Almost everywhere you turn, you can see ads for products that are supposed to give you beautiful, moist, clear skin. The thought of looking in the mirror and seeing a flawless, glowing complexion could tempt you into buying them.
However, they can do you more harm than good. Commercial skincare products can contain toxins like propylene glycol, parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate. Instead of spending money on toxic products, why not try a skincare regimen that will leave you looking great on the outside and feeling great on the inside?
Here’s how you can have healthy, beautiful skin that’s truly clean.
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1. Keep toxins away
Often, your skin is the first place that the harmful effects of toxin exposure become visible. If you’re exposed to a toxin, whether in food, a household cleaner or a skincare product, you can develop a rash, eczema or another skin condition. Irritated skin doesn’t only look bad, it can cause you to scratch, and that can lead to an infection.
2. Strengthen your immune system
If your skin is naturally oily and overgrown with bacteria, you can develop a bad case of acne. A healthy diet with immune-boosting vitamins and minerals will prevent bacterial overgrowth, so acne doesn’t become a problem.
Keeping your immune system strong will also keep you from catching illnesses that make you feel—and look—exhausted.
3. Rev up your circulation
Instead of overspending on makeup, get healthy-looking rosy cheeks the natural way—with good circulation. In addition to its many other health benefits, exercise will energize you and keep your blood moving.
Working up a sweat is also a great way to eliminate toxins.
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4. Drink plenty of water
To flush out toxins, you need to drink water.
Drinking water is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your skin moist and healthy. Dry, flaky skin is a sign of dehydration. When you drink water, you hydrate your whole body and keep your skin from drying out. This means you’re less likely to need moisturizers and other products that promise youthful skin.
5. Check for allergies and intolerances
A food allergy can cause dark circles, eczema or hives. It can also make you feel drained, and your face will show it.
If you suffer from lactose intolerance, eating dairy products can give you diarrhea, which can dehydrate you and dry out your skin.
Celiac disease can cause a condition called dermatitis herpetiformis, which appears as itchy blisters.
Both celiac disease and lactose intolerance can prevent your body from absorbing essential nutrients, weakening your immune system and making you tired.
6. Get plenty of sleep
Everyone knows lack of sleep leads to puffy eyes and dark circles. When you see yourself in the mirror in the morning, it’s obvious if you haven’t had enough sleep the night before.
Sleep is essential for good health. When you’re sleeping, your body’s tissues repair themselves. During sleep, your immune system is strengthened. Research shows that when you sleep, your brain structure is altered, so toxins that build up in your brain can be released.
A good night’s sleep can relieve you of stress. The less stress you feel, the better your skin will look.
7. Buy organic skincare products
You might still want to give your skin an extra boost. If you’re going to add moisturizer, toner or any other product to your skin, make sure it doesn’t contain artificial colors, fragrances or toxic chemicals.
Be particularly careful with sunscreen. While too much UV exposure can cause wrinkles and even skin cancer, commercial sunscreens can contain dangerous toxins and cause you more harm than good. If you must use sunscreen, use a physical sunblock like zinc or titanium.
Always make sure you’re getting enough sunlight to avoid a vitamin D deficiency.
8. Try natural alternatives
If you want to be know exactly what you’re putting on your skin, consider making your own skincare products at home.
For example, you can use lemon juice or tea tree oil to kill acne bacteria.
Baking soda makes a fantastic, toxin-free exfoliator.
Olive oil and coconut oil make great moisturizers.
Or you can create your own moisturizer by mixing avocado and honey.
Try mixing a raw egg with honey and sour cream for a moisturizing facemask.
9. Think positive
Nothing is more attractive than a smile. Instead of worrying about a few small spots or some tiny lines, learn how to develop a positive attitude so you can handle difficult situations without being overwhelmed by stress. A happy outlook will give you a natural, healthy glow.
Additional Sources:
Acne Mayo Clinic
Dark Circles Under Eyes Mayo Clinic
Dermatitis Herpetiformis National Institutes of Health
Feeling Stressed, Your Skin Hair and Nails Can Show It Science Daily
Sleep Drives Metabolite Clearance from the Adult Brain Science