About Nature Coast Apothecary
Our Personal Journey: Overlap Syndrome and Skin Health
Understanding Overlap Syndrome
Our commitment to skin science stems from a deeply personal journey. My wife lives with overlap syndrome, a complex autoimmune condition that affects multiple connective tissues and has significant impacts on skin health.
"Overlap syndrome is often defined as an entity that satisfies the classification criteria for at least two distinct connective tissue disease... we must not disregard the skin manifestations, so that we can prevent a severe evolution and improve the outcome."
— NIH, 2015
Skin Manifestations of Overlap Syndrome:
Overlap syndrome can affect the skin in multiple ways, including:
- Compromised barrier function
- Increased sensitivity and fragility
- Impaired healing capacity
- Changes in skin texture and elasticity
- Ulcerative lesions and circulation issues
Our Discovery: The Power of Carrier Oils
This personal experience led me to pursue formal education in cosmetic formulation and skin science. Through research and careful observation, we discovered that carrier oils rich in essential fatty acids could provide significant support for compromised skin barriers.
"Plant oils have long been used on the skin for cosmetic and medical purposes because they have been found to have many positive physiological benefits... topical products have the benefit of higher bioavailability in the skin and having a localized effect rather than systemic effects."
— PMC, 2017
The Science Behind Carrier Oil Benefits:
Research supports the beneficial effects of carefully selected plant oils:
- Barrier Support: Natural lipids help restore and maintain skin barrier function
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Omega-3 fatty acids provide soothing properties
- Moisturization: Occlusive effects help retain skin moisture
- Nutrient Delivery: Fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants support skin health
"Supplementation with essential fatty acids can improve barrier function and reduce inflammation, highlighting the importance of fatty acids in maintaining skin health."
— Multiple NIH sources
Educational Resources and Scientific Validation
For Further Scientific Reading:
- NIH: Skin Structure and Function
- NIH: Skin Lipid Barrier Function
- NIH: Essential Fatty Acids in Skin Health
- NIH: Polyphenols and Skin Aging
- NIH: Overlap Syndrome Case Studies
Important Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding skin health and any medical conditions. Our products comply with FDA regulations for cosmetic products and are not intended to make drug claims.
Continue exploring our educational series to learn more about specific fatty acids, carrier oils, and how to choose the right ingredients for your skin type.