of natural foods and drinks that contain all the ingredients one needs to nourish the skin. For instance, the antioxidants in green tea have been proven to alleviate sunburns; the antioxidants and vitamin E in blueberries are dry skin cells’ nemesis, constantly waged in the battle against the free radicals that harm skin cells; the vitamin A in carrots are not only great for the eyes, but does wonders for the skin as well; and dryness is thwarted when consuming salmon regularly, thanks to the healthy fatty acids found therein.

Simply by paying attention to the foods eaten everyday – and whether or not they contain nutrients that feed the skin – you can have healthy, radiant skin that works from the inside out.