The skin is the body’s largest organ and the first line of protection from our toxic-laden environment – it’s imperative we look after it.
A sensible skin detox regime, along with sound sleep, a nourishing diet and regular exercise will not only help us stay looking fabulous on the outside, but more importantly, clean and unclogged skin means toxins and impurities can make their effortless escape.
Our skin is one of our leading detoxification organs and consists of three primary layers. The epidermis, the outer layer is the part we can see.
The dermis is the second layer under the epidermis and consists of nerve endings, connective tissue, sweat glands, collagen and elastin. The third layer, the hypodermis, is subcutaneous fat and attaches the skin to bone and muscle.
1. Body Brushing
This ancient ritual of brushing off dead cells from the surface of the skin, leaves you feeling tingling all over. Use a long-handled brush, ensure the bristles are natural and with long sweeps brush up the body starting from your feet.
Brush every morning before your shower and you’ll soon notice cellulite and dimples diminish, your skin will feel silky and smooth and you’ll feel revitalised and alive!
2. Hot & Cold Therapy
Alternate the temperature of your shower from hot and cold. Be brave and turn the shower to as hot as you can stand for 20 seconds and then to as cold as you can bear for 20 seconds. Repeat 10 times. As you get used to this detoxifying ritual you can increase the length to 45 seconds each round.
3. Skin detox bath
If you prefer baths instead, then adding a cup of raw apple cider vinegar to the tub helps reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation. Don’t panic, you won’t smell like vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar can be taken internally and used externally, fights bacteria and aids detoxification of the liver. Or throw in a cup of Epsom salts. Epsom salts (from the spa town of Epsom in the UK) will also kickstart your body cleanse.
4. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!
There are many organic skin ranges now on the market (always read the labels) and there’s my favourite - trusted and reliable organic coconut oil.
Take your pick and make time to sensually massage the oil or cream into your body to nourish and replenish the skin.
Book yourself a monthly massage treat – lymphatic drainage massage stimulates the lymphatic system and boosts the body’s natural elimination process.
5. Practise Hot Yoga.
Bikram and hot yoga are widely available nowadays and a fantastic (and challenging) way to sweat it out. 90 minutes of poses will leave you feeling drenched yet energised.
Hot yoga improves sleep, naturally cleanses the body, and you’ll find you can knot yourself easier in a temperature of 105°F and 40% humidity. If yoga’s not for you – visit the steam room at your local leisure centre or health club to practise a few stretches.
As we age, fluctuating hormone levels causes skin to lose elasticity, become drier and generally more lined and although I don’t advocate "fighting" the natural ageing process aggressively, we can certainly take powerful steps to ensure our skin is at its best at whatever age we are.
Simply incorporate these 5 easy tips into your daily life and you'll be amazed how clear and bright your skin will be.
