5 Ways to Detox and Purify Your Skin

October 1, 2014 dotcomwomen

Before even stepping foot out the door in the morning, it’s likely you’ve subjected your skin to a wealth of toxins. From chemicals and dyes to other hazardous preservatives and ingredients, the labels on men’s and women’s cosmetics, bath and beauty products too often read like a laundry list of questionable additives to be avoided. And once you’re outside? Forget it! The food we eat, the air we breathe, and the materials we come into contact with on a daily basis are laced with pollutants, carcinogens and harmful substances not meant for human consumption.

As the body’s largest and external organ, our skin takes the brunt of the damage, which manifests itself in various ways – including dry or oily skin, spots, redness, rashes and more. If your skin is looking lackluster, adopting one of the following detox tips into your routine may be a good choice for rejuvenating your complexion to ensure that it is made bright, taut and healthy.

Watch your diet – Your skin doesn’t just benefit from healthy eating habits; it thrives on it. Like any other bodily organ, skin requires nourishment in the form of water, vitamins and minerals, and it draws these from the food you ingest, just as every other organ does. Therefore, think of fruits and veggies as your new miracle cream! If you suffer from acne and blemishes, try swapping out your hormone-laden proteins and dairy products with organic alternatives. And while you shouldn’t cut out refined sugar from your diet completely, you might consider lowering your intake, as too much can damage the collagen and elastin in the skin that keeps the complexion firm and tight.
Sweat it out – As a culture, we’re often blindsided by the material benefits of a good work out, including weight loss and muscle toning. However, the true reason that exercise is so important is that it keeps our bodies working in the way they are supposed to. Help out your kidneys and colon by engaging in exercise regularly, and they’ll help right back by ridding the body of any and all waste. Deep breathing from yoga can assist the lungs in ridding themselves of carbon dioxide. Plus, the mental and emotional benefits gained from fitness will do wonders in detoxing your attitude and brightening your mood. Don’t forget to stay hydrated while working out, as water clears the pores of dirt, metals and perspiration.
Stimulate via scrubbing – Chances are, you’ve heard of the recent phenomenon of dry brushing. Using a particular type of dry brush (you can find some at The Body Shop), and rubbing gently in specific motions across your skin can not only smooth away cellulite, but promote better circulation and help to rid the body of dead skin cells and toxins. While it can be a cumbersome addition to your daily or nightly routine, investing in a quality exfoliating scrub will provide some of the same benefits. At home microdermabrasion scrubs and exfoliates are especially equipped to remove your top layer of dead skin cells in order to unclog your pores and uncover flawless, dewy skin below. Use products from well-known brands – such as Isomers, available at ShopHQ – to stimulate circulation and active cell turnover.
Try a detox bath – To remove and metabolize dangerous compounds from your system, you can also use a detox bath to encourage the flushing of toxins. Run a bath with hot water, adding one to two cups of Epsom salt. You can also include 5-10 drops of essential oils to help de-stress, or a cup of unfiltered apple cider vinegar to draw out dirt from your pores and relieve joint pain. As there are also plenty of toxins in unfiltered water, one cup of baking soda will help neutralize the chlorine and chemicals before getting in the tub. Soak for a good 20 minutes – note that this is not a bath where you’re washing with soaps and shampoos. The Epsom salt opens your pores, and you wouldn’t want them clogging back up with the chemicals from your bath supplies! Instead, use this soak as a time to relax with a good book, glass of wine or a playlist of soothing music. Do not eat immediately before or after your detox bath, but do be sure to keep hydrated with filtered water.
Start juicing – Keeping in mind that there is no conclusive scientific data to support a juicing binge – the occasional fruit juice blend is certainly a welcome addition to your regular diet. The idea behind juicing is just an extreme glamorization of the point mentioned earlier: fruits and vegetables deliver important vitamins and nutrients to the body, and you should try and get as close to your recommended daily intake as possible. A great way to do this is by crafting your own healthy cocktails at home, with veggies and fruits garnished with herbs and spices. You can find a recipe selection fit for every taste bud at The Roasted Root.Take it slow at first, as juicing can be known to induce nausea. However, the juices cleanse your body inside out, and in just a few weeks will typically result in youthful, glowing skin.