Skin Detox Tips and DIY Face Mask

Thanks so much for all of your positive feedback on my last detox post!  So many of you were interested in learning more about detoxing through the skin, so I’m happy to share with you!

First of all, a bit of background on the different channels of elimination in your body.  There are 7 channels in total.  I can provide more info on each of these in upcoming blog posts if you’re interested.  Let me know in the comments!

1. Colon
2. Lungs
3. Liver
4. Kidneys
5. Blood
6. Lymphatic System
7. Skin

Before we get into how the skin eliminates toxins, I feel the need to talk a little bit about why it’s important not to put toxic stuff onto your skin in the first place.

Here are some shocking facts about skincare products.

• 60% of what you put on the surface of your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream within 15 minutes!

• Canadian women use an average or 15 beauty/cosmetic products per day, which can contain up to 126 chemical ingredients.

You’d be surprised that many of the higher end brands that have an image of being “clean” and “natural” have really toxic stuff in them.  Be a beauty detective and look out for things like perfume or fragrance, BHA and BHT, parabens, triclosan and sodium laureth sulphate.

Fragrance/Parfum is one of my pet peeves.  And this one is hard to escape.  Take a look and you’ll find it in almost all of your beauty products.  Essential oils are such a better alternative and besides being totally safe,  they actually have therapeutic properties. So why don’t cosmetic companies use essential oils?  Because synthetic fragrances are a whole lot cheaper, that’s why.

So in addition to REDUCING the toxic stuff you put on your skin, here are four easy things you can do that will have a big impact on increasing the detoxification through your skin, and lead to glowing radiant skin!

1. Dry brushing

Dry skin brushing is a great way to eliminate toxins, and it only takes about 5 minutes a day!  Make sure to use a natural (not synthetic!) bristle brush, and start brushing your skin at your feet and work towards your heart.  Use circular motions, overlapping each area as you go, and always towards your heart.  Benefits include stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps eliminate cellular waste, release toxins and reduce inflammation.  It will also remove dead, dry skin and increase circulation, which encourages elimination of metabolic waste.

2. Sweat it out!

Sweating is one of the most effective ways to eliminate toxins through your skin.  A good cardio workout is a great way to sweat your toxins out.

Even better, try an Infrared Sauna.  Unlike regular saunas, the heat from an infrared sauna penetrates much deeper into the body, warming your core body temperature.   This gives you a good sweat at the cellular level, which is great at removing toxins at their source.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water helps to flush out toxins and push waste through the digestive tract for elimination.  You should be drinking 1/2 ounce of water for every pound of body weight.

4. DIY Home Facial Spa

Treat yourself to an at home spa day and follow these three steps.

1. Exfoliate

Start with a clean, exfoliated face.  DIY recipe for my Almond Facial Scrub is in my Radiant Beauty Guide.  If you don’t already have a copy, download it free here.

Free Radiant Beauty Guide

2. Steam

Open your pores with a facial steam.

• Add 1 tsp of grapeseed or sweet almond oil and 2 drops of essential oils to 2L of boiling water.
• Use a towel to create a tent over the bowl and your head, keeping your face at lease 12 inches from the surface of the water.
• Keep your eyes closed and relax for 5 to 10 minutes.

If you don’t want to spend a lot on a bunch of essential oils, lavender is great for all skin types and has so many more uses.  Well worth the investment!  But if you’re an essential oil junkie like me, here are some suggestions for different skin types.

Normal/combination skin  – geranium, lavender, yang ylang

Dry skin  – lavender, carrot seed, neroli

Oily skin  – lavender, lemongrass, cedarwood

Mature skin – lavender, frankincense, clary sage

3. Clay Mask

With your pores nice and open, now you’re ready to add minerals into the skin and draw out toxins.  Here’s what you’ll need.

2 tsp clay of your choice

There are lots of different clays to choose from, but here are a couple of examples.   Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or want more info on different types of clay or where to purchase.

French Green Clay removes impurities from the skin, stimulates blood flow and tightens pores.

Bentonite Clay draws out toxins, reduces pore size and helps prevent and treat acne.

Liquid

Choose from below depending on your skin type.

Dry skin – water, apple cider vinegar or liquid honey (healing)

Normal/Combination skin – water, egg white (firming) or liquid honey (healing)

Oily skin – water, egg white, or yogurt (astringent)

Directions

• Use just enough liquid to make a soft paste.  Mix liquid with the clay and spread on your face and neck.
• Leave on until it starts to dry, but don’t let it stay until fully dry or it can can draw moisture out of the skin and may leave skin dry or irritated.
• Rinse off thoroughly and enjoy beautiful radiant skin!

Let me know your thoughts and comments!  And I would love it if you’d share on social media using the links below.

With Love and Gratitude,

Leanne

xox