Hello,
This is Martha Thomas, head of customer care for Tree of Life Beauty, and I want to welcome you to our weekly newsletter where we discuss important ways to age gracefully, “how-tos” for keeping skin healthy as you age, and so much more about your skincare regimen.
This week we will discuss “How To Detox For Healthy Skin.” If you missed any of our past newsletters, please check them out here on our blog.
Please be advised that we are not doctors or dermatologists, and this article should not be taken as medical advice or any medical statement. Any questions or issues involving your skin-care needs should be discussed with a physician, and we highly recommend you consult with your doctor before taking up any skin-care regimen.
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Doing a detoxifying cleanse can be a great way to pamper yourself and reinvigorate your body. But it’s important to know how to detox!
[A detox is not a juice cleanse or a store-bought pill. These may be harmful to your insides and to your skin, and we don’t necessarily recommend them unless you consult with a doctor first.]
What we do recommend is detoxing your skin from the inside and outside! You can do this detox for a day, a week, or make permanent lifestyle changes if you love your results! Either way, here’s the ultimate list of 7 steps to detoxing for healthy skin.
- Drink water.
You’ve heard it before: drinking water is amazing for your body. It flushes out your organs—especially your liver and kidneys—and it invigorates your nervous system. Your cells are made up almost entirely of water. When you deprive your body of this necessary water, your cells become tired, sluggish, and aged. This can give you a pale, wrinkled look—all because you’re dehydrated!
Add lemon and cayenne to your morning water for even more detoxifying effects. Lemon adds that citrusy boost of vitamin C, which fights off free radicals and helps to repair damaged skin. Cayenne gives your metabolism a pick-me-up, so you’re ready to fight toxins all day long.
- Change your diet.
You knew we were going to say it, but I know you were secretly hoping we wouldn’t. But healthy skin starts from the inside out! Don’t worry, changing your diet doesn’t have to be extreme or scary.
- Cut back on sugar. Sugar produces advanced glycation end products, otherwise known as AGEs. These damage collagen and elastin in the skin. The less sugar you have, the less AGE-wrinkles you’ll get and the more elastic your skin will be.
- Choose organic, pesticide-free foods.
- Eat a lot of healthy fats, like fish, olive oil, and nuts/seeds.
- Eat alkaline-rich fruits and veggies.
A good rule of thumb is to focus on the green and the natural.
- Cut out soy and coffee.
Although this topic is technically included in your nutrition, we are a bit firmer about this dietary change. Coffee and soy can tire out your organs and your skin, and they may actually introduce more toxins into your body.
You don’t need to give up edamame and Starbucks forever. Cut them out for the week of your detox to give your body a break from the powerful effects of caffeine and soy. Then, slowly start to reintroduce them to your body. You’ll likely find that even after a week without them, your body will crave them less and less!
- Wash with a detoxifying cleanser.
Most facial cleansers have harsh chemicals that can create an uneven balance of skin.
Opt for a more natural wash, like our vitamin C cleanser, that will give your skin a break from the harsh substances. It’ll let your skin breathe again. Then, use a clean washcloth to pat dry without scrubbing.
- Use a clay mask.
Once or twice a week, pamper your skin with an invigorating clay mask. Did you know that your skin actually has an electric charge to it? Impurities and bacteria in your skin are positively charged, while clay is naturally negatively charged. This means that clay can effortlessly draw out toxins and pollutants.
This easy, antioxidant-rich mask is only three ingredients: 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay, 1 tablespoon of raw honey, and 1 tablespoon of water. Combine them in a non-metal bowl and gently apply on your face. Let it sit on your skin for 10-15 minutes and then remove with a warm, moist washcloth. You will immediately feel rejuvenated and fresh!
- Take a bath.
A detoxifying bath opens up your pores and clears out pollutants. A warm bath can further remove toxins through your sweat. Add Epsom salt to your bath to create an even more detoxifying effect. Like clay, negatively-charged Epsom salt works wonders to draw out impurities and calm your skin.
- Use positive face-goodies.
Finally, fight bad with good—and the good will always win out! Apply more natural serums with a higher percentage of organic ingredients and moisturizers that are made to fight off pollutants. Serums are a great way to refresh your skin and help retain moisture (thanks to all that water you’ve been drinking).
If you’re having trouble with wrinkles, impurities, or tired skin, you likely need to reset your skin’s balance. Just a few small changes to your diet and skincare routine for a week or a month (or even a lifetime) will give you a detoxified boost that will make your skin feel happier and look healthier!