(BPT) – You’ve heard of detox diets and ridding your body of toxins, but did you know the same is possible for your skin? Environmental toxins and pollutants not only cause breakouts, but also bring out a dull, less vibrant looking complexion.
“Stressors from your environment and lifestyle can cause redness, irritations and premature aging,” says Claire Larsen, skin category manager for LifeSpa at Life Time Fitness. “Proper skincare goes beyond simply washing your face before you go to bed. Detoxing your skin can help prevent oily and itchy skin, and even age spots and wrinkles.”
Larsen offers her expert tips for detoxifying your skin and flaunting a natural glow year round:
1. Cut out acne causing foods.
Often, what you eat will show up on your face and body. Forehead breakouts are usually due to eating foods your body has trouble breaking down, like refined sugars, carbs, wheat and dairy. Between the brow breakouts are linked to the liver, so try cutting down on alcohol and fatty foods, and adding in liver supporting herbs such as dandelion root, milk thistle seed or yellow dock root. No matter what you do, always be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
2. Identify hormone imbalances.
Track the timing, location, shape, size and sensation of your breakouts. Hormonal acne tends to flare up at predictable times and is likely located beneath the cheekbones and along the jawline. It’s also typically deep, cystic and sensitive. Talk to your dermatologist or health care provider if you think you might have hormonal related breakouts.
3. Notice how your routine affects your skin.
Are you noticing temple breakouts? It could be from the products in your hair. Make sure you’re thoroughly cleansing your face each morning and night, making sure to concentrate on your hair line. It’s also important to regularly change your sheets and pillowcases. Studies show you should wash your bedding once every week.
4. Use detoxifying products.
Serums with vitamins C and E, like Vivierskin(R) CE Peptides Serum, help to neutralize free radicals before they can damage the collagen and elastin in your skin. Products with antioxidants will fight against the toxins and pollutants your skin faces every day. Additionally, a detoxing bath containing Epsom salt, like mio’s Liquid Yoga Bath Soak, will help to clean out your pores.
5. Try a skin detox treatment.
When your skin feels like it needs some extra TLC, head to the spa for a HydraFacialMD(R). LifeSpa’s HydraFacial service deep cleans with vortex extractions and a mild chemical peel while also infusing lots of hydration. A lymphatic drainage can be added for a special focus on detoxification and an LED light treatment can also help with the clarity and smoothness of your skin.
6. Get your sweat on.
When you get your heart beating and your skin sweating, it’s easier for your body to release toxins. Try to work up a sweat at least three days a week. You could even consider trying out a hot yoga class or heated spa session to encourage the sweat beads to fall.
If you notice a problem with your skin, a detox may be just the solution you’ve been searching for. Try these tips to purify your skin so you can radiate confidence, or book an appointment online or at your local LifeSpa, the nation’s largest spa operator, for a personalized skin analysis with a certified esthetician.
