Cleansing 101: The Skin
Did you know that your skin is your largest organ? Yeah, it’s an organ. And it covers around 20 square feet of your body. Here are some things to think about.
Not only does your skin act as a barrier but it is also responsible for releasing toxins through sweat.
The average person sweats a little less than 1 liter per day
The average person sweats 0.8-1.4 liters per hour of vigorous exercise.
Although the skin acts as a barrier, it’s also highly absorbent This is why medication can be delivered in the forms of gels and creams.
As you can see, your skin plays an active role in your bodies detoxification and overall health. Don’t ignore it!
I wanted to share my favorite methods to improve detoxification and overall health through the skin. The first thing you’ll want to do is decrease the number of harmful chemicals you’re putting on your skin. Read this article I wrote a few weeks ago for guidance.
Now, let’s get your skin glowing.
Dry skin brushing:
I really can’t say enough good things about dry skin brushing. It improves circulation which means it stimulates blood flow.
It also promotes detoxification because it stimulates the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network that anatomically is located around the blood vessels. Its job is to help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials (1). The lymphatic doesn’t get a lot of love, but it works hard for you every day. Dry skin brushing stimulates movement in the lymphatic system also known as lymphatic drainage.
Dry skin brushing removes dead skin cells to unclog pores so sweat and toxins can be released freely.
Dry skin brushing has long be claimed to reduce cellulite. To my knowledge, there isn’t any scientific literature to back this up, but with all the added health benefits and no downside, it’s certainly worth doing.
How to dry skin brush:
First, I recommend getting a brush like this
“Dry” indicates that you want to do this why your skin is dry. I recommend doing this right before your shower and standing in the shower so the dead skin cells can easily be washed away.
The idea is to follow the path of blood flow (see image above) Start at your feet and brush towards your heart. Then start at your hands and move up your arms towards your heart. Always brush towards your heart You can move in a circular motion or use short brisk strokes. It doesn’t have to hurt or scratch your skin to be beneficial. Use light pressure.
Other ways to improve detoxification through your skin:
Get sweaty:
Exercise is important not only to stimulate sweating but also to improve circulation and lymph movement.
Another great way to get your sweat on is sitting in the sauna or steam room.
Spice up your diet:
Eating cayenne, black pepper, turmeric, and ginger are warming and improve circulation and blood flow to the skin. They are a must have addition to your diet when you’re on a cleanse and it’s great to get in the habit of using them consistently even when not. Get creative. These spices can also be added to a smoothie or tea! Warm lemon water with a pinch of cayenne, ginger and turmeric is a perfect way to start the day for glowing skin.
Happy Cleansing!
Nicole
