Mast Cells, Histamine & Your Skin

Skin Issues Because of Histamine

Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that protect the body by releasing chemical mediators, such as histamine, to fight off germs, parasites, and toxins.  Mast cells reside in many parts of the body, including the skin. In the process of protecting the body, mast cells release histamine and induce inflammation.  This process is essential for a healthy, healing body and building immunity to pathogens, but when it goes awry, it can contribute to sickness and skin conditions like Melasma, Acne, Rosacea and other skin issues.

• Acne: Because histamine causes skin irritation and inflammation, it can trigger and worsen acne breakouts.  Histamine also stimulates melanin production (darkening of skin).  This is the reason I absolutely DO NOT recommend anyone with acne seeking out the sun for acne treatment; UV exposure exponentially raises the chances of life-long acne hyperpigmentation scarring. 

• Melasma: In melasma, an increased number of mast cells (and histamine) are found in the affected skin, especially after sun exposure. When someone with Melasma gets sun, the melanocytes overproduce melanin, leaving them with dark patches of skin.  Both ultraviolet (UV) radiation and visible light (VL) from the sun contribute to this process, causing existing dark patches to deepen and new ones to form. Also, sun exposure damages skin cells and triggers inflammation, which further stimulates melanocytes to produce more pigment, creating a persistent cycle of discoloration.

• Rosacea: Mast cells and the histamine they release play a central role in the development of rosacea, influencing inflammation, vasodilation, and nerve activity. Research shows that people with rosacea have an increased number and activity of mast cells in their facial skin. Histamine released from these activated mast cells exacerbates flushing, while other released substances drive the inflammatory cascade and contribute to the development of skin thickening seen in advanced rosacea. 

• Cherry Angiomas: Mast cells also release tryptase, promoting the growth of new blood vessels (vascular proliferation) which show up on the skin as cherry angiomas or red moles.

• Eczema, dermatitis and Psoriasis: Studies have shown that histamine levels are elevated in the skin of patients with these conditions. Antihistamines have been investigated as a potential treatment, however because histamine is only one of many inflammatory mediators involved in these conditions, it’s not very effective in treating them.

Solutions for Better Skin

Diet: Consuming a low histamine diet helps dramatically reduce symptoms of histamine related skin conditions and other bodily symptoms of histamine overload.  The list of low and high histamine food is a general list; some people have higher and lower sensitivity to triggering foods and would have to do an elimination diet to find their exact triggers. 

AVOID:

• All fermented food: kefir, kombucha, Sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, tempeh, miso, apple cyder vinegar, some cheeses, olives, sour cream anything pickled, beer

• All aged/cured food: Aged cheeses, buttermilk, sour cream, aged/smoked/cured meats, sausage, bacon, pepperoni, wine & spirits, sourdough, vinegar, dried fruit, ALL PRESERVED FOOD (no fast food, TV dinners, left overs or boxed or canned food)

• Sea food (very high in histamine): ALL SEA FOOD, even sea food right out of the ocean has high histamine levels, but as they age, they are extremely high.

• Fruits and Vegetables: bananas, strawberries, all citrus fruit, tomato, avocado, pineapple, papaya, cherries, eggplant, spinach, squash, mushrooms

• Nuts: Walnuts, peanuts, cashews, chickpeas

• Bakery and Sweets: Chocolate, artificial sweeteners, yeast

• Spices: Allspice, anise, cinnamon, chili powder, clove, curry powder, cayenne, msg, nutmeg, paprika

• Supplements: Fish oil

ENJOY:

• Dairy & Alternatives: Pasteurized milk, butter, cream, mozzarella, ricotta, cottage, mascarpone, cottage cheese, Almond milk, Coconut milk, Rice milk and Oat milk

• Vegetables and Fruit: All but listed in “avoid”

• Protein/Meat: All fresh meat, eggs, lentils, red beans, soybeans/tofu. COOK or FREEZE RIGHT AWAY.

• Grains: Amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, millet, rice, quinoa

• Nuts: Almonds, Brazil nuts, Chestnuts, Coconut meat, Flax seeds, chia seeds, Hazelnuts, Macadamia nuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds, and Sunflower seeds

• Oils: Olive oil, coconut oil

• Sweets: Monk fruit, stevia, maple syrup, honey and sugar

Food Preparation

How and when you prepare and store your food is also a factor in the histamine content of a meal.  To reduce histamine in your food prep, prioritize using the freshest ingredients possible and minimize the time between cooking and eating. Histamine levels increase as food ages, and while freezing can slow this process, it does not stop it completely. You should freeze leftovers immediately, as well employing the following meal prep tips:

• Choose boiling and steaming. Studies show that boiling and steaming can decrease histamine levels, while high-heat methods like frying and grilling may increase them. An Instant Pot can also be a good option for faster cooking.

• Use low-histamine seasonings. Flavor your food with low-histamine herbs and spices, such as ginger, turmeric, oregano, and basil. Avoid spices like cinnamon, cloves, or curry powder, which are higher in histamine.

• Add "anti-histamine" foods. Incorporate ingredients that may have natural anti-histamine effects into your cooking, such as onions, garlic, apples, and blueberries. 

• Use glass or silicone containers. Use high-quality, airtight glass or silicone containers for storing prepped ingredients and frozen meals to prevent oxidation and chemical leaching from plastics.

• Cool food quickly. After cooking, cool food in small, shallow containers to reduce the time it spends at lukewarm temperatures, which promotes bacterial growth.

• Reheat frozen meals only once. Reheat frozen meals quickly, ideally straight from the freezer, and avoid reheating the same portion multiple times.

• Transport food safely. If you are taking food on the go, use an insulated bag with freezer packs to keep the temperature stable and minimize histamine increases. 

Natural anti-histamine supplements, herbs and teas:

• Supplements: Vitamin C, Bromelain, DAO enzymes, probiotics, B12, B6, Copper, Zinc

• Herbal supplements: Quercetin, butterbur, stinging nettle, mint, skullcap, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, rosemary

Anti-histamine blocker Medications

Benadryl,  provides relief from itching by inhibiting histamine's action on H1 receptors in skin tissues. These medications cause significant side effects, including drowsiness due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. 

2nd generation anti-histamines are widely used to treat skin conditions like chronic hives, dermatitis and other allergic skin issues. These medications are preferred for skin conditions because they are less likely to cause drowsiness, as they do not readily penetrate the central nervous system. 2nd generation H1 histamine blockers are best for melasma because they have been shown to lessen pigment in the skin by suppressing melanin production through multiple signaling pathways.  My go-to for 2nd gen histamine blocker for skin issues is fexofenadine (Allegra), because it has fewer side effects.

3rd generation H1 blockers prevent inflammation without stopping the initial release of histamine. Third-generation H1 blockers are effective for treating skin conditions like hives and allergic reactions that cause itching and swelling. They have also been proven to help with acne and rosacea by limiting inflammation, redness and itching. Additionally, this type of medication reduces oil production in the skin, which helps reduce acne breakouts. My go-to 3rd Gen Histamine blocker for skin is Levocetirizine (Xyzal), because it has very few side effects.

H2 blockers are not the primary histamine blocker medication for skin issues, but when paired with H1 blockers, they are more effective at treating the inflammation and vasodilation that’s caused by Rosacea.  H2 blockers are medications that reduce stomach acid production by blocking histamine receptors. Famotidine (Pepcid) is my go-to H2 blocker for skin issues because it has fewer side effects.

Consult Your Physician!

This article is for informational purposes only.  Although these histamine blockers are OTC (over the counter) medications,they are still drugs and may interact with other medications or react poorly with current medical conditions.

Skincare Products if You’re Histamine Sensitive

For those with histamine sensitivity, using antioxidant rich skincare products can ease histamine symptoms of the skin.  Antioxidant skincare ingredients calm skin inflammation, alleviate redness and help strengthen barrier function.  Antioxidants can also be beneficial by neutralizing free radicals, which often trigger inflammation and lead to excessive histamine release. 

• Avoid products with ingredients that cause inflammations like: sulfates, alcohol, synthetic fragrances and lanolin. Also avoid formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like: DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Bronopol.  These ingredients can strip the skin's protective barrier, cause irritation, disrupt its natural balance and/or trigger allergic reactions. 

Skincare Procedures if You’re Histamine Sensitive

There are few in-office skincare procedures that can help lessen a histamine reaction, L.E.D. Light Therapy is the #1 BEST thing you can do for inflamed, reactive skin. LED light therapy reduces skin inflammation by delivering specific light wavelengths that are absorbed by skin cells, triggering a process called photobiomodulation. Red and near-infrared lights promote circulation and reduce inflammation, while yellow and blue lights address other inflammatory conditions and bacteria. These lights interact with chromophores within skin cells, leading to beneficial cellular changes that decrease inflammation and improve skin health. 

Find your specific skincare products today for your unique needs: Go To The PODUCT GUIDE

Topical Vitamins, Nature’s Antiaging Cream

UV Protection from Skincare ingredients

Topical antioxidants from skincare offer a range of benefits for the skin, primarily by fighting free radicals and reducing oxidative damage that cause wrinkles, age spots and increased susceptibility to skin diseases and cancer.  Additionally, topical antioxidants can help protect against UV damage and reduce inflammation when used daily on the skin. 

The benefits of plant extracts and peptides in protecting against UV and pollution damage are proven to protect skin from and reverse UV damage. Topical application of antioxidants can enhance the photoprotective function of UV filters in sunscreen as well.

The sooner you start using these little miracles from nature, the better your skin will look. Not only that, it will look youthful MUCH LONGER than someone who is not using them!

I started using natural, antioxidant rich products in my late 30s and I still look much younger than my peers at 45.

• Vitamin C, known for its skin brightening effects, also helps protect the skin from sun damage and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.  

• Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that can reduce UV damage at a cellular level. When combined with vitamin C, it provides even greater protection. 

• Niacinamide can increase antioxidant defenses in the skin, control inflammation and reduce UV-induced skin damage. 

• Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that enhances the stability and effectiveness of vitamin C and E, and it also protects the skin from sun damage by reversing its effects and absorbing UV rays. 

In summary, incorporating antioxidant-rich skincare products into your routine, along with regular sunscreen use, can contribute to a more robust defense against the damaging effects of UV radiation and help keep skin youthful, healthy and beautiful.

ALL J Renee Organics products are packed with vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants!

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Reversing Sugar Binge Skin Issues

Now that you've stuffed yourself with Easter goodies, we unwrap how it affects your skin ... and how to reverse the damage.

Elevated insulin (caused by too much sugar) can increase oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores, blackheads, spots and acne. Additionally, high sugar intake can cause inflammation, which can exacerbate acne, Rosacea, eczema and other skin conditions.

Excessive sugar consumption can negatively impact skin health long-term by promoting inflammation, damaging collagen and elastin, aging the skin and body faster.  This occurs through a process called glycation- where sugar molecules attach to proteins in the skin, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs damage collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of elasticity.   

Reversing this damage completely is not possible, but we can lessen the effects by using retinol, sunscreen, using natural antioxidant rich skincare products and by using peptides and hyaluronic acid. J Renee organic products and skincare treatments are packed with these ingredients for a reason! Natural ingredients have been extensively studied and proven to positively effect skin beauty and skin health.

While not consuming sugar is optimal, that's just not realistic. Doing monthly facials and using antioxidant rich skincare products at home daily will help erase the effects of some of the fun holiday treats. It’s imperative to use proper skincare at home and get facials if you regularly indulge in sugary treats, bread and pastries and alcohol. Schedule your facial today and we will asses your skin, assign you a skin type and make a home routine for you so there is no guessing or wasting money or time on preserving your youthful beauty.

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Study on Antioxidants for Topical Use in Anti-Aging

Reverse UV Damage with Antioxidants

Beauty and the TanSun Damage Reversed by Antioxidants

Let’s be honest, tan fat looks better than pasty white fat, but most bronzed beauties are using UV beds instead of spray tanning.   Unfortunately, UV rays, may it be from the sun or a bulb, can break down the integrity of the skin in many ways. It’s not my job to tell you what to do, as an educated esthetician, I’m just here to help you combat the premature aging, cellular mutation and inflammation that tanning causes.  A regular monthly facial, as well as a skincare routine rich in antioxidants and retinols can not only protect you from the damage that UV causes but it can also reverse past damage. 

The science:  UV radiation mutates skin cells, which activates your immune system to kill off the damaged cells, which causes inflammation that degrades the skin’s matrix.  The skin’s matrix is made up of many things, including collagen and elastin, which we need for our skin to look youthful. Years of UV damage causes premature wrinkles, age spots and skin cancers.

Antioxidants in skincare products have been scientifically proven to help erase existing damage and prevent further collagen breakdown from UV and other environmental factors.  Furthermore, retinol suppresses the collagen degrading MMPs (Matrix metalloproteinases) in our skin.  MMPs are increased by UV damage and speed aging and can help cancer grow.  The right skincare routine can help protect against collagen break-down and help reverse age spots and dangerous cellular activity.

An esthetician’s job is to listen, learn and provide services and products that will fit in each client’s lifestyle.  Facials help promote skin beauty and health by removing damaged skin cells, reversing cellular damage and restoring balance.  Educated estheticians also take note of changes to skin and refer their clients to a dermatologist when appropriate. Having an honest relationship with your skin care professional will skirt premature aging and help detect skin cancers early.

Shelly Todd, Esthetician
J Renee Spa
Adairsville, GA

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Start your UV reversal routine with a home facial kit including a full strength peel and a progressive home peel treatment done weekly.

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Source:

Natural Antioxidants Protect Skin from Solar Radiation

Skin Photoaging and the Role of Antioxidants in Its Prevention

Microdermabrasion on skin remodelling

L.E.D. Light Therapy and Anti-Aging

Microneedling and Neck Skin Aging

Microneedling More Effective for Scarring than Chemical Peels

Sun Damage Reversed by Antioxidants

Beauty and the Tan

Let’s be honest, tan fat looks better than pasty white fat, but most bronzed beauties are using UV beds instead of spray tanning.   Unfortunately, UV rays, may it be from the sun or a bulb, can break down the integrity of the skin in many ways. It’s not my job to tell you what to do, as an educated esthetician, I’m just here to help you combat the premature aging, cellular mutation and inflammation that tanning causes.  A regular monthly facial, as well as a skincare routine rich in antioxidants and retinols can not only protect you from the damage that UV causes but it can also reverse past damage. 

The science:  UV radiation mutates skin cells, which activates your immune system to kill off the damaged cells, which causes inflammation that degrades the skin’s matrix.  The skin’s matrix is made up of many things, including collagen and elastin, which we need for our skin to look youthful. Years of UV damage causes premature wrinkles, age spots and skin cancers.

Antioxidants in skincare products have been scientifically proven to help erase existing damage and prevent further collagen breakdown from UV and other environmental factors.  Furthermore, retinol suppresses the collagen degrading MMPs (Matrix metalloproteinases) in our skin.  MMPs are increased by UV damage and speed aging and can help cancer grow.  The right skincare routine can help protect against collagen break-down and help reverse age spots and dangerous cellular activity.

An esthetician’s job is to listen, learn and provide services and products that will fit in each client’s lifestyle.  Facials help promote skin beauty and health by removing damaged skin cells, reversing cellular damage and restoring balance.  Educated estheticians also take note of changes to skin and refer their clients to a dermatologist when appropriate. Having an honest relationship with your skin care professional will skirt premature aging and help detect skin cancers early.

Shelly Todd, Esthetician
J Renee Spa

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Source:

Natural Antioxidants Protect Skin from Solar Radiation

Skin Photoaging and the Role of Antioxidants in Its Prevention

Microdermabrasion on skin remodelling

L.E.D. Light Therapy and Anti-Aging

Microneedling and Neck Skin Aging

Microneedling More Effective for Scarring than Chemical Peels