Shahnaz Husain
Environmental pollution, hectic life style , unhealthy dietary habits and contaminated water make the skin lifeless, tired and extra dull. Pollutants and dirt from the environment clog your pores, and toxins from your diet can cause your complexion to darker especially those with olive, brown or black skin . The skin is the body’s largest organ which eliminates impurities and wastes from body mainly through perspiration. The body also eliminates toxins through the lungs, intestines , lymphatic and kidneys to get rid of the body’s waste products and impurities for naturally detoxifying the body in order to brighten skin and reduce acne and redness. Sometimes, if your system is overwhelmed then it shows up on our faces with signs of bleimish, redness, dry patches etc due to increase in inner toxic load in the body. These disrupt the normal balances of the skin, leading to premature ageing signs, skin sensitivity, rashes, pimples and acne. The skin looks dull and lacks vitality. What is the solution?. Many theories abound, but its best to go nature’s way and detox the system with minimal effort, to look and feel good.
Spending loads of money on skin detox treatments by using creams and lotions and opting for cosmetic creams, invasive procedure, parlor treatments is not the only way to reinstate your skin’s radiance. The good news is these symptoms can be reduced or alleviated with simple, natural, lifestyle changes in the cozy confines of your home.
Bring about changes in your diet. Include raw, natural foods and fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Not only do they detoxify the system by promoting the elimination of wastes, but also bring about a sense of well being. Include fresh fruits and lightly cooked vegetables, unprocessed cereals, sprouted grains, nuts, seeds, yogurt. Fresh juices of fruits and vegetables are the richest sources of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and enzymes. Recently cold-pressed juices have become popular. Experts say that cold-pressed juices contain more nutrients. Drink plenty of water. Have the juice of a lemon with a glass of warm water first thing in the morning. This helps to flush the system.
For external skin detox, deep cleansing and exfoliation with scrubs helps to cleanse the skin of dead cells. Look for cleansers containing sandalwood, eucalyptus, mint, neem, tulsi, aloe vera, lemon etc. Their anti-toxic and tonic properties help to clear skin congestion and eruptions.
Skin “brushing” helps the elimination of toxins. It is used in the treatment of cellulite, which is caused by deposits of water, fat and other wastes collecting in pockets beneath the skin The entire surface, is brushed, using a rough cloth, or a natural bristle brush. Begin from the feet and go upwards. Then brush from lower to upper arms. Go across the shoulders and back. Brush gently on the chest and abdomen.
Nowadays, activated charcoal is used to detoxify the skin, because it purifies the skin, drawing out toxins. It also refines the pores and removes dead skin cells. This actually brightens the skin. Activated charcoal can be used in face masks. Mix activated charcoal with aloe vera gel and rose water. Apply a thin layer on the face, avoiding the lips and area around eyes. For acne prone skin, add 3 to 4 DROPS of Tea Tree Oil and rose water to activated charcoal, for a face mask. Wash off the masks after 20 minutes. Activated charcoal may be available at a chemist shop.
Take up yoga. The exercises or “asanas” are particularly beneficial for strengthening the body, making it flexible, supple and youthful. They are combined with breathing exercises, improving oxygenation, purifying the organ systems and inducing relaxation of body and mind. There is no feeling of fatigue. Instead, there is physical and mental exhilaration. Indeed, according to Yoga, the body is the temple of the soul.
(The author is a beauty expert)
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