Your skin is your largest detox organ. It works hard, flushing toxins and excess minerals from your system, protecting you from bacterial and fungal invaders, and regulating fluctuations in your body temperature.
Your skin is also efficient at soaking up whatever in comes in contact with, which is either an opportunity or a problem, depending on what body products you use.
According to the Environmental Working Group, we’re inundated with more than 10,500 unique chemicals via our personal care products, some of which are known carcinogens or harmful to the reproductive and endocrine systems [1].
Worst of all, many of the so-called beauty products on the market are in fact aging you by way of harsh chemicals that strip your skin of moisture and good bacteria.
That’s why we’ve come up with a list of products that help to detoxify, nourish, and hydrate your skin without the added garbage.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful nutrient, acting as a potent antioxidant in the fight against free radical damage. It’s also an essential part of collagen synthesis, keeping your skin cells hydrated and flexible enough to withstand stressors.
Vitamin C works with other antioxidants to protect from reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are inevitable, but too many can break down collagen and elastin in your skin cells and cause wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines. Topically, vitamin C has intense “brightening” abilities, reducing hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and diminishing sun damage. [2]
Your skin absorbs vitamin C best when you take vitamin C in its L-ascorbic acid form. High concentrations can sting, especially if you have sensitive skin. Instead of making your own serum or mask at home, invest in a high-quality, clean product, like Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Serum or Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum.
- Brain Octane Oil and fractionated coconut oil
Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fatty acids, coconut oil is one of the most protective, hydrating substances you can put on your skin. Raw, unrefined coconut oil is great for some people. For others, unrefined coconut oil clogs pores. If you don’t tolerate raw coconut oil on your skin well, consider using Brain Octane Oil or fractionated coconut oil on your face and body. They’re much less likely to clog your pores, they stay liquid at room temperature, and your skin absorbs them better.
This results in a silky-smooth finish that won’t leave you feeling greasy. Fractionated coconut oil has medium fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and E, all of which help to promote the maintenance of collagen and prevent dryness and premature aging. [3]
These oils provide rich moisture for even the most sensitive skin. In fact, coconut has been used for centuries in wound healing because it improves antioxidant enzyme activity and stimulates collagen and epithelial repair. [4,5,6]
Check out this article for some skin-happy ways to incorporate coconut oil or Brain Octane Oil into your skincare regimen.
- Activated charcoal
You know the benefits of activated charcoal for your insides (binding unwanted toxins from low quality or processed foods and environmental pollution and politely escorting them from the body). So why not unleash the power of charcoal on your outside?
This highly adsorbent substance is becoming increasingly popular in the beauty community for its ability to capture and remove oil, dirt, and other unwanted micro-particles from your skin. Perfect for all skin types, activated charcoal is used in masks or soaps to help unclog and deep clean pores.
For a quick and easy mask, mix about two capsules of Upgraded Coconut Charcoal with just enough filtered water or apple cider vinegar to make a wet paste. Apply to the face and neck, wait about 15-minutes and gently wash it away. Activated charcoal can be drying, so rub some coconut oil or Brain Octane on afterward if your skin’s feeling dehydrated.
- Bentonite clay
Clays have been used for centuries internally and topically to detoxify, nourish, and heal, with the ability to soak up toxins while providing essential minerals and nutrients.
There are many natural types of clay worth mentioning, from kaolin to zeolite, all with slightly different benefits and mineral profiles. Bentonite (pictured above) is one of the most well known for its potent astringent properties that work to cleanse, shrink, and tighten pores. It even absorbs heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and some mycotoxins.
Whether your skin is dry, oily or acne prone, bentonite clay provides a deep, soothing cleanse with a mild electric charge that stimulates the extraction of excess oils and toxins.
For an awesome clay-based mask, try Andy Hnilo’s killer Alitura mask, which includes high-potency vitamin C and four different natural clays.
- Caffeine
True or false: skincare pros spread freshly used coffee grounds all over their face while they sip their Bulletproof Coffee?
The correct answer is a resounding “True!”In addition to waking you up in the morning, caffeine can make your skin brighter and tighter while reducing existing damage. It’s particularly effective if you use it around your eye area, which is prone to puffiness and discoloration (just don’t get coffee grounds too close to your eyeballs).
Studies show that caffeine reduces inflammation and redness, increases circulation, promotes the repair of DNA, and reverses UV-induced skin damage. [7]
Easily prepare a face mask with fresh or just-used grounds and a little bit of sweet almond or coconut oil. Form a paste and massage into skin. Leave the mixture for 10-15 minutes, and then wash away with warm water. For extra exfoliation, massage the grounds lightly into your skin in a circular motion as you wash them away.
When in doubt about what you should put on your skin, remember: Your skin is like a sponge for nutrients as well as harmful toxins. Keep your skin nourished, keep it happy, and keep the harmful chemicals away. Subscribe below for more awesome content and have a great week!
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[1] http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/2011/04/12/why-this-matters/
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
[3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16029672
[4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20523108
[5] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12063927
[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3732585/
[7] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23075568
