Beautiful skin glows with health and radiance. Not only is the skin our largest organ, it is a visible reflection of our physical and mental wellbeing. Many different factors affect the health and appearance of our skin, some intrinsic and others extrinsic. Apart from a poor diet and stress, the build up of toxins and synthetic chemicals can interfere with skin health more than any other factor. Internal and external toxic overload makes normal functioning of the skin very difficult, encouraging problems like acne, dryness and premature ageing.
Common causes of Intrinsic toxicity.
Unhealthy diet, especially regular consumption of deep fried, processed and commercially prepared foods.
Lack of exercise.
Smoking.
Long term use of prescription drugs.
Prolonged stress.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Common causes of extrinsic toxicity.
Continuous use of chemical based skincare products.
Exposure to synthetic perfumes/sprays.
Pollution from car fumes/factories.
Regular exposure to passive cigarette smoke.
Making a few simple changes to your regular routine and the products you use can significantly improve the
appearance and health of your skin by reducing its toxic overload.
Here is a checklist for helping your skin to get softer, smoother and brighter every day.
*Start the day with a mini cleanse by drinking a cup of warm water with a few drops of lemon juice.
*Decrease your exposure to harmful chemicals and synthetic additives by choosing skincare products that are truly natural. Some of the most widespread chemicals found in skincare and toiletries include, Parabens, DEA, MEA, TEA, and Isopropyl Alcohol to name just a few.
*Get plenty of exercise, regular exercise increases lymph flow which can help reduce puffiness, dullness and acne.
*Exfoliate regularly using a gentle exfoliator. This will remove deeply imbedded dead skin cells and impurities to encourage fresher and smoother skin to come to the surface.
*Have regular saunas to induce perspiration, remove toxins and activate your skins elimination process.
*Stay away from white sugar and avoid artificial sweeteners. Natural unprocessed sweeteners like honey and dark brown sugar are much better options as they actually provide the body with some nutrients rather than providing the body with pure carbohydrates.
*Drinking herbal teas is a gentle and effective method of eliminating toxins. Excellent detoxing herbs include Burdock, dandelion and sarsaparilla.
*Improve kidney function by drinking 6 glasses of pure filtered water daily.
*Limit your intake of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
*Include plenty of fresh, raw fruit and vegetables in your diet. The skin thrives on the living nutrients from fresh wholesome and unadulterated foods.
*Use a clay based face mask once a week, there a various different clays to suit almost all skin types, from mild and gentle pink and white clays to deeply clarifying Fullers earth and Bentonite.
*Regular facial and body massage with a detoxing essential oil blend can be very helpful at reducing the effects of congestion in the skin.
And remember, our skin tells the truth. When we are mentally and physically in balance, it glows, get depressed and it responds by becoming lifeless and dull. Our skin displays very accurate information about our state of mind, overall energy and vitality. It deserves the same quality of pure and natural nourishment topically as we feed our bodies internally.
Disclaimer:The content of this article is for general information only. Please refer to your health practitioner before making any changes to your diet/lifestyle, especially you have any medical health problems.
Marisa is a therapist and founder of Alive Earth skincare. To see her unique range of truly natural, toxin free skincare go to http://www.aliveearth.co.uk.
Common causes of Intrinsic toxicity.
Unhealthy diet, especially regular consumption of deep fried, processed and commercially prepared foods.
Lack of exercise.
Smoking.
Long term use of prescription drugs.
Prolonged stress.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Common causes of extrinsic toxicity.
Continuous use of chemical based skincare products.
Exposure to synthetic perfumes/sprays.
Pollution from car fumes/factories.
Regular exposure to passive cigarette smoke.
Making a few simple changes to your regular routine and the products you use can significantly improve the
appearance and health of your skin by reducing its toxic overload.
Here is a checklist for helping your skin to get softer, smoother and brighter every day.
*Start the day with a mini cleanse by drinking a cup of warm water with a few drops of lemon juice.
*Decrease your exposure to harmful chemicals and synthetic additives by choosing skincare products that are truly natural. Some of the most widespread chemicals found in skincare and toiletries include, Parabens, DEA, MEA, TEA, and Isopropyl Alcohol to name just a few.
*Get plenty of exercise, regular exercise increases lymph flow which can help reduce puffiness, dullness and acne.
*Exfoliate regularly using a gentle exfoliator. This will remove deeply imbedded dead skin cells and impurities to encourage fresher and smoother skin to come to the surface.
*Have regular saunas to induce perspiration, remove toxins and activate your skins elimination process.
*Stay away from white sugar and avoid artificial sweeteners. Natural unprocessed sweeteners like honey and dark brown sugar are much better options as they actually provide the body with some nutrients rather than providing the body with pure carbohydrates.
*Drinking herbal teas is a gentle and effective method of eliminating toxins. Excellent detoxing herbs include Burdock, dandelion and sarsaparilla.
*Improve kidney function by drinking 6 glasses of pure filtered water daily.
*Limit your intake of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
*Include plenty of fresh, raw fruit and vegetables in your diet. The skin thrives on the living nutrients from fresh wholesome and unadulterated foods.
*Use a clay based face mask once a week, there a various different clays to suit almost all skin types, from mild and gentle pink and white clays to deeply clarifying Fullers earth and Bentonite.
*Regular facial and body massage with a detoxing essential oil blend can be very helpful at reducing the effects of congestion in the skin.
And remember, our skin tells the truth. When we are mentally and physically in balance, it glows, get depressed and it responds by becoming lifeless and dull. Our skin displays very accurate information about our state of mind, overall energy and vitality. It deserves the same quality of pure and natural nourishment topically as we feed our bodies internally.
Disclaimer:The content of this article is for general information only. Please refer to your health practitioner before making any changes to your diet/lifestyle, especially you have any medical health problems.
Marisa is a therapist and founder of Alive Earth skincare. To see her unique range of truly natural, toxin free skincare go to http://www.aliveearth.co.uk.