Although some experts question the benefits of detoxification, this practice of eliminating toxins from our bodies has been known since the ancient times. A natural hot spring is a healing therapy undergone by Native Americans and European settlers for centuries in order to release toxins through sweating. In addition, dry brushing is another age-old health practice promoting detoxification.

The excess of harmful substances is manifested onto the skin, our largest organ. The results are seen in the form of blackheads, breakouts, enlarged pores, dark circles around the eyes and even eczema and psoriasis.

Mud bath – a weekly ritual

Mud can thank to alkaline pH and negative ionic charge for its beneficial effect on the skin and the release of toxins. When shopping, opt for one of the two most common clays on the market – montmorillonite, or bentonite clay. Avoid irradiated clay as the irradiation effect leads to a reduced amount of clay minerals. Instead, choose sun-dried, or naturally-dried clay.

• Drink a lot of water before and after the bath.

• Fill the bath with warm water.

• Dry brush your body.

• Add two cups of clay into the water.

• Use a wooden spoon to stir it.

• Relax in your bath for around 20 minutes.

• Rinse yourself under the shower.

• Apply a body oil.

Yoga as an ideal companion for detoxification

Most types of exercises can facilitate the stimulation of all three kinds of toxin elimination – lymph, digestive and circulatory. However, yoga is especially suited for waste removal due to its systematic targeting of every part of the body. Lymphatic fluid, carbon-dioxide and lactic acid are all eliminated. Deep breathing can help you take more oxygen when inhaling and clear out more carbon-dioxide when exhaling. You can easily find good online teachers with yoga certification who will teach you how to properly do the exercises. According to majority of yoga instructors these 8 yoga asanas are essential for your body detoxification.

• Wide-legged forward bend –digestion, the circulation of blood and lymph

• Open side fierce – digestion

• Three-legged down dog – the circulation of blood and lymph, mental detox

• Seated heart opener – the complete breath

• Seated spinal twist – digestion

• Head to knee C – massage of inner organs

• Locust – digestion

• Bound headstand – – the circulation of blood and lymph, the complete breath

Detox inside out

Leafy greens fight free radicals and are rich in vitamin A, which promotes the repair of damaged skin. Essential fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids encourage the production of healthy cells and sebum, the latter being responsible for the proper hydration of the skin. As breakouts are some of the obvious signs of the skin in a dire need of detoxification, consider fermented foods because they can help you have clear skin. Avoid sugar, meat, dairy products and alcohol.

Berry smoothie

• 1 1/2 cups of berry mix

• 1/2 cup of coconut milk

• 1 cup of purified water

• 1/4 cup of chia seeds

• 1/8 cup of rolled oats

Refreshing your make-up bag

During a three-week detox period, try to phase out make-up, synthetically-based skincare products, and essential oils. Introduce single-ingredient oils, such as calendula oil, argan oil, or coconut oil, organic cosmetics and/or homemade skincare products. When it comes to peels, especially chemical peels, avoid them as they are too harsh for the skin during a detox period. The treatment can rob the skin of its natural defences leaving it even more sensitive.

• Avocado and honey moisturizer – mix together 3 tablespoons of fresh cream,  1/4 of avocado and 1 tablespoon of honey in a blender and apply it on the face leaving it on for one hour.

• Basil toner – add 3 tablespoons of fried basil leaves into the cup of boiling water. When cooled, applied the mixture on the face with a cotton pad.

• Almond and sugar facial scrub – mix together 3 tablespoons of fresh cream, 1 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of ground almonds and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Apply it on the face and rinse it off with mild water.

A true detox programme includes body, skin and mind refreshment. Only when you combine them, can you expect glowing and healthy skin.

Written by:

Nicole is an avid traveler passionate about yoga and healthy living. She loves to explore different cultures and share her experiences with others. In her free time she likes to prepare healthy and delicious food for her friends. You can find her on Twitter and FB