Two-and-half weeks ago of this recording, I had a small melanoma surgically removed from my chin. The growth was the size of a sesame seed, but because it was cancerous and is understood to spread rapidly, it’s strongly advised by dermatologists to have it removed right away, so I did. To ensure, they get all the disordered cells they remove quite a bit of the surrounding area, so I ended up with a good-sized scar, about 4 inches. Honestly, I am not sure I would have been so quick to move forward with surgery had I had the full grasp of the procedure, but here we are now, and I’m now focused on supporting the skin in healing. A side note, the surgeon and staff were skilled and compassionate and I’m deeply grateful for their care.
Please consult with your primary care physician before applying any of the suggestions I’m about to share and be wise - listen to your body.
Healing is a multifaceted experience. It is a miracle that the body heals on it’s own and it is fascinating to witness, and we can support it by giving it the right building blocks and intentionally enter into calm states.
To support skin health by the foods we eat, one important aspect is to supply the body with antioxidants, these neutralize free radicals which can damage cells and DNA. Top foods rich in antioxidants are goji berries, wild blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, elderberries, kidney beans, artichokes, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, cilantro, cinnamon, oregano and dark chocolate (1).
Collagen
Collagen is a protein, comprising one-third of the total protein in the body. Collagen is important because it provides structural support to connective tissues that make up your body: skin, tendons, bones, and ligaments. It helps to keep wrinkles at bay and skin looking plump. It also plays a critical role in supporting the health of our nails and joints (2).
Our bodies make collagen, but production typically declines with age. Animal products are abundant in collagen, but that collagen (a protein) is broken down into amino acids, and plants contain amino acids too; nuts, seeds and legumes are particularly rich in the amino acids for collagen production. Vitamin C provides structural strength to collagen and is found in citrus fruits, kiwis, peppers and strawberries. Zinc is a cofactor in collagen synthesis and is found in chickpeas, lentils, beans, hemp seeds, chia seeds, whole grains and quinoa.
I had been taking a long break from smoothies, but have recently introduced them to ensure I get enough protein and I can easily add in the supplements I need for the day. Here’s the recipe, I’ve been using lately:
Blueberry Protein Smoothie Recipe
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2 cups filtered water
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½ cup blueberries, frozen
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1 scoop Sun Warrior protein powder
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1 tablespoon chia and flax seed meal mix
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1 teaspoon liquid chlorophyll
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1 teaspoon liposomal vitamin c
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½ dropperful liquid B-complex
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1 probiotic capsule
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¼ cup fresh parsley
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1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
Blend on high.
In addition, I’ve been making a daily Grape Aloe Tonic with:
Grape Aloe Tonic
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½ cup organic unsweetened grape juice
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½ cup filtered water
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1-inch piece fresh aloe or 1 oz aloe juice
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1 dropperful gotu kola extract
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squeeze of lime juice
Blend on high.
Green Tea & Skin Supplements
Studies demonstrates that green tea polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties3, so swapping your coffee for green tea may be worth considering, and drinking herbal teas with turmeric to support liver and skin health (4). Here are supplements that help with skin lubrication from the inside out.
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Fish or algae oil 3-10 grams daily that contains EPA and DHA
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Black currant oil, up to 3,000mg daily
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Vitamin E, internally 400 IU daily and open a capsule apply to scar
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Flax seeds, grind 1-3 tablespoons whole flax seeds daily add to smoothies, porridge, grains
Topically applications for scar healing
In the beginning with a new wound you want to be very careful to avoid an infection. I left the wound covered for 24 hours, where afterward I gently washed it with a rose-neem soap and patted dry, and with a q-tip dipped in castor oil lubricated the surrounding area and again covered it up. After 5 days, I could use a mild cleanser on my entire face but would avoid other products touching the healing wound, but only add either castor oil or vitamin e oil and gently began to massage it in. I removed the stitches on day 7. In the last week, I’ve been massaging the scar more firmly, breaking up any scar tissue, and applying vitamin c serum before applying vitamin e. I still keep it covered to avoid the sun. In addition, I do a once or twice daily aloe mask, using fresh aloe gel. Here’s how:
Cut a 1-1/2-inch piece of aloe, cut the spiny sides off, and slice through the gelatinous center. Hold these two pieces with your fingers and apply to your newly cleansed face. I leave the mask on for 5-10 min and wipe off using a warm face towel, and then apply my daily serums and oils. Aloe helps to retain moisture and integrity of skin (5).
I hope you don’t have to care for a wound, but if you do, I hope that some of what I offered today will benefit you.
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