Sum Solutions to Complement Detox
Are you convinced that your skin and body would benefit from a detox? Read on for sum solutions to get you started.
DIET
Reduce your intake of the inflammatory foods listed above and choose healthier options. Drink herbal teas, turmeric milk, incorporate more dark leafy greens, avocado, chia and flax seeds, drink green vegetable juices that are not filled with fruits (I like to say eat your fruit and drink your greens), soak your seeds and nuts, drink plenty of water, cook with roots such as turmeric, celery, burdock, and ginger, and try sipping on herbal teas.
CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS
Dare to go bare! Use products free of toxins. Disregard the marketing on the label and read the ingredients list. Be wary of greenwashing jargon such as “all natural,” “chemical free,” “toxin free.” Just focus on the ingredients. With so many options, a good rule of thumb is if you can’t read it or don’t know what it is, then skip it.
LIFESTYLE
Hydrate inside and out, especially while traveling. If you smoke, try to do so outside, upwind, and wash your hands and face after. Shower promptly after exercising and sweating. Wash your face after exposure to dirt and other particulates. Keep the car window open for fresh air if not in heavy traffic when there’s increased exhaust. Wash new clothes before wearing and give your skin a “breather.” Try going makeup free!
STRESS
Make a list of your personal stress-busters. They could be anything from reading a book, spending time with friends and family, practicing yoga, exercising, walking, going to the movies or laughing. Make sure you are making time to incorporate de-stressers into your life. Keeping this list will act as a reminder.
Try to start and end your day with three deep belly breaths and remember to take deep, calming breaths throughout the day.
MEDICATIONS
Read and know the side effects. Talk to your doctor. With your doctor’s advice, counterbalance them the best you can.
HORMONES
At different times in our lives, hormones can affect both our skin and overall health. If you feel hormones are playing a role in your skin/health issues, talk to your doctor.
PORE-CLOGGING OILS IN PRODUCTS
Not all oils are created equal and thus not all oils are beneficial for every part of your body. While cocoa butter, coconut butter and shea butter in body lotions are wonderful (meant from the neck down), I do not recommend using them on your face. Shea butter in small percentages in a face cream is fine, but since you likely don’t know the exact amount in a cream, I suggest skipping it. Look for non-pore-clogging oils, such as jojoba, argan, hemp, sunflower, avocado, tamanu, rosehip, and sea buckthorn.
In our last post of the Detox Series, discover some ingredients to look for when detoxing in skin care and the results you might expect if you stay committed and help your body rid itself of harmful toxins and chemicals.