Simple tips and tricks to detox your skin and get that youthful glow

Supple, bright, youthful skin; we all want that perfect complexion. And despite what you might think it’s not all about having fabulous genes. There are some simple and useful things you can do to make the most of what you already have. 

For instance, to achieve that optimal glow start with a regular fitness regime and a healthy diet. Exercise can help eliminate toxins from the body, and proper nutrition is one of the best ways to achieve a clear complexion.

If you’re struggling to get there, try a detox with proper cleansing and cut those harmful toxins from the body. This doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. A few minor changes to your lifestyle can really help. 

Detox brings to mind a short time where we allow ourselves and our body to get an intensive clean to get rid of toxins. If you want a more long term answer to skincare, you might want to consider a regular visit to a skincare professional. They may recommend ongoing treatments, such as the chemical peel, as part of your treatment plan. And we’ve linked a video here if you’d like to know more about that.

In the meantime, if you want to know what you can do at home to detox your skin, here are our easy-to-follow tips for an incredible visage. 

What to Drink 

Quality skincare products and a good cleansing routine will help you keep your complexion clear. Still, natural beauty comes from what we put into our bodies.

Water is the perfect way to get glowing skin as it flushes out toxins, and keeps cells hydrated. 

Some people find plain water tedious, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Avoiding certain beverages and making your own at home herbal concoctions can improve your skin.

• Warm Water with a squeeze of fresh lemon is thought to flush toxins from the system. Lemon and ginger together is also great for digestion and boosts the metabolism. This drink is best on an empty stomach so give it a try first thing in the morning. 
• Caffeinated drinks are best avoided for many reasons. Enjoy a cup or two per day if you must but then swap them for something like green tea. Green tea, in particular, is excellent for metabolism and natural detox. 
• Avoid processed fruit juices. Freshly squeezed juice is full of nutrients including fibre. But the packaged versions often contain preservatives, sugar, flavour enhancers and colouring. 
• Drink cinnamon or fenugreek tea at the end of the day to promote digestion, which helps the body detox.
• Hydration is vital for great skin. The body needs water to function effectively. The best way to ensure you drink enough water through the day is to carry a water bottle with you at all times. And make sure you refill it as often as you need to.

Sleep and the complexion 

Proper sleep is imperative for detoxing the skin. But many of us underestimate the importance of a good night’s rest. 

• Most wrinkles are from the facial expressions we make. But can also result from sleeping on our stomachs or sides. So try sleeping on your back. 
• Sleeping on a coarse material can irritate the skin and cause wrinkles. If you tend to sleep on your side, try a satin or silk pillow to cut irritation. Copper-oxide pillowcases are also thought to reduce fine lines.
• Elevating the head can help with snoring and nasal drip, both of which can disrupt sleep. It also helps reduce bags by improving blood flow. 
• Sleeping in the direct sunlight can damage the health of the skin. If you need to nap during the day, try blackout curtains or move your bed. 

Beauty and food 

If you want to detoxify the skin, the place to start is with the food you eat.

Much of our modern diet is convenience, processed foods which are full of toxins.

But these ‘dirty’ foods aren’t always apparent by their labels alone. So the best thing to do if you want to cleanse the skin from the inside out is to keep it fresh and keep it simple.

• Yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics. These good bacteria can aid the digestive system and cleanses your digestive tract.
• There’s no denying that refined sugars are terrible for the skin. And consuming too much can damage elastin and collagen production. Avoid high fructose corn syrup and things like carbonated drinks and sweets. Always read the labels on prepackaged foods. Keep natural sources of sugar such as fruit to the recommended daily amount.
• Dairy products may cause acne and blocked pores because of hormones they contain. Avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese and mayonnaise altogether while detoxing the skin. Meat often contains hormones too, but grain-fed meat products and organic dairy are fine as part of a healthy diet. 
• Definitely eat more vegetables but particularly during a skin detox. Leafy greens are a great natural skin cleanser as part of a balanced diet. They contain calcium, magnesium and potassium which help maintain healthy skin. Foods high in these minerals are also often high in antioxidants. Consider eating cabbage, kale and spinach as part of your skin detoxing diet.
• Drop saturated and trans fats from your diet. Healthy fats help the body to absorb nutrients which is great for your skin. There are heaps of healthy fats in oily fish. These omega-3 fatty acids have anti-aging properties and help maintain healthy skin cells. Try substituting olive oil in for butter in cooking. It’s a more healthy option and also enables you to avoid dairy. You can also find plenty of healthy fats and antioxidants in avocados too. Nuts and seeds are also full of those beneficial fats.
• Avoid refined foods and snacks. Unhealthy snacking will set you back when it comes to great skin. The secret is to be prepared. Make sure you have chopped veggies, humous, nuts and seeds readily available. This will be a lifesaver when you get hungry between meals.
• Stay Away from Soy. Generally considered a health food, soy contains pimple-causing phytoestrogens. Avoid anything with soy during your skin detox. You’ll likely notice a change in your skin.

Bottom line

Skin is our largest organ, so it makes sense that we need to take great care of it. 

Air pollution, stress and even product build-up can lead to dehydration, compromised function, inflammation, loss of elasticity and firmness, and uneven skin tone.

For a brighter, healthier glow, regular home detox is an excellent idea for your overall wellness. And your skin will thank you with a renewed youthful radiance. But it does deserve a massive investment on our part, just like any other major organ. So maybe it’s time to consider regular visits to a skin care specialist too.