Beauty & Biology: Why What We Find Beautiful is a Reflection of Health

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Today cosmetic procedures are among the most common elective medical treatments in the world.

Nearly 34.9 million aesthetic (surgical + non-surgical) procedures were performed globally in 2023. For example, more than 8.8 million botulinum toxin (Botox) procedures were done worldwide in 2023.

These procedures have become a normal part of modern life. And while everyone has the right to choose what feels best for them, it’s important to remember that our bodies are living, responsive systems. Anything we inject, implant, or alter interacts with tissue, nerves, and the immune system. These interventions can subtly influence things like lymphatic flow, collagen integrity, inflammation, and the way our body handles toxins over time.

Interestingly, all the traits we try to create cosmetically—smooth skin, bright eyes, symmetry, and fullness—are biological markers of health. We find them attractive because they signal proper function. When the body is well-nourished, well-oxygenated, and hormonally balanced, these qualities emerge naturally.

The body prioritizes “beauty” only when it has the resources to do so. In times of stress or low energy, it conserves power for vital organs—the brain, heart, and liver—while pausing processes like collagen production, hair growth, and skin renewal.

Many of today’s most popular cosmetic procedures enhance the features that are naturally signs of good health. ❤️💄

For example:

• Plump Lips = Good circulation, thyroid function, and hydration

  Full, rosy lips are a reflection of healthy blood flow and strong metabolism. Good thyroid function keeps circulation active and tissue oxygenation high, giving lips their natural color and fullness. Nutrients like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C support cellular hydration, plumpness, and collagen production.

  When metabolism slows or stress hormones rise, blood vessels constrict and collagen synthesis declines—lips lose color, appear thinner, and become more easily dehydrated.

• Symmetry = Healthy fascia, muscle tone, and nervous system regulation

  Facial symmetry reflects balanced tension in the fascia, the connective tissue that supports and organizes muscles, skin, and bone. When fascia is hydrated and pliable, it allows muscles to move evenly on both sides of the face. But when fascia becomes dehydrated or inflamed from stress, poor circulation, or chronic mouth breathing, it tightens unevenly, creating subtle asymmetries.

  Posture plays a huge role. Forward head posture, jaw clenching, or chronic neck tension can all restrict lymph and blood flow, causing puffiness, sagging, or imbalances in facial tone.

  Even emotional stress impacts symmetry through chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which holds tension in specific muscle groups (often jaw, neck, and shoulders).

• Firm jawline = Strong bone metabolism and healthy breathing patterns

  A defined jawline reflects balanced calcium metabolism and proper muscle tone.
  Vitamins K2 and D3 help direct calcium into bones instead of soft tissues, keeping the jaw and facial structure strong.

  Chronic mouth breathing or low CO₂ (from stress or overbreathing) weakens facial muscle tone and alters bone development over time, leading to a softer profile.

• Bright eyes = Efficient liver function, lymph flow, and mitochondrial energy

  The clarity and brightness of the eyes are direct reflections of detoxification capacity and cellular metabolism. The liver processes hormones, neutralizes toxins, and clears excess estrogen and endotoxin from circulation. When liver function is sluggish, bile flow slows and waste products accumulate, giving the eyes a dull or yellowish hue.

  Healthy eyes also depend on mitochondrial efficiency and lymphatic drainage. When cells are producing energy efficiently (with oxygen and CO₂ balance), microcirculation around the eyes improves, reducing puffiness and dark circles. Adequate vitamin A, zinc, and taurine—nutrients that support retinal and liver function—also keep the whites of the eyes clear and bright.

• Thick hair and strong nails = Healthy thyroid and nutrient status

  Healthy hair and nails are a visible reflection of thyroid function and protein metabolism. Thyroid hormones (especially T3) control how efficiently cells use oxygen to produce energy. When thyroid activity is optimal, blood flow and nutrient delivery to the scalp increase, and hair follicles stay active in the growth phase. Minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium are crucial cofactors for thyroid hormone conversion and antioxidant protection inside the follicle.

  In states of low thyroid function, chronic stress, or calorie restriction, the body diverts energy away from non-essential processes like hair and nail growth. Circulation slows, follicles go dormant, and nails become brittle or ridged.

The body sacrifices hair, skin, and nails when energy is low.

When energy production drops—whether from chronic stress, low thyroid function, nutrient deficiencies, or calorie restriction—the body begins to prioritize essential organs like the heart, brain, and liver over peripheral tissues such as hair, skin, and nails.

These outward features depend on a steady supply of oxygen, glucose, minerals, and thyroid hormones. They grow continuously and require high rates of cell turnover, which is metabolically expensive.

If the body senses an energy shortage, it conserves fuel by redirecting blood flow and nutrients away from these “non-essential” structures to preserve core function.

This is why one of the earliest signs of metabolic stress is dry skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails. The thyroid slows, circulation decreases, and protein synthesis is reduced. Hair follicles shift into the resting (telogen) phase, collagen turnover slows, and nails lose their smoothness and strength.

The body is literally rationing its energy, focusing on maintaining blood pressure, body temperature, and glucose stability—functions required for immediate survival.

So while cosmetic procedures can enhance appearance, they don’t always restore the underlying health systems (metabolism, hormone regulation, lymph/vascular flow).

We’re drawn to certain features because they are symbols of vitality, but the real work lies in supporting the internal terrain—not just the external signs.

Real beauty is a reflection of how well your body is functioning internally.

When your metabolism, hormones, lymph system, and detoxification networks are all aligned, appearance follows physiology.

A few things I do to support beauty (inside out): ➡️

1. “Eat my skincare:”

   The skin is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body, and its health depends on metabolism, circulation, and nutrient density. I focus on foods that feed the mitochondria and stabilize hormones:

   • Fruit and orange juice for easy glucose

   • Dairy and eggs for calcium and fat-soluble vitamins

   • Liver for vitamin A and copper

   Vitamins A, E, K2, and C protect against lipid peroxidation and support collagen integrity, while saturated fats from butter and coconut oil keep cell membranes stable.

2. Daily movement & lymph support:

   Because lymph system function influences toxin clearance and skin health, I make sure to walk, exercise, sweat, dry-brush, or do gentle massage to help fluid and blood flow and support detoxification.

3. Support progesterone levels:

   Progesterone is one of the most underrated hormones for beauty and vitality. It balances estrogen, stabilizes collagen, and protects against inflammation and water retention. Adequate progesterone helps keep the skin firm and hydrated, supports healthy hair growth, reduces puffiness, and promotes calm, steady energy.

4. Red-light (near-infrared) therapy on skin:

   Red and near-infrared light directly energize the mitochondria. When applied to the skin, this light helps restore energy production, increase circulation, and improve oxygen use. It also supports collagen synthesis, speeds healing, and reduces inflammation, making the skin appear brighter and more even. Unlike harsh treatments that create controlled damage, red light works by enhancing function, not forcing repair.

5. Infrared sauna:

   Infrared sauna work sby emitting wavelengths of light that penetrate deep into tissues—stimulating circulation, oxygen delivery, and mitochondrial activity. This rise in cellular metabolism helps clear toxins, reduce inflammation, and improve skin tone through enhanced nutrient flow and collagen production. As blood vessels dilate, oxygen and nutrients reach the skin more efficiently, giving it a fresh, hydrated appearance. The gentle sweating process helps remove heavy metals, plastics, and other accumulated toxins that can dull the complexion and disrupt hormone balance.

6. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT):

   HBOT delivers oxygen at higher-than-atmospheric pressure, allowing the bloodstream to become saturated with oxygen. This hyper-oxygenated environment supports cellular respiration or energy production. Oxygen is what allows mitochondria to produce ATP efficiently, and when energy production rises, every function of the skin improves: repair accelerates, inflammation subsides, and collagen synthesis increases.

   From a regenerative perspective, HBOT enhances circulation and microvascular density, meaning more oxygen and nutrients reach the skin’s surface. This promotes a natural luminosity that can’t be faked with topical treatments. HBOT therapy also help neutralize oxidative stress, rebalance inflammatory pathways, and improve elasticity through better fibroblast function.

7. Support thyroid health with natural desiccated thyroid: Supplementing with natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) helps restore this energy flow because it contains both T4 and T3, the two primary thyroid hormones. Most conventional thyroid medications contain only T4 (levothyroxine), which the body must convert into T3. T3 is the active form that actually enters cells and increases mitochondrial respiration, the process that generates ATP. It raises body temperature, improves oxygen use, and enhances enzyme activity in nearly every tissue.

   When thyroid function is low, blood flow slows, keratin production drops, and cells can’t regenerate efficiently. This is why hair may thin or nails become brittle even when diet seems good. NDT can help restore warmth, nutrient delivery, and the steady turnover that makes hair thick and nails resilient. Raena has a good NDT option, available for purchase here.

8. Maintain a nontoxic environment & low chemical exposure:

   Because synthetic fragrances, plastics, and endocrine disruptors increase inflammation and disturb the hormone systems behind beauty, I prioritize low-toxin products. Tallow soaps and lotions, nontoxic makeup, products without parabens, etc.

   My favorite makeup brand is Araza Natural Beauty (code: CONNEALY15). Their products are made with organic, food-based ingredients, healthy fats, and minerals that actually nourish the skin instead of burdening it. They avoid seed oils, parabens, synthetic fragrance, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. I love their:

   • Pure, non-toxic formulas. They use ingredients from nature: organic extracts, earth-derived pigments, and healthy fats.

   • Transparent, clean credentials. The brand is identified as non-toxic, organic ingredients, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.

   • Paleo & minimalist makeup mindset. They are the world’s first “paleo-certified” makeup brand.

   It feels more like skincare—it supports barrier function, calms inflammation, and allows the skin to breathe. The fewer toxins your body has to process, the more energy it can devote to regeneration, hormone balance, and true beauty.

We offer both HBOT at the center! For information on your services, you use the codes below. :)

While cosmetic procedures can temporarily mimic health, they don’t replace it. They can’t generate the warmth in the skin that comes from good thyroid function, or the natural symmetry that appears when fascia and lymph flow freely. Supporting the body’s terrain—through nutrition, hormones, light, minerals, and stress reduction—creates beauty that’s sustainable.

Everyone’s path is personal. Some may choose cosmetic treatments, others may focus on restoring function from within. But it’s good to be aware: understanding that anything we do to the body carries a physiological response, and that the most lasting form of beauty is built on healthy energy systems. Beauty is health!❤️

The second edition of The Cancer Revolution is here!

The updated edition is now available for purchase! In this version, I’ve reviewed every chapter, updated studies, incorporated the latest innovations in diagnostics, explored new early detection methods, and examined the most up-to-date research. Two brand-new chapters explore the critical role that voltage and frequency medicine play in healing and disease prevention, as well as the profound impact that the immune system and immunotherapies can have on cancer treatment.
I’ve also included new recipes and food plans, updated recommendations on exercise and sleep, and more!

My hope is that this book empowers patients. That it helps you understand your options. And that it reminds you: you’re not powerless. There’s so much you can do to support healing and live a full, cancer-free life. 💪

• Amazon 

• Hachette Book Group

• Barnes & Nobel 

• Books a Million

• Bookshop 

Talk soon ❤️,

Dr. C