The term "detoxification" originally refers to a medical procedure aimed at ridding the body of dangerous, often lethal, levels of alcohol, drugs or poisons through medicinal treatments. However, this term has become popularised in the cosmetic industry to describe products that claim to remove toxins from the skin and purify it.
However, the promise of ridding the skin of toxins with detox treatments is far from reality. It is not possible to detoxify the skin from the outside. Moreover, this concept of "skin detoxification" is not based on any convincing and robust scientific evidence, and is not recognised by the medical community.
However, it is important to clarify that there is a difference between products that claim to purge the skin of toxins present in the body and those that can help defend the skin against toxins present in the environment. Antioxidants, for example, can help counteract the negative effects of environmental toxins by interrupting the damage caused by free radicals when used as part of a daily routine.
However, when other emunctories are saturated with various toxins (tobacco, alcohol, poor diet, medication, etc.), this can impact the health of the skin: it becomes pale, can lead to the appearance of spots, trigger inflammation resulting in redness and itching, or lead to an increase in signs of ageing. To maintain/regain "healthy" skin, one should consider:
Promoting a healthy and balanced diet: prioritise foods rich in nutrients, fibre, quality proteins and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, high in sugars, saturated fats and salt;
Drinking sufficient water: thewater helps to flush out toxins from the body, and promotes hydrated skin. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day ;
Avoid toxic substances: steer clear of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Indeed, these toxic substances can have a detrimental impact on skin health: alcohol can lead to skin dehydration and increase the production of free radicals, tobacco can reduce blood circulation, while drugs can cause a loss of elasticity and inflammation of the skin;
Managing stress: Stress can disrupt the hormonal balance of the body, which can impact the health of the skin. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can help to reduce stress;
Engaging in regular physical activity : Physical exercise stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, which can help to eliminate toxins from the body. It is recommended to do at least 30 minutes of exercise per day;
Getting sufficient sleep: Sleep plays a significant role in skin regeneration and the elimination of toxins from the body. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you get enough sleep: the amount of sleep required can vary from person to person, but it is generally recommended to sleep between 7 and 9 hours per night;
Daily skincare routine: Using gentle and suitable skincare products for your skin type can help maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent the build-up of toxins on the skin's surface. Certain treatments can help maintain skin health by removing impurities and dead skin cells, reducing excess sebum, and hydrating the skin.