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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Have harsh winter temperatures or a recent chocolate binge seem to be showing up on your face? If you are looking to revitalize your skin, perhaps you are attracted by the recent skin detox trends. However, the myth that your skin needs to detox, is just that – a myth. Unlike the liver or the kidneys, which process and remove toxins from your body every day, such as environmental pollutants, drugs like NSAIDS, certain medications or herbs and even super sugary drinks, the skin does not need to be “cleansed” like some of your other internal organs. “Your skin’s natural, innate ability to turnover every 28 days clarifies and cleanses your system automatically,” explains Dr. Davin Lim, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Brisbane, Australia. “What you do need to do [instead] is actually prevent oxidative processes from occurring in the first place. Avoid the sun, use sunscreen and use active ingredients [like] vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C. You can use these as free radical scavengers.”

Skin Detox Free Radical Facts

What are free radicals exactly? They are unstable, oxygen-rich molecules that can damage cells in the body. When you’re exposed to free radicals – like experiencing a sunburn after a long day at the beach, a process called oxidative stress is triggered. Studies show that long term or high levels of oxidative stress can lead to a whole host of illnesses and age-related diseases in the body such as Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts or diabetes. When it comes to skin cells, the latest research reveals that oxidative stress (such as that sunburn from your beach vacation) can cause more fine lines and wrinkles to form, encouraging dull, uneven skin tone, increasing the formation of dark spots and sagging or loose skin and eventually even skin cancer. Exposure to UV radiation and toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, air pollutants and cigarette smoke are the main ways your skin is exposed to free radicals. “Remember that UV rays and environmental pollutants cause [oxidative] stress to the DNA in your skin, breaking down all the good things in your skin which provide structure and support for your pores and your wrinkles, your fine lines, laxity and all that, including your collagen and your elastin, your amino glycans, your hyaluronic acid,” Dr. Lim adds. “They can [all] be degraded because of free radicals. So the whole idea is to scavenge those free radicals before they actually damage DNA. That is the key.”

How to Detox Skin: 3 Habits

Once your skin has been exposed to free radicals, no amount of cleansing or detoxing will completely reduce the harm. “A facial detox does not mean dedicating one week to removing all impurities, toxins, pollutants and dead skin cells possible to renew and revitalize your skin back to how it normally looks,” Dr. Lim explains. “Real detoxification means prevention of oxidation and collagen breakdown for life! This means developing a regime that suits you – for life.” What does a preventative skin regimen look like? Each person’s skin is different and unique but there are some easy ways to stop or reduce your exposure to free radicals no matter who you are.

Use sunscreen daily

The most effective method of preventing oxidative stress is to use sunscreen. “The cornerstone of [skin] management is with a SPF of 30, [applied] twice a day, to reduce formation of free radicals,” Lim agrees. Even in the winter or on cloudy days, your skin can be affected by the sun’s rays. Remember that not only do UV rays increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer, but they can also lead to the creation of fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots and burns. Keep your skin plumb and hydrated with Andalou Naturals’ Deep Hydration Daily Shade, a face cream which contains moisturizing hyaluronic acid and aloe, but is also formulated to protect against both UV rays as well as blue light from computer screens.

Antioxidants are essential

Want to make your sunscreen even more effective? Apply these to your skin beforehand. Vitamins like A, C and E are potent antioxidants – substances that scientists have discovered neutralize reactive oxygen, preventing oxidative damage to cells and tissues. In other words, they protect against free radicals, which would otherwise break down collagen and elastin in your skin. Honest’s The Daily Green Juice Antioxidant Super Serum is the perfect serum to layer under your sunscreen as it contains carrot, kale, lemon and green tea extracts which are rich in Vitamins A, C and E.

Exfoliation is your friend

Helping to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, even though this happens naturally every 28 days, clears pores of oil which can slow the process of skin turnover and help reduce the signs of aging (such as sunspots and blemishes), effectively brightening your complexion overall. “Glycolic acid peels or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) peels are the best for generating collagen,” Dr. Lim adds. “[While] salicylic acid and beta hydroxy acid peels are great for exfoliation. They also work as anti-inflammatories.” Mad Hippie’s AHA Exfoliating Peel fits the bill, using lactic acid to help rejuvenated skin cells along with apple stem cells and alpine plant extracts to trigger additional brightening power and skin cell protection.

What Else Can You Do for Skin Health?

Though it’s true that toxins aren’t expelled from the body through the skin, reducing them in your body can impact your skin’s overall health. Consider the following for a healthier, glowing complexion.

Ditch alcohol and tobacco

Research reveals that both of these substances have significantly negative impacts on skin health, leading to premature aging by causing dryness, wrinkles, reduced collagen production and increased susceptibility to skin conditions like rosacea. Alcohol and tobacco have been shown to contribute to slower wound healing and a dull appearance due to decreased blood flow to the skin as well. “90% of environmental pollutions and toxins come from cigarette smoking. If you cut out cigarette smoking and if you’re well protected in regards to UV [rays], you’ve detoxed your skin,” Dr. Lim confirms.

Drink water

Drinking more water can positively impact your skin by keeping it hydrated, which can lead to a plumper, smoother appearance. Water is important for your skin because it helps deliver nutrients and oxygen, plus it helps remove waste. Research also confirms that increasing your water intake can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve skin elasticity and reduce acne by aiding in the balance of oil production. Essentially, adequate water intake contributes to a healthy, radiant complexion by maintaining proper skin cell function.

Avoid inflammatory foods

Foods that are highly processed and contain large amounts of sugar, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats can negatively impact the skin by contributing to inflammation, potentially leading to flare-ups of conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Red meat, pastries, fried foods and refined grains are associated with an increase in skin redness, irritation and an overall weakened skin barrier – whereas a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids can help mitigate these effects. It turns out that detoxing your skin doesn’t involve strict juice cleanses, intensive enemas, spicy detoxing teas or steamy sauna sessions. “Remember, skin is as individual as you are, so developing a regime takes time and a little trial and error,” Dr. Lim summarizes. “It [involves] the four Rs – rejuvenate, repair, restore and revolumize. We use those four Rs to actually improve your skin and the way we do it is scientifically.” Rejuvenate skin through exfoliation, repair it with antioxidants, restore it with sunscreen and revolumize it with water. The recipe is yours – now time to “detox!”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="183034" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1741956167077{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/mad-hippie-aha-exfoliating-peel"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="183032" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1741956180383{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/andalou-naturals-deep-hydration-daily-shade-blue-light-defense-spf-30"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="183031" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1741956192155{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/honest-the-daily-green-juice-antioxidant-super-serum"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]