• Quick Find:
  •  

The relationship between your hair, nails and skin and your overall health is underestimated.

Your Hair
> Description
> Conditions
> Statistics
> Causes
> Diagnosis
> Signs and Symptoms
> Treatments
> Conventional
> Natural
> Recommended Products

Description

There are approximately 100,000 strands of hair on the average head, growing an average of ½ inch per month. On medium length hair these strands can remain for anything up to two years.

Hair strands are arranged in three layers, an outer cuticle, a middle cortex and a central medulla. The strand is composed of a protein called keratin. This protein is the building block of each strand. It gives the follicle strength to avoid splitting.

The hair follicle has capillaries supplying oxygen, energy and amino acids to the hair for adequate growth. Hair growth has 3 cycles: 

  • The Anagen cycle - Stage 1 - Active growth
  • The Catagen cycle - Stage 2 - Breakdown and change
  • The Telogen cycle - Stage 3 - Resting before regrowth.
The relationship between your hair, nails and skin and your overall health is underestimated. They share the same nutritional requirements for health. They react to deficiency in similar ways. Their general look and feel alone can even reveal much to the non-professional.

Lack of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and trace elements show your health status clearly through limp, lifeless, worn out hair.

Deficiency of necessary nutrients through chemical or hormonal imbalance, illness or side effects from medication can result in disease becoming more and more commonplace around the globe due to biological, environmental and genetic causes.

If your body is healthy and nourished your hair will shine.

If you are unwell or lacking vital nutrients your hair may show stress or vulnerability to damage, or even stop growing.

Back to Top

Conditions

Many negative conditions can result from nutritional deficiency. Some will clear up as soon as your nutritional balance has been restored and will remain as your balance is maintained. Others have more serious connotations, or require underlying medical causes to be treated.

Some common examples of conditions resulting from nutritional or natural body chemical deficiency include:

Dandruff
White flakes or scales in the hair due to excessive shedding of skin from the scalp. Dandruff itself is normal in small amounts, as old skin cells are replaced. Flaking with redness, irritation and itching however results from nutritional, chemical and hormonal neglect.

Baldness (Alopecia)
Loss of hair in increasing patches on the scalp. Baldness is the most common hair problem in the world. It is partly genetic, partly due to the aging process and partly down to long-term nutritional imbalance, causing the immune system to attack the hair follicles.

Alopecia Totalis results in hair loss over the entire scalp.
Alopecia Universalis results in hair loss over the entire body.
Women with Androgenetic Alopecia (a hormonal hereditary condition of female-pattern hair loss) are more sensitive to the hormone testosterone, causing hair to thin.

Folliculitis 
Inflammation of the hair follicles caused by bacterial infection.

Pemphigus Foliaceus 
Hair loss with scaling and possible scalp scabbing.

Hirsutism
Excessive body and facial hair, occurring for women mainly on the chin and upper lip.

Grey hair (Canites)
Hair is lacking in colour due to the lack of pigment - melanin for black or brown hair; pheomelanin for red or yellow hair. Pigment producing cells manufacture pigment (melanin) at specific ages. As we age these cells reduce the amount of pigment they produce. If pigment is lacking the hair becomes grey or white.

Back to Top

Statistics 
  • The average number of hairs on an adult scalp is 100,000.
  • Blonde people have around 140,000 hairs, redheads have around 90,000.
  • Baldness affects 1.7% of the population, with over 4 million in the US alone.
  • Baldness generally occurs in 2 out of 3 men and 1 out of 5 women.
  • Male pattern baldness is thought to occur in 66% of adult males.
  • 1out of 10 children will develop eczema before they reach their teens.
  • Androgenetic alopecia affects approximately a third of susceptible women, and is most commonly seen after menopause.
  • Nail disorders comprise about 10% of all skin conditions.
  • Onychomycosis makes up approximately 50% of all nail disorders.
  • Around 10-15% of patients with psoriasis develop joint inflammation (psoriatic arthritis).
  • Around 50% of patients with psoriasis have finger and toenail conditions.
  • Around 50% of people with psoriasis, and 80% of people with inflammatory arthritis also have nail problems.
Back to Top

Causes

There are many causes of poor hair condition. The most common and important causes are the chemical and hormonal imbalances that occur as a result of aging, illness and nutritional deficiency. Nutritional deficiency being the most significant, leading to chemical and hormonal imbalances and illness, and accounts for the majority of all hair disorders.

As well as nutritional deficiency, common causes of hair disease include:
 
  • Hormonal problems, e.g. underactive or overactive thyroid
  • An excessively low protein diet
  • Excess stress
  • Pregnancy or hormonal medication
  • Male or female hormone imbalance
  • Illness or major surgery (or the stress of such events)
  • Prescription medications, e.g. blood thinners (anticoagulants) and antidepressants...
  • Viral or backterial infections
  • Fungal infections - and controversially antifungal medicines
  • Underlying physical disease
  • Zinc deficiency.
The side effects of many medications also cause hair loss or scalp/skin problems, such as those often seen with acne medicines, e.g. Isotretinoin, depression medications, e.g. Lithium and diet pills, e.g. those containing amphetamines.

Poor nutrition 

It is difficult to get full nutrition from our food, meaning deficiency and disease are even ripe in otherwise healthy people. Poor eating and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia cause the body to lose protein, vitamins and minerals important to sustain hair growth.

Even symptoms of illness such as the symptoms of diabetes and heart disease, which may include sudden weight loss or high fever, can cause nutritional deficiency and affect your hair health.

Drugs that cause hair loss include:
 
  • Chemotherapeutic agents
  • Prolonged use of Aspirin
  • Anticoagulants
  • Amphetamines
  • Retinoids (used for acne and skin problems)
  • Beta-adrenergic blockers (used to control blood pressure)
  • Cortisone
  • Antidepressants.
  • Heavy Metal Toxicity

Environmental contamination can result in the build up of heavy metals such as mercury, copper, zinc, lead, arsenic, cadmium, aluminium and nickel in your system. This places your body at serious risk of long-term disease.

Mercury ingestion has become the most well documented in recent years, with dental fillings containing around 50% mercury, as well as other metals. Contamination can also come from food and our water systems via contaminated soil, rivers and lakes.

Toxins ingested from this heavy metal accumulation collect in the follicles of your hair (amongst other organs, such as the kidneys, liver and brain) and remain there for years, often completely undetected.

Because your hair accumulates heavy metals in concentrations 1000 times more than any other biological tissue, a hair mineral analysis is one of the simple tests to diagnose the levels of heavy metals in your system.

Back to Top

Diagnosis

Your health professional will ask questions about your diet, medicines you are taking, any recent illnesses, your menstrual cycle, any pregnancies and whether or not you are experiencing menopause and associated symptoms.

A physical examination will take place, possibly including hair and nail analyses or skin biopsy if necessary.

Blood tests may be requested if underlying disorders are suspected. These may include vitamin and mineral analyses to locate any nutritional deficiencies.

If a reaction to medication is thought to be the cause your health professional may suggest an alternative medication or therapy.

Neurological, circulatory and the musculoskeletal systems should all be examined, along with thorough history taking including details of occupation, family history and drug history.

Back to Top

Signs and Symptoms

Because of their natural relationship and similar build, signs of hair, nail and skin disorders usually intertwine, especially if they are age-related, related to an underlying medical condition, or are down to nutritional deficiencies.

Common symptoms to look for include:
 

Hair  Nails Skin
Finding small patches of hair Slow growth Itching
Thinning of the hair Dull and brittle nails Lesions
Excessively dry hair Discoloration Moles
A flaking scalp Hardening/thickening of nails Rashes/Hives
Red, itchy or oily scalp Splitting at the fingertips Skin color changes
Frequently weak or tired Appearance of ridges or dents Tenderness
  Itching, redness or pain Swelling or bumps
    Leathery (thick) skin
    Hypersensitivity
    Peeling
    Bleeding or bruising

Back to Top

Treatments

Damaged hair reflects your lack of inner health.

Hair loss, unhealthy hair and infected, brittle or splitting nails should not be ignored. Increasing global stress, pollution, nutritional deficiency and genetic deficiency all ensure poor hair and nail health continues, making prevention and fast treatment imperative for you to avoid serious health issues developing.

Back to Top

Conventional treatments

There are many prescription medications on the market for the treatment of hair, scalp, skin and nail conditions. Although these medications have a short-term effect they do not address your underlying causes. They also have numerous detrimental side effects that can cause you serious health issues.

Common prescription medicines for hair health solutions include:

Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Works by activating PGHS 1 (prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-1) in your system, helping to promote hair growth. However, side effects include skin irritation, itching, contact dermatitis, hives, swelling and sensitivity.

Finasteride (Propecia) and Dutasteride (Avodart)
Finasteride works by inhibiting an enzyme needed to produce DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone contributing to the shortening of the hair growth cycle and shrinkage of the hair roots.
Dutasteride works by inhibiting the action of 5-alpha reductase. This compound is an enzyme and is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Side effects of these drugs can include impotence and decreased sex drive, as well as dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, nasal congestion, muscle weakness, back pain and increased cough.

NB: Females are warned against using Propecia. If you are pregnant and even touch a tablet you should see your doctor immediately as there is potential risk of deformity to your unborn child.

Retin A
Works by ensuring the proper function of the sebaceous glands, producing sebum on the scalp, preventing hormone related hair loss. Side effects can include skin darkening, burning, dry skin, itching, peeling, redness and stinging.

Back to Top

Natural treatments

Along with general dietary and lifestyle tips to improve your resistance, many specific natural ingredients are known to boost your body’s normal processes and maintain the correct nutritional composition needed by your skin, hair and nails.

These ingredients include:
 

Sulfur as MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) A naturally occurring organic compound used to maintain normal keratin levels in the hair, skin and nails. It helps to make the cell walls more permeable which increases circulation and helps regulate insulin production, improving hair, nails and skin.
PABA
(Para-aminobenzoic acid)		 A co-enzyme forming part of the folic acid structure, necessary for healthy skin and hair pigmentation. It stimulates intestinal bacteria to produce folic acid and promotes the breakdown of proteins. Beneficial in hair loss, hair greying and dermatitis.
Saw Palmetto Comparable in efficacy to Finasteride (Proscar), but much better tolerated with little or no side effects. It blocks receptor sites on cell membranes that are required for the absorption of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a causative factor in alopecia.
Iodine A trace mineral that converts to iodide. It helps to regulate thyroid hormone production, preventing dry hair and hair loss. The condition of hair, skin and nails are dependent upon a well functioning thyroid gland.
Biotin A water-soluble B vitamin acting as a co-enzyme to metabolise proteins, fats and carbs. Beneficial in hair loss and the underlying causes of hair and nail problems. Studies show a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails.
Inositol Hexaphosphate A powerful antioxident effective in promoting lecithin production, required for brain neurotransmitter action. It inhibits the production and activity of free radicals and slows the rate of abnormal cell division.
L-Methionine A sulfur-bearing essential amino acid necessary for hair and muscle production. A building block of proteins and peptides. The body uses methionine to manufacture creatine and uses the sulfur in methionine for normal metabolism and growth.
Vitamin B5 (D-Pantothenate) Supports carb, protein and fat metabolism. Beneficial in hair loss, dandruff, grey hair, enhancing the immune system and benefiting the underlying physical disease causes of hair and nail neglect.
Omega 3 Fish Oil Essential fatty acids known for their ability to improve hair and nail health significantly, improving lustre and condition, as well as many other health benefits.

These ingredients are available in literally thousands of hair, nail and skin products advertised all over the world. However, although these ingredients certainly have their place, individually they are not powerful enough to provide the treatment you need to correct your chemical and nutritional imbalances and prevent reoccurrence.

Combined in a synergistic and balanced way however, and with other ingredients as co-factors, these ingredients do show significant benefits, not only in treating your problem but in providing an overall health advancement regime, strengthening the immune system and helping to ensure optimum whole health.

Xtend-Life lead the way in combining these ingredients, plus other enhancing trace elements, to provide such advanced results.

Thousands of people throughout the world have found that after taking Xtend-Life Total Balance for a period of time they have noticed a distinct improvement in the condition of their hair and nails, and major enhancement in skin health, indicating an underlying improvement also in their general health.

Their results have shown to be further enhanced with the addition of Xtend-Life Omega 3/DHA Esters to their regime, as per the recommended protocol below.

Back to Top

Recommended Products

Xtend-Life Total Balance contains all the nutrients referred to above and combined with Omega 3 DHA/Fish oil, a healthy lifestyle and a good diet you are sure to notice and improvement in the quality of your hair

Product Quantity Per Day You Need
Total Balance Variable Variable
Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil 2 soft gels per day 1 bottle per month

Back To Top

Your Nails

> Description
> Conditions
> Statistics
> Causes
> Diagnosis
> Signs and Symptoms
> Treatments
> Conventional
> Natural
> Recommended Products

Description

Like hair, nail is made up of keratin, formed by living skin cells.
The nail consists of the.


Back to Top

Treatments

Untreated fungal nails are more than just an embarrassing cosmetic problem. They may cause further health problems, for example infections may spread and damage your entire nail and infect your fingers; infection may spread to your other nails or spread to other people via showers, swimming baths and shared towels; infections may lead to other more serious bacterial infections, cause painful ulcers, or lead to permanent deformity.

Damaged fingernails reduce sensitivity in your fingertips and thick toenails can cause severe pain on walking.

Back to Top

Conventional treatments

There are many prescription medications on the market for the treatment of hair, scalp, skin and nail conditions. Although these medications have a short-term effect they do not address your underlying causes. They also have numerous detrimental side effects that can cause you serious health issues.

Common prescription medicines for nail health solutions include:

Ampicillin, Calcipotriol, Ketoconazole and Hydrocortisone
Antibiotics that block the formation of bacterial cell walls, rendering bacteria unable to multiply and spread. Hydrocortisone interferes with the formation of substances directly responsible for the process of inflammation, swelling, redness and pain.

Side effects may include colitis, mild itching, diarrhea, fever, itching, nausea, rash, stinging or other skin problems, discolouration, dizziness, sore mouth, vomiting, dry hair and scalp.

Cloxacillin
A penicillin used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing the bacteria and preventing regrowth. Side effects can include allergic reactions, rash, fainting, and in more severe and rare cases, seizures, watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Fluorouracil
Interferes with the growth of skin cells. It works by causing the death of abnormal or infected cells. Side effects may include diarrhoea, visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting. In more severe rare cases also potentially causing chest pain.

Cyclosporin
Appears to slow down the rate of infective growth by inhibiting the immune system. Side effects may consist of bleeding, tender or enlarged gums, fever or chills, frequent urination and vomiting.

Back to Top

Natural treatments

Along with general dietary and lifestyle tips to improve your resistance, many specific natural ingredients are known to boost your body’s normal processes and maintain the correct nutritional composition needed by your skin, hair and nails.

These ingredients include:
 

Sulfur as MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) A naturally occurring organic compound used to maintain normal keratin levels in the hair, skin and nails. It helps to make the cell walls more permeable which increases circulation and helps regulate insulin production, improving hair, nails and skin.
PABA
(Para-aminobenzoic acid)		 A co-enzyme forming part of the folic acid structure, necessary for healthy skin and hair pigmentation. It stimulates intestinal bacteria to produce folic acid and promotes the breakdown of proteins. Beneficial in hair loss, hair greying and dermatitis.
Saw Palmetto Comparable in efficacy to Finasteride (Proscar), but much better tolerated with little or no side effects. It blocks receptor sites on cell membranes that are required for the absorption of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a causative factor in alopecia.
Iodine A trace mineral that converts to iodide. It helps to regulate thyroid hormone production, preventing dry hair and hair loss. The condition of hair, skin and nails are dependent upon a well functioning thyroid gland.
Biotin A water-soluble B vitamin acting as a co-enzyme to metabolise proteins, fats and carbs. Beneficial in hair loss and the underlying causes of hair and nail problems. Studies show a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails.
Inositol Hexaphosphate A powerful antioxident effective in promoting lecithin production, required for brain neurotransmitter action. It inhibits the production and activity of free radicals and slows the rate of abnormal cell division.
L-Methionine A sulfur-bearing essential amino acid necessary for hair and muscle production. A building block of proteins and peptides. The body uses methionine to manufacture creatine and uses the sulfur in methionine for normal metabolism and growth.
Vitamin B5 (D-Pantothenate) Supports carb, protein and fat metabolism. Beneficial in hair loss, dandruff, grey hair, enhancing the immune system and benefiting the underlying physical disease causes of hair and nail neglect.
Omega 3 Fish Oil Essential fatty acids known for their ability to improve hair and nail health significantly, improving lustre and condition, as well as many other health benefits.

 

 

  • Nail plate - The surface you can see on your fingers and toes.
  • Nail bed - The skin underneath the nail surface.
  • The Matrix - The hidden area of the nail under the cuticle, responsible for growth.
The Lunula - The white ‘half-moon’ shape at the base of the nail plate.
Cuticle - The skin tissue that covers the bottom of the nail plate.
Nail folds - The skin on 3 sides of the nail surface, providing support.

The relationship between your hair, nails and skin and your overall health is underestimated. They share the same nutritional requirements for health. They react to deficiency in similar ways. Their general look and feel alone can even reveal much to the non-professional.
Lack of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and trace elements you ingest show your health status clearly through nail disease.

Deficiency of necessary nutrients for hair, nail and skin health, through chemical or hormonal imbalance, illness or side effects from medication, can result in disease becoming more and more commonplace around the globe due to biological, environmental and genetic causes.

Healthy nails are strong and smooth. They are see-through, having little colour. They offer protection to the fingertips and toes.

Back to Top

Conditions

Like your hair, nail growth is affected by and vulnerable to disease. Abuse to your body, lack of nutritional maintenance, prescription medications, illness, disease and chemical or hormonal imbalance, whether due to aging or body malfunction, can result in conditions such as:

  • Viral and bacterial infections (redness, swelling and pain of the nail and skin folds)
  • Tumours and warts (associated viral infections)
  • Fungal infections (causing pitting and discolouration)
  • White spots (mineral deficiency)
  • Splinter hemorrhages (disruption of blood vessels in the nail bed causing splinter-like lines under the nail plate)
  • Ingrown nails
  • Underlying systemic or skin disease.
Consequently, any of the below conditions can result:

Psoriasis
A pitting, rippling, or discoloration of the nail, causing crumbling and splitting, with swelling and redness.

Beau's lines
Depressions in the nail surface from poor nutrition, illness, or a reaction to medication.

Onycholysis and Onycholysis
Separation of the nail surface from the nail bed, often occurs from thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism).

Yellow Nail Syndrome
Nail growth stops. The nail remains hard, thickened, curved and yellow. A possible result of chronic bronchitis.

Trachyonychia
Ridged and rough nails, resulting from psoriasis, alopecia and eczema.

Due to their own deficiencies and medical treatments, more serious health conditions can cause nail problems too, resulting in discomfort, pain and possible deformity.

These include:

  • Liver diseases
  • Kidney diseases
  • Heart conditions
  • Lung diseases
  • Anaemia
  • Diabetes.
Back to Top

Statistics 

  • Nail disorders comprise about 10% of all skin conditions.
  • Onychomycosis makes up approximately 50% of all nail disorders.
  • Around 10-15% of patients with psoriasis develop joint inflammation (psoriatic arthritis).
  • Around 50% of patients with psoriasis have finger and toenail conditions.
  • Around 50% of people with psoriasis, and 80% of people with inflammatory arthritis also have nail problems.
Back to Top

Causes

There are many causes leading to diseased nails. The most common and most important causes are the chemical and hormonal imbalances that occur as a result of aging, illness and nutritional deficiency. Nutritional deficiency being the most significant, leading to chemical and hormonal imbalances and illness and accounts for the majority of all nail disease.

Nutritional deficiencies, an unbalanced diet and lack of adequate nutritional supplementation, along with related digestive and absorption problems cause the majority of changes you may see in your nails.

Other important causes include: 

  • Chemical toxins
  • Prescription medications
  • Bacterial and viral infections
  • Fungal infections
  • Heredity
  • Skin conditions, e.g. eczema
  • Eating disorders
  • Drug sensitivity.
Chronic medical conditions cause changes in the shape, smoothness, growth rate and colour of your nails, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis.

As with your hair, many drugs can produce nail disease too:

Antineoplastic drugs – cause hyperpigmentation, splinter hemorrhages, beau's lines, onycholysis and onychomadesis.
Beta-blockers – lead to thickening and pitting of the nails, beau's lines, ischemic changes.
Chlorpromazine – turns the nail colour to a blue-purple pigment.
Minocycline – causes a blue-grey pigment.
Tetracycline – leads to onycholysis.

Back to Top

Diagnosis

Your health professional will ask questions about your diet, medicines you are taking, any recent illnesses, your menstrual cycle, any pregnancies and whether or not you are experiencing menopause and associated symptoms.

A physical examination will take place, possibly including hair and nail analyses or skin biopsy if necessary.

Blood tests may be requested if underlying disorders are suspected. These may include vitamin and mineral analyses to locate any nutritional deficiencies.

If a reaction to medication is thought to be the cause your health professional may suggest an alternative medication or therapy.

Neurological, circulatory and the musculoskeletal systems should all be examined, along with thorough history taking including details of occupation, family history and drug history.

Back to Top

Signs and Symptoms

Because of their natural relationship and similar build, signs of hair, nail and skin disorders usually intertwine, especially if they are age-related, related to an underlying medical condition, or are down to nutritional deficiencies.

Common symptoms to look for include:
 
Hair  Nails Skin
Finding small patches of hair Slow growth Itching
Thinning of the hair Dull and brittle nails Lesions
Excessively dry hair Discoloration Moles
A flaking scalp Hardening/thickening of nails Rashes/Hives
Red, itchy or oily scalp Splitting at the fingertips Skin color changes
Frequently weak or tired Appearance of ridges or dents Tenderness
  Itching, redness or pain Swelling or bumps
    Leathery (thick) skin
    Hypersensitivity
    Peeling
    Bleeding or bruising

These ingredients are available in literally thousands of hair, nail and skin products advertised all over the world. However, although these ingredients certainly have their place, individually they are not powerful enough to provide the treatment you need to correct your chemical and nutritional imbalances and prevent reoccurrence.

Combined in a synergistic and balanced way however, and with other ingredients as co-factors, these ingredients show significant benefits, not only in treating your problem but in providing an overall health advancement regime, strengthening the immune system and helping to ensure optimum whole health.

Xtend-Life lead the way in combining these ingredients, plus other enhancing trace elements, to provide such advanced results.

Thousands of people throughout the world have found that after taking Xtend-Life Total Balance for a period of time they have noticed a distinct improvement in the condition of their hair and nails and major enhancement in their skin health, indicating an underlying improvement also in their general health.

Their results have shown to be further enhanced with the addition of Xtend-Life Omega 3/DHA Esters to their regime, as per the recommended protocol below.

Back to Top

Recommended Products

Xtend-Life Total Balance along with Omega 3 DHA/Fish oil is recommended in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and a good diet.

Product Quantity Per Day You Need
Total Balance Variable Variable
Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil 2 soft gels per day 1 bottle per month

Back To Top

Your Skin
> Description
> Conditions
> Causes
> Signs and Symptoms
> Conventional
> Natural
> Recommended Products

Description

Your skin is actually an organ, the largest organ of your body in fact. It provides a cover for your skeletal system, muscles, nerves, veins, arteries and vital organs. It protects you from infection, heat, injury and environmental damage. It also regulates your body temperature and stores water, fat and vitamin D.

Your skin is made up of 3 main layers:
  • The Epidermis
  • The Dermis
  • The Hypodermis.
The Epidermis is the thint top layer. It protects your body. Within this there are actually 5 more layers as well as many different types of cells, including: 

  • Keratinocytes, producing keratin, the skin’s protein
  • Melanocyes, producing your skin’s pigment, Melanin, and
  • Langerhans cells, helping to prevent foreign body invasion.
The Dermis is the middle layer. It contains a network of blood vessels, hair follicles and sebaceous glands as well as collagen and elastin, 2 vital supporting proteins.

The Hypodermis is a fatty layer. It contains sweat glands and fat. It conserves body heat and protects your vital organs.

The relationship between your hair, nails and skin and your overall health is underestimated. They share the same nutritional requirements for health. They react to deficiency in similar ways. Their general look and feel alone can even reveal much to the non-professional.

Lack of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and trace elements show your health status clearly through dull, blemished skin.

Deficiency of necessary nutrients for hair, nail and skin health, through chemical or hormonal imbalance, illness or side effects from medication, can result in disease becoming more and more commonplace around the globe due to biological, environmental and genetic causes.

Back to Top

Conditions

Like your hair and nails, your skin is vulnerable to disease. Diseases occur as a result of nutritional imbalance, environmental, chemical and hormonal imbalances, reactions to medications and many illnesses.

Negative condition can result from diseases of nutritional deficiency in particular.

Your skin reflects the state of your body and the balance within it. Many negative effects will disappear when your nutritional balance is restored and will remain as long as the balance remains.

Acne
The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris". It is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands commonly characterized by black heads, pimples, cysts, infected abscesses, and possibly leading to scarring without proper containment and treatment.

Eczema
A non-contagious skin inflammation, causing itching, scaling and/or blisters considered to be related to malfunctions of the immune system.

Boils
An inflamed hair follicle that has accumulated infection and dead tissue. Often a painful swellings of the skin caused by deep skin infection with bacteria. Symptoms can include redness, tenderness and possible pus.

Bruises
A minor injury caused by knocking or grazing of the skin where capillaries are damaged and bleed into the surrounding tissue. Sometimes painful with a possibility of leading to hematoma, they are usually blue or purple in color when more serious, and brown or yellowish when minor.

Cellulitis
(Not to be confused with cellulite!) An inflammation of the connective tissue, often occurring where the skin has been broken, cracked, cut or wounded.

Psoriasis
A chronic condition where the skin is inflamed, red, raised and possibly scaled. It may be itchy and spotty. It often reoccurs in ‘flare-ups’ or as a reaction to stress. Common areas include the trunk, knees, elbows and scalp.

Skin Cancer
Fatal skin cancer is primarily caused by nutrient deficiencies...the less serious ones by over exposure to sun. There are different types, including: 

  • Basal-cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma, and
  • Malignant melanoma.

Skin Tagging
Skin ‘tags’ are benign tumors that form in skin creases, eg. the neck, armpits and groin. They range in size from two to five millimeters, although larger ones have been seen. They may be smooth or irregular and are raised from the surface of the skin.

Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a form of scarring associated with pregnancy, obesity, bodybuilding and, to a lesser extent, puberty. They come about as skin is overstretched, disrupting the normal production of collagen. They appear as red, white, or purple lines.

Warts
These are viral, common and contagious and are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Wrinkles
These appear usually with age, thinning the skin as the dermis loses collagen and elastin. Subcutaneous fat starts to disappear and the epidermis sags.

Back to Top

Causes

There are many causes leading to poor skin. The most common and most important causes are the chemical and hormonal imbalances that occur as a result of aging, illness and nutritional deficiency. Nutritional deficiency being the most significant, leading to chemical and hormonal imbalances and illness, and accounts for the majority of all hair, nail and skin disorder.

As well as nutritional deficienc, common causes of skin conditions include:

  • Natural chemical deficiency
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Stress
  • Medications and side effects of them
  • Illness
  • Viral and bacterial infection
  • Digestive and absorption disorders.
  • Poor nutrition
It is difficult to get full nutrition from our food, meaning deficiency and disease are ripe even in otherwise healthy people. Poor eating and eating disorders can cause the body to lose essential nutrients that encourage and maintain skin health.

Back to Top

Signs and Symptoms

Many of the signs of less that ideal skin can simply be put down to general degeneration or age related....wrinkles etc.  However, these can usually be reduced by following various natural procedures.

Back to Top

Treatments

Treatment of the skin should be considered in a wholistic way.  Dealing with it from both the inside out and the outside in.  

Back to Top

Conventional treatments

There are many prescription medications on the market for the treatment of skin conditions. Although these medications have a short-term effect they do not address your underlying causes. They also have numerous detrimental side effects that can cause you serious health issues.

Common prescription medications for skin conditions include:

Topical Products

Benzoyl Peroxide is available as soaps, lotions, gels and creams.
A common side effect is skin dryness and irritation.

Sulfur, Resorcinol, and Salicylic Acid are not as strong as Benzoyl Peroxide and are used for mild acne. They are available in creams, lotions, gels and soaps.
Side effects include a strong smell and may cause the skin to turn brown.

Topical Antibiotics

Clindamycin, Tetracycline, and Erythromycin are used to treat moderate to severe acne when acne is resultant from bacteria. They are available in lotions, solutions, gels, powders and creams.

Side effects include skin irritation and stinging upon applications along with sensitivity to the sun.

Azelaic Acid is a cream with antibacterial effects.
Side effects include skin redness, itching and burning.

Tretinoin is available in creams, gels, solutions, a microsphere gel and liquid polymer.
Side effects include a "flare" of acne that may occur after starting.

Or, as an alternative...

Adapalene is available as a gel or lotion.

Or...

Tazarotene gel. Side effects include skin irritation, peeling and redness.

Oral Products

Oral Antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Clindamycin, and Cotrimoxazole. Often used in combination with topical acne products.

Side effects include sun sensitivity and predisposition of a woman to vaginal yeast infections, skin discolouration and diarrhea.

Isotretinoin (Accutane), used to treat severe cystic acne.

Isotretinoin is associated with some potentially bothersome side effects including extreme drying of the mouth, nose, and eyes (approximately 90% of patients), joint aches, muscle stiffness, sun sensitivity and birth defects during pregnancy.

Eczema, Cellulitis and Dermatitis

Creams, Ointments, Lotions, Bath Oils, and Emollients may result in burning of the affected area due to their alcohol content.

Topical Steroids

Topical Immunosuppressants

Tacrolimus (Protopic) and Pimecrolimus (Elidel) need further studies to identify any potential long-term effects.

Antihistamines

Hydroxyzine (Atarax), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) contain additives that may exacerbate the condition they are treating.
Oral Steroids are generally used for treatment-resistant eczema only because of the potential side effects of these drugs.

Psoriasis

Common topical medications include:

  • Anthralin
  • Calcipotriene (Dovonex)
  • Salicylic acid
  • Steroids
  • Tazarotene (Tazorac)

Skin Cancer

This is usually treatment with chemotherapy drugs in a lotion or cream applied to the skin. Aside from many major physical and digestive side effects, redness and inflammation in treated parts of the skin also commonly occur.

Alternatively, systemic chemotherapy may be given in a pill, injected into a muscle, or intravenously. Side effects include nausea and other major physical symptoms.

Back to Top

Natural treatments

Along with general dietary and lifestyle tips to improve your resistance, many specific natural ingredients are known to boost your body’s normal processes and maintain the correct nutritional composition needed by your skin, hair and nails.

There are also topical creams that can help reduce the effect of aging on skin.  These are referred to in Recommended Products.

The oral ingredients that help skin include:
 

Sulfur as MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) A naturally occurring organic compound used to maintain normal keratin levels in the hair, skin and nails. It helps to make the cell walls more permeable which increases circulation and helps regulate insulin production, improving hair, nails and skin.
PABA
(Para-aminobenzoic acid)		 A co-enzyme forming part of the folic acid structure, necessary for healthy skin and hair pigmentation. It stimulates intestinal bacteria to produce folic acid and promotes the breakdown of proteins. Beneficial in hair loss, hair greying and dermatitis.
Iodine A trace mineral that converts to iodide. It helps to regulate thyroid hormone production, preventing dry hair and hair loss. The condition of hair, skin and nails are dependent upon a well functioning thyroid gland.
Biotin A water-soluble B vitamin acting as a co-enzyme to metabolise proteins, fats and carbs. Beneficial in hair loss and the underlying causes of hair and nail problems. Studies show a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails.
Inositol Hexaphosphate A powerful antioxident effective in promoting lecithin production, required for brain neurotransmitter action. It inhibits the production and activity of free radicals and slows the rate of abnormal cell division.
L-Methionine A sulfur-bearing essential amino acid necessary for hair and muscle production. A building block of proteins and peptides. The body uses methionine to manufacture creatine and uses the sulfur in methionine for normal metabolism and growth.
Vitamin B5 (D-Pantothenate) Supports carb, protein and fat metabolism. Beneficial in hair loss, dandruff, grey hair, enhancing the immune system and benefiting the underlying physical disease causes of hair and nail neglect.
Omega 3 Fish Oil Essential fatty acids known for their ability to improve hair and nail health significantly, improving lustre and condition, as well as many other health benefits.

These ingredients are available in literally thousands of hair, nail and skin products advertised all over the world. However, although these ingredients certainly have their place, individually they are not powerful enough to provide the treatment you need to correct your chemical and nutritional imbalances and prevent reoccurrence.

Combined in a synergistic and balanced way however, and with other ingredients as co-factors, these ingredients show significant benefits not only in treating your problem, but in providing an overall health advancement regime, strengthening the immune system and helping to ensure optimum whole health.

Xtend-Life lead the way in combining these ingredients, plus other enhancing trace elements, to provide such advanced results.

Thousands of people throughout the world have found that after taking Xtend-Life Total Balance for a period of time they have noticed a distinct improvement in the condition of their hair and nails, and major enhancement in skin health, indicating an underlying improvement also in their general health.

Their results have shown to be further enhanced with the addition of Xtend-Life Omega 3/DHA Esters to their regime, as per the recommended protocol below.

Back to Top

Recommended Products

There are two parts to taking care of your skin and reducing the effects of aging.  The first part is from the inside out and the other from the outside in.  Total Balance plus Omega 3 DHA/fish oil is an excellent combination for the 'inside out' and the range of natural topical skin care products for both men and women is an excellent way of addressing the 'outside in'.  The details of these can be found on this website by clicking here. 

Product Quantity Per Day You Need
Total Balance Variable Variable
Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil 2 soft gels per day 1 bottle per month

Back To Top