Cates - Clean Skin from Within

The Spa Doctors 2-Week Program to Glowing, Naturally Youthful Skin

Dr. Trevor Cates

Beauty is more than skin deep is far more than an adage. What we apply to our skin has a potentially tremendous impact on our health, and the health of our skin is a reflection of much deeper processes happening in our bodies.

Absorbed through the deeper layers of our skin, the personal care products we apply on the surface find their way into our cells. Even tiny amounts of certain ingredients can act as cancer-causing carcinogens, obesogens that bind with hormonal and fat cells to activate obesity genes, and endocrine disruptors. The latter chemicals behave as estrogen and testosterone in our body, causing hormonal imbalances that can lead to a host of problems, including early puberty in young girls, acne, infertility, thyroid disorders, menstrual problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), weight issues, and diabetes.

What we put on our skin should be as clean as what we eat. But for most people, its not. By the time we walk out the door in the morning, most of us, both men and women, have applied as many as fifteen different skin and hair products, with at least 126 unique ingredients. Even in tiny amounts, many of the chemicals commonly found in our cosmetics can have a tremendous health and hormonal impact, and we are only beginning to understand the consequences of how they interact on our skin and in our detoxification systems.

In my Integrative and Functional Medicine practice, I have identified high levels of chemicals that come from cosmetics in the blood of patients struggling with hormonal, weight, skin, and even mood troubles. The scary part is that most of the ingredients we apply to our skin are not regulated the same way foods and medications do, leaving our bodies to be the lab benches on which science experiments are conducted. So far, the results are troubling. As a culture, were experiencing unprecedented rates of skin problems, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disease, depression, obesity, diabetes, and dementiaall of which can be associated with harmful, system-disrupting chemical exposures.

Yet many of us apply this tremendous number of lotions and cosmetics to cover skin blemishes and give us the glow that our hurried, stressed lives seem to keep us from having naturally. And were trying to keep up with unrealistic beauty norms. Having been in front of the camera on television and for magazines, I know that it takes enormous amounts of makeup, continually reapplied, to look like a cover model. But that is not truly clear, glowing skin; it is an illusion. However, when Im rested, eating well, and taking care of myself, I do have glowing, clear, healthy skinnaturally.

I share the philosophy that Dr. Trevor Cates so beautifully presents to you in this scientifically sound and visually delightful book: that the health of our skin is a reflection of the health of deeper processes in our body. These include our gut health, detoxification systems, hormonal balance, stress levels, and nutritional status, all of which affect what happens on the surface. Or more simply put: Clean skin starts from within.

I have known Dr. Cates for the past three years and have come to admire her for her commitment to taking scientific research and making it practical; her high standards as a practitioner; and also for the ingredients she uses to formulate her skin care products. As Dr. Cates says, skin is our magic mirror, and, in my own practice, I see this in patients when their acne or eczema flares up after a weekend sugar binge, a night out with the girls and a bit of drinking, or during times of high stress and overwork (which is a lot of the time for most of us). I see a positive change in skin radiance when missing nutrients are incorporated by way of diet or, if needed, supplements; when liver function is supported by the right nutrients; and when digestion is cleared up. Struggling with severe acne, sensitive skin, or reactions like eczema and hives can have a big emotional impact. When you learn to adjust your diet and lifestyle, and begin to nourish yourself from within, your skin clears up and the relief is profound.

Yet I can tell you, as a Yale University-trained medical doctor, this is not something your doctor learned in medical school. And thats why this book is so important. Weve been chasing the appearance of health and beauty with cosmetics, and even potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals, when beauty truly is more than skin deep. In my philosophy, healthy is the new beauty. And we cant get healthy using unhealthy ingredients.

In my practice and personal life, as you will find in Dr. Catess book as well, a natural approach using fresh, nutrient-rich foods and skin care products made with ingredients that are just as fresh and natural is the golden ticket. The great news is that your body really knows what to do when given the right tools and supportand Dr. Catess two-week plan provides the blueprint. This program is a great way to reset your health and habits for a lifetime of healthy skin and optimal health.

Having a beauty routine is arguably something I wasnt doing enough of, as my three daughters would tell you. Despite being well known in the health and wellness world, being a busy mom with four kids and a professional life, I splashed water on my face in the morning, did the same in the evening, and in the summers used an organic sunscreen if I planned to get heavy sun exposure. I considered skin care a luxury that I had no time for. Fortunately, decent genes, avoiding harmful body products, an excellent diet, and a natural lifestyle kept my skin healthy enough. But when, at the urging of my twenty-two-year old daughter, who began doing research on how French women care for their skin (daily with a less-is-more attitude) and with a gift from Dr. Cates of her skin care products, I began a gentle beauty care routine. I discovered how wrong I was in considering this time to care for myself an unnecessary luxury. A beauty routine is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, self-love, and self-care. And you deserve that. Dr. Cates lays the healthiest path for youand its right at your fingertips in this book. Enjoy the glow.

AVIVA ROMM, M.D.

Author of The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution and Botanical Medicines for Womens Health, winner of the American Botanical Councils James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Award

When it comes to health and skin, Ive been through a lot, learned along the way, and promise to share with you how to look and feel your best at any age. In this book my goal is to help you discover graceful aging and natural beauty using my two-week program for clean, glowing skin and vibrant health.