The Other Detox

Generally when planning for a detox, you may think of juicing and fasting. But we propose another different and augmented approach to your fast that is safe to do every day.

Rather than following deprivation diets, we like to facilitate the body's ability to eliminate toxins by taking care of our skin. We say it all of the time, your skin is your largest organ and it is a miracle. This layer of cells that covers your body has many important functions beyond its appearance!

In a nutshell, your skin protects your body from the elements, from the sun, from bacteria and viruses, from physical traumas and from itself through its layers of purposeful cells. It is so resourceful with its ability to maintain its integrity and moisture and to heal itself. It also regulates the temperature of your body through perspiring, sweating and trapping heat through a layer of subcutaneous fat. Finally, it also eliminates toxins in your body through circulation and perspiration.

You can promote the elimination of toxins through your skin by taking some very simple, but intentional steps in your daily self-care routines. Here's how:

For Your Face 

Here's a secret, there is no secret. All of the steps you are about to read are steps you are already familiar with, but you may not realize the total impact that making a commitment to this routine can have on your health. It not only helps with clear and glowing skin, it promotes circulation and lymph draining.

Are you consistently taking care of your skin this way? We know you can do it, so here is a general checklist for a skin detox procedure to remind you:

1. Cleanse your skin: Begin by washing your face with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. This will help prepare your skin for the rest of the detox process.
2. Exfoliate: Use an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Physical exfoliants include scrubs or brushes, while chemical exfoliants use ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells.
3. Steam: Steaming your face can help open up your pores and allow impurities to be removed more easily. You can steam your face at home by filling a bowl with hot water and placing a towel over your head to create a tent. Alternatively, you can visit a spa or salon for a professional facial steam.
4. Extract: Use a tool like a blackhead extractor or a soft tissue to gently remove any blackheads or whiteheads from your skin. Be sure to disinfect your tool before and after use to prevent the spread of bacteria.
5. Mask: Apply a clay or charcoal mask to help draw impurities out of your pores. Leave the mask on for the recommended amount of time, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
6. Tone: After rinsing off the mask, use a toner to help balance your skin's pH and tighten your pores.
7. Moisturize: Finish off the detox by applying a moisturizer to help hydrate and nourish your skin.

Remember to be gentle with your skin during a detox and not to overdo it. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a shorter or less intensive detox routine and gradually work your way up. It's also a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional if you have any concerns or questions about your skin.

For Your Body

I've read that we have around 20 square feet of skin on our bodies! That's a lot of surface and a lot of opportunity to engage in intentional self care. Know your body, know the little moles and sunspots. Know the texture and tone of your skin and the underlying tissues. By touching your skin, you can also send love to yourself. You can build your wellbeing in this kind of relationship with your body.

So utilize these techniques to know yourself and feel great that you are helping your body to circulate and eliminate toxins as a result:

1. Dry brush: Dry brushing is a process of using a natural-bristle brush, natural loofah, or even a dry wash cloth to exfoliate and stimulate the skin. It can help improve circulation and remove dead skin cells, and is typically done before showering or bathing.
2. Shower or bathe: Use a clean, non-toxic body wash or soap to cleanse your skin and remove any dirt and sweat. Avoid using hot water, as it can strip your skin of its natural oils.
3. Exfoliate: Use a body scrub to exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells. This can help improve the texture and appearance of your skin, and may also help with circulation.
4. Moisturize: After showering or bathing, apply a truly natural moisturizing balm, butter or oil to your skin to help hydrate and nourish it. Pay particular attention to areas that are prone to dryness, such as your elbows, knees, and heels.
5. Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is important for maintaining healthy skin. Aim to drink at least 8-8 ounces of water per day to help flush toxins out of your body and keep your skin hydrated.
6. Eat a healthy, balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods can help support the health and appearance of your skin. Avoid processed and sugary foods, which can contribute to inflammation and other skin issues.
7. Get plenty of sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for healthy skin, as it gives your body time to repair and regenerate. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help your skin stay healthy and radiant.

Pretty soon these routines will become just a regular part of your life and you won't even have to think about them and suddenly you will look at yourself and realize you have a new glow and new vitality to your person that you love. 

Let us know what you think and report back with how you feel!

With warm regards,

Kristine Sperling and the Makes 3 Organics Wellness Team

Kristine Sperling is a wellness enthusiast and co-founder of Makes 3 Organics, an organic brand dedicated to providing consumers organic alternatives to conventional personal care products. She lives in Santa Barbara, California, with her co-founder husband, Dan, their teenager, Alice, and their blue Shih Tzu, King.