Almost everyone would agree that if you need to lose weight, heal or clean your system - detox is the answer. Most of you have at least once in your life given ‘detox’ a try. But the tempting outcomes like reduced fat, cleared complexion, restored energy and improved immune system it promises are all short term solutions.
WHAT IS DETOXIFICATION?
Simply put, detoxification means eliminating a build up of excessive harmful toxins from the human body by either fasting or following a diet plan that eliminates the wrong foods that can contribute to body fat.
(Photo by Vitalii Pavlyshynets on Unsplash)
WHAT IS A DETOX DIET?
Detox diets range from total fasts (where one starves) to juice-only fasts to food modification approaches. A lot of people follow a similar, but milder, detox once weekly, wherein they either fast on a particular day, restrict to eating only one full meal or eating at all times but only light food with more fruits and veggies. If practiced as little as once a week, such a detox helps cleanse and relax the body as it doesn’t have to process as much food as it does on regular days.
THE DANGERS OF AGGRESSIVE DETOXING
If a detox that includes no solid foods and only low-calorie beverages is practiced for days at a time, it can be damaging with risks such as vitamin deficiencies, muscle breakdown and blood sugar issues including low energy, irritability and headaches to name a few.
"Depriving the body of vital vitamins and minerals can weaken the body’s ability to fight infections and inflammation, plus upset essential potassium and sodium levels."
A detox like this should be done under strict medical supervision.
WHAT'S A BETTER APPROACH THAN A DETOX?
A No-Tox!
Read on for our top 10 No-Tox, natural ways to maintain a healthy body and skin.
1. USE VITAMIN C
(Photo by Jan Sedivy on Unsplash)
The key to glowing skin is to use Vitamin C- both in your diet and your skincare routine. Vitamin C works on all skin types to even out and brighten tone along with fading hyper-pigmentation, protecting against environmental aggressors, brighten skin tone, and promoting collagen and elastin production. Here are some products from our range that are rich in Vitamin C.
2. APPLY SKINCARE PRODUCTS RIGHT AFTER BATHING
Even though moisturizing is one of the most essential components of healthy skin, the timing in which you apply your products can affect moisture retention. Applying a moisturizer daily on face and body after washing replenishes and seals in moisture. It is much better to maintain good skin than to try to catch up after skin is dry, inflamed, and uncomfortable. Want to know how you can layer your skincare products like a pro? Read our blog here.
3. REMEMBER TO EXFOLIATE
Another top tip for glowing skin- gentle exfoliation once or twice weekly helps remove dead skin cells from the skin surface. Removing the outer layer of dead skin cells will help smooth skin texture, increase the absorption rate of your skin care products, and brighten up your complexion. Watch the below video to know more about exfoliation.
4. EAT ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FOODS
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Colorful foods, which include fruits and vegetables (and—bonus—dark chocolate!) contain many of the vitamins and antioxidants our body needs – with far fewer calories.
5. STAY ACTIVE
Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, thereby bringing vital oxygen, nutrients, and minerals to the skin. Bottom line: working out leads to brighter, better-looking skin and a healthier body.
6. DON'T PICK YOUR SKIN
Picking at the skin—pimples, injuries, or just itchy areas—makes the condition of your skin worse, ultimately leading to infection and scars. As a general rule of thumb, once your products are applied, keep your hands off of your face.
7. STAY HYDRATED
(Photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash)
Drinking enough water is essential for overall skin health. Staying hydrated keeps your skin moisturized, healthy, and, you guessed it, glowing. How, you ask? Hydrated skin makes it easier for the products to work on your skin, naturally making them more effective. While 6-8 glasses daily is the general guideline, water intake isn't one-size-fits-all, so listen to what your body needs and follow the lead!
8. DON'T SMOKE
This one goes without saying that how much damaging smoking is to your skin health. Smoking restricts the oxygen supply to the skin, increases the buildup of damaging free radicals and increases the risk of some skin cancers.
9. STRENGTHEN YOUR SKIN'S BARRIER
Itchy, flaky, dry skin? Your skin barrier is likely compromised. Strengthen it by using serums and cleansers that are formulated with vitamins and ceramides, essential components of the skin barrier (that can be stripped away by things like overcleansing).
10. GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
Yet another important reason to prioritize sleep: Inadequate or disturbed sleep can wreak havoc on your skin. Poor sleep quality can contribute to increased signs of skin aging (fine lines and wrinkles) and compromised skin barrier function. Lack of sleep can also affect your overall health and make you prone to serious medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes etc. As with water, eight hours is the standard rule of thumb for sleep, but always listen to your body.