Did you know your skin is your biggest detox organ
Contents
How does your skin help you detox?
Unleash your skin’s full detoxifying powers with the right nutrition
Skin detox from the inside out
Start your journey towards glowy, protective skin with LivvNatural
Skin detox solutions are all the rage, but is there any truth to it?
Your skin is your largest organ, and it helps your body detox. It functions as a protective barrier against UV radiation, germs, and toxins.
Let’s discuss how you can harness your skin’s detoxifying powers using natural methods. We also give you tips for a healthy body that promotes glowy, youthful skin.
How does your skin help you detox?
Your skin is one of the largest organs and it plays a number of essential roles. It regulates body temperature, absorbs vitamin D, and gives you the sensation of touch.
The skin has one very special function that many don’t know about; detoxification. When you sweat, it helps release water from your body and prevents fluid retention.
Some toxins in the body are also let out through the sweat and skin. One example is urea, which is a waste product. Your liver forms it when breaking down proteins from the food you eat and some of it is released via sweat. The remainder leaves your body through urination.
Toxins excreted through the skin leave the body through the pores. When you shower, you wash them away.
You can also absorb pollutants through your skin. Dust, smoke, and germs can all stick to it. In this way, your largest organ protects you from environmental toxins as well.
Your skin also sheds through a process called desquamation. Enzymes loosen the bonds between your barrier and corneocytes. It helps dead skin fall off easily.
Skin cells take an average of 28 days to go from creation to desquamation. In this process, it also detoxifies any toxins or bacteria that collect on the surface.
Your skin also holds your microbiome. It consists of around 1 trillion fungi, viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. They live on you and also detoxify you. Some of them eat the dead skin and dirt. They secrete post-biotics which strengthen the skin barrier and balance oil levels.
Unleash your skin’s full detoxifying powers with the right nutrition
Hippocrates’ famous attributed quote “Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food”, is more relevant than ever today.
People turn to prescription drugs to treat all ailments. The truth is more often than not, our bodies can heal themselves. The food you eat can give you strength, relieve pains, and help reverse aging.
The right foods can also make your skin glow and detox your body. Let’s discuss some golden rules of skin nutrition.
Cut out alcohol and coffee
Coffee and alcohol increase acidity in your stomach. These drinks may cause inflammation of the gut and interfere with your hormones. While most people can handle them in moderation, it’s best to stop consumption during a detox.
It’s no secret that coffee is dehydrating. The infamous caffeine bathroom trips reveal its powerful diuretic effects. It can dehydrate your skin and accelerate the production of wrinkles.
Alcohol is incredibly dehydrating. It makes the skin look dull and lifeless. The lack of hydration also affects cell turnover. It makes it challenging for your skin to regenerate. Excessive consumption can increase the chances of premature aging.
Alcohol also causes inflammation and may increase acne, redness, and puffiness. It also enlarges the pores which can block oil from flowing freely. This effect may cause severe breakouts. The high sugar content damages elastin production, making skin less firm.
Swap refined sugars for fruits
Foods high in refined sugars like donuts and pies are linked to heart disease and liver diseases.
Refined sugar can cause inflammation and damage your collagen structure and liver function. It can seriously affect your body’s ability to remove toxins.
Replace refined sugars with natural options. Fresh fruits give you the energy boost you need. They’re high in antioxidants that protect your skin from damage and pollution.
Choose hydrating fruits like watermelons and strawberries. Their high water content keeps your skin plump and youthful.
One study found that incorporating more fruits increases the attractiveness of the skin. It’s largely due to carotenoids, which are organic yellow-red pigments in plants.
Sip on detoxifying drinks
Just because you can’t have sodas and unhealthy drinks doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious beverages. Use nutritious ingredients to create robust refreshments.
Here are two of our favorite detoxifying drinks that’ll have you glowing from the inside out.
Cucumber and mint
Mix a small handful of mint and thinly sliced cucumbers in a pitcher of sparkling water. This drink is perfect for a hot summer’s day or a mocktail with friends.
The mint may soothe upset tummies and improve the flow of bile. Cucumber is hydrating and high in vitamin K. It helps blood clot and maintains strong bones. Sparking water hits the fizzy spot if you miss sodas and it also keeps you regular.
Honey lemon ginger tea
This cuppa is the perfect hearty brew for a chilly day when you feel the flu coming. It’s packed with antioxidants that leave your skin glowy. The best part? It’s absolutely delicious.
To make honey lemon ginger tea, simply simmer the following ingredients. Brew on low heat for about 15 minutes:
- 1 tsp Ginger, finely chopped
- 3 Cups of water
- 1 tsp Tea leaves, for every cup
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Honey
Eat your fruits and veggies
Introducing more plant foods is the key to glowing, gorgeous skin. Vegetables keep you regular and have detoxifying superpowers.
Beta-carotene, found in orange veggies like carrots, and sweet potatoes, improves skin tone. It also promotes normal skin cell development and may help with liver detoxification.
Avocados aren’t just delicious, they boast high levels of monounsaturated fats. These creamy fruits can reduce oxidative stress caused by pollution and inflammation. They also have vitamin C, which may stimulate collagen production.
Supplements
Vitamins are our life source, yet most people don’t get enough of the right kind with our modern diets. Supplements help you get the nutrients you’re lacking without additional calories.
Vitamin C is a must-have for detoxification and skin health. It promotes the renewal of skin cells, boosts collagen, and aids wound healing.
A lesser-known but powerful supplement is N-acetylcysteine (NAC). It’s an amino acid that prevents oxidative damage to the liver. It’s especially important for people who use prescription drugs or alcohol.
NAC may prevent inflammation in the liver and has powerful detoxifying abilities. In fact, physicians use it intravenously. It prevents kidney and liver damage from acetaminophen overdose.
One of the most efficient ways to nourish your body is with IV treatments. It’s the fastest way to get vitamins into your system and boost your immune system.
Check out our IV Lounge. We have a range of high-quality vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Reduce red meat consumption
Red meat is a great source of protein and iron but it’s high in saturated fat. During a skin detox period, it’s best to reduce your consumption and stick to leaner options.
Excess saturated fat can raise your cholesterol. Red meat also boosts the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). It can raise inflammation and may trigger cancer cells.
Instead of red meat, opt for fatty fish like salmon. It’s filled with healthy omegas that nourish your body and keep your heart healthy.
Skin detox from the inside out
While detoxifying the skin does help, your other organs play a bigger role. The kidney, lymphatic system, liver, lungs, and digestive system work tirelessly.
Let’s discuss how to detox and keep your body healthy inside out.
Be kind to your kidney
Your kidneys work hard to filter toxins from your blood. It eliminates the nasties via the urine.
The most important thing is to drink plenty of water. The National Academy of Medicine recommends 13 cups of fluids for men and 9 for women.
Water helps your kidneys flush out toxins via urination. It prevents dehydration and kidney stones.
Reduce your meat and dairy consumption. These foods are difficult to metabolize. They make your kidneys work harder to remove waste products.
Alcohol can affect kidney function and hinder their methods of filtering blood. It also disturbs the body’s ability to balance electrolytes and fluids.
Love your liver
What body system removes most of the toxins from the body? Your liver performs most of the work in the detoxifying process. Drink enough water and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to help it.
Milk thistle is an excellent natural liver supplement. It can protect the liver from toxins and improve its efficiency.
A glass of lemon water first thing in the morning may be beneficial. It could hydrate your liver and kickstart the detoxifying process.
Nourish your digestive system
You are what you eat. The gut microbiome affects everything from your skin to your mental health.
Eat the rainbow. Incorporate fruits and veggies into every meal. Ensure you’re getting enough fiber by eating fruits and healthy carbs.
Probiotics and fermented foods like kefir help restore good gut bacteria. They improve digestion and keep you regular.
Avoid sugary drinks and foods. They affect your body’s ability to detox. Try to drink before or after, but not during meals to prevent digestive juices from being diluted.
Treat your gut well and your skin will glow. It can also improve your mood, reduce inflammation, and prevent bloating.
Treat your skin with care
Your skin is your first line of defense and the largest organ. It helps detoxify cells and absorbs vitamin D.
Sweat is one of the main ways to help your skin detox. Engage in vigorous exercise at least three times a week.
Try an infrared sauna to sweat it out and get your skin to work.
Skin brushing is an excellent option to add to your self-care routine. It removes dead skin, eliminates waste from pores, and boosts circulation.
Protect your lymphatic system
The lymphatic system plays a major role in detoxifying.
Skin brushing is also excellent. It activates the lymphatic system and speeds up waste removal.
Regular massages can boost the detoxifying abilities. It helps your lymphatic system easily remove toxins.
Fill your lungs with health
Your lungs take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. They filter out impurities with every breath.
The most important thing is to avoid smoking. Use a peppermint oil steam to relax the respiratory muscles.
Practice diaphragmatic breathing to ensure your lungs don’t work harder than they should.
Use an air purifier to keep toxins like mold out of your lungs.
Start your journey towards glowy, protective skin with LivvNatural
The skin is the largest organ. It helps your body detoxify through sweat. It also goes through a desquamation process every 28 days. It sheds off toxins and dead cells.
Your other organs, like your liver, kidney, and gut, play a bigger role in detoxing the body. Taking care of yourself from the inside out will help your skin thrive.
Reduce your consumption of red meat and add more fruit and vegetables to your diet. Try supplements like NAC and vitamin C. Exercise regularly to sweat out toxins and help your skin get to work.
Book an appointment with us for natural and holistic skincare. Our naturopathic specialists are ready to help you get the best out of your skin.
Author: Dr. Jason Phan NMD – Founder of LIVV Natural – Anti-aging – regenerative medicine – peptide therapy
