By now, you’re probably familiar with the benefits of a detox diet. Replacing processed foods, refined sugars, caffeine, and alcohol with fresh fruits, seasonal vegetables, fiber-rich foods, green juices, and pure water helps rid the body of damaging toxins and chemicals. The result is that a sluggish metabolism, poor digestive system, and lackluster appearance can transform into a vibrant, energetic, and healthier body.
So, yes: A detox diet helps improve overall body function and appearance. But did you know the same principles apply to skin? It is not possible to detox the skin because toxins cannot exit the body through the skin. While sweating does eliminate water, it does not remove impurities or harmful substances. However, the body does eliminate toxins through the kidneys, liver, and immune system. Adopting a skin care routine can help prevent skin damage and remove dead skin cells to promote healthier skin.
Skin Damage
The skin is the largest organ in the body. Several things can damage it, including:
- Chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals may contribute to inflammation. This may adversely affect the skin temporarily or permanently.
- UV rays: Excessive sun exposure and sunlight are one of the biggest causes of aging skin. It also may make scars, age spots, and fine lines more noticeable.
- Sugar: Processed foods may promote inflammation in the body, which may increase the risk of skin sensitivity and reactions.
Avoiding pollutants, toxins, and harmful substances can help keep the skin clean and healthy.
Every day, our skin is exposed to toxins and allergens from smoke, fumes, and dander. In fact, air particle pollution is now being linked to visible damage on skin. Furthermore, if you’re physically active or have oily skin, your pores are also clogging up with sweat, bacteria, and excess oils. Unfortunately, if these pollutants and impurities are not taken care of, they can cause deeper skin cell damage and premature signs of aging. Acne, blemishes, sensitivity, fine lines, wrinkles, and thinning or sagging skin are just some of the visible effects of chronically polluted skin. But what can you do to break down the buildup and boost skin’s natural defenses?
Tips for Healthy-Looking Skin
These skin care tips won’t help to eliminate toxins from your body. But they will help you maintain skin health and appearance.
- Wash your face twice a day (and any time after you sweat).
- Wear sunscreen every day.
- Apply a moisturizer.
- Don’t smoke.
- Eat antioxidant rich foods, as part of a balanced diet.
- Drink more water and less alcohol.
Using a natural skincare regimen formulated to deeply cleanse skin will draw out toxins and replenish vital nutrients like minerals and antioxidants to help boost your skin’s own resistance to oxidative stress. Fortunately, there are some remarkable natural ingredients from the sea and earth that can help do just that.
Look for anti-pollution and antiaging ingredients such as Kimarine wakame and bladderwrack. Kimarine wakame is seaweed that is clinically proven to protect skin against environmental pollutants and external irritants like exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, and heavy metals. It’s also packed with potassium and magnesium, so it helps protect skin by boosting its resistance to environmental stress. Bladderwrack is another type of seaweed that is extremely beneficial for skin. Rich in antioxidants and minerals, it’s known for its water-binding properties, supporting healthy skin hydration, elasticity, and nourishment.
Activated charcoal is a powerful skincare ingredient to look for, too. Used for centuries to flush out toxins and heavy metals from the body, this absorptive ingredient can also benefit skin when applied topically. Activated charcoal is known to absorb 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities, really helping to purge pores of deeply rooted toxins. It works wonderfully in cleansers, masks, scrubs, and even moisturizers to help purify and detoxify skin.
The skin is the body’s largest organ of elimination, and it plays a vital role in the transformation, detoxification and removal of harmful compounds. Some research has shown measurable levels of heavy metals and bisphenol A (BPA) – an industrial chemical that can disrupt hormones and increase the risk of cancer – in perspiration. The best way to break a sweat? Vigorous activity. Cycling, dancing, hiking, jogging or anything that gets your heart rate up promotes skin-detoxing perspiration. Plus, exercise boosts circulation and lymph flow to enhance the elimination of impurities. Working out also burns fat, the body’s primary storage unit for toxins.
Lastly, always look for powerful antioxidants like green tea and vitamin C. With high levels of polyphenols, green tea is a potent antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, prevent oxidative stress, and protect skin from UVA and UVB radiation damage. Vitamin C has been shown to protect against and improve UV-induced damage including signs of uneven pigmentation, roughness, and wrinkles.
Remember, every day our bodies and skin are exposed to pollution, toxins, and other impurities. With a commitment to a clean diet and a daily detox skincare regimen, your skin will consistently glow with pure health.
By Linda Miles
Good to find an expert who knows what he’s taklnig about!