To most people, 'Detox' is making up for over-indulgence in rich or unhealthy foods, alcohol, and caffeinated or sugary drinks by avoiding them for short periods of time.
Too much of a good thing can be detrimental but the best way to determine whether or not you actually need to detox is by assessing your complexion; your skin is the body’s largest organ of elimination and detoxification after all so one of the first places a poor diet and lifestyle will be reflected is here. Who would have thought it would be that simple?
Internally, when your liver, colon and kidneys are overloaded with toxins they become unable to filter, absorb and assimilate further impurities coming from your digestive tract. Externally, your skin will then try to compensate for this by releasing toxins through its surface, via sweat, skin rashes and abscesses.
If your body is not given the tools or time to cleanse itself properly an excessive build up of toxins can occur, which your skin will react to. Signs of this include acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, dull/sallow appearance, dark circles around the eyes and dehydration lines over the face. Your body could suffer from weight gain, a constant sluggishness feeling, bloating, IBS, and dull hair and nails.
These physical toxins can cause emotional distress brought on by their effects on a body and skin that haven’t been able to detox effectively. Dealing with these additional emotional stressors is vital to your overall health as, when combined with physical toxins, they can adversely affect the rate at which your body is able to heal and repair itself.
By giving your body the chance to cleanse itself the results have to potential to be extraordinary. The entire body can regenerate itself in two to three years; 98% of the body’s atoms are replaced every two years. Red blood cells are rebuilt within four to six months, the liver in six weeks, the stomach in one month, and the intestinal lining in five days. In order for our bodies to work at optimal function they have to be given the right fuels made up of wholesome food and active lifestyles to build healthy tissues and organs.
Toxins are removed from the body in the same way that they can enter the body; through the skin. To help with this process, synthetic-based products should be removed from daily routines. Ingredients such as Mineral Oil and Lanolin will block comedones and cause irritation and damage to the skin. This irritation and damage can be caused to any skin types of any age, including new-born babies.
Parabens are another low cost preservative used in products and can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis. They also have the ability to mimic Estrogen, a hormone known to play a role in the development of breast cancer and increase the prevalence of early puberty in girls.
Natural and organic plant and marine based products are best to assist with detoxification; they will be a much closer match to your skin’s receptors, allowing the skin to safely and comfortably absorb every beneficial ingredient within them.
Nutrient rich ingredients such as Seaweed, Allantoin, Aloe Vera, Horse Chestnut, Retinyl Palmitate (Vit A), Tocopherol (Vit E) and Squalane will increase
circulation helping in the process of toxin elimination from the skin and other organs. Pevonia’s Crepe-No-More Body Cream and Stem Cells Intensive Body Corrector for Cellulite are perfect examples of products rich in these beneficial ingredients.
Ingredients and products rich in Vitamin C will help to repair and renew collagen and skin cells that have been damaged by free radicals, such as Pevonia’s facial skincare “C” Complex with Oxyzomes Concentrate.
Free radicals are produced by environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, sun exposure, and some skincare products containing synthetic ingredients while free radical damage is caused by the metabolism as it fights against these factors as well as against the harmful viruses and bacteria they may carry. Our bodies can typically handle free radicals but if antioxidants are unavailable or if the production of free radicals becomes excessive then damage can occur in the form of premature skin ageing so it’s important to ensure your antioxidant needs are being met both internally and topically.
Weekly facial and body exfoliation can aid in the elimination of surface toxins. Pevonia’s Ligne Tropical De-Ageing Saltmousse is an exfoliator rich in pineapple and papaya enzymes that remove dead skin cells and increase circulation. Couple with daily dry body brushing to completely eliminate dead skin cells, improve lymph and blood circulation and decrease visible puffiness.
Monthly seaweed and mud wraps such as Pevonia’s Detox Seaweed Thalasso Wrap and Stem Cells Body Contouring Wrap alongside stimulating massages, regular exercise and a healthy diet including water and herbal teas will greatly assist the body with its detoxification processes.
Good nutrition is also crucial to create a healthy complexion. During meals cut down on sugars, carbohydrates, red meat, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods. Increase your intake of fibre which can be found in whole grains, fruit, vegetables and flaxseeds.
Developing good long-term habits is much better and more important for your overall health than a radical yet short-lived detox plan. Before embarking on any programme it is important to take into account your lifestyle, daily calorie and nutrient needs and your age.
This is where your Pevonia therapist can help by offering you safe, beneficial and bespoke skin care and lifestyle recommendations that will help you achieve healthier skin and a healthier body, ensuring you look and feel your best for the year ahead.
Find your nearest Pevonia spa or salon by visiting our online Spa Finder.
