Skin DETOX - What to expect when switching to a Naturally Derived Skincare regime

by Helen Shields

What is a Skin Detox?

A “skin detox” refers to a short period of time that can occur when you are adopting a new skin regimen as the skin works to rebalance its pH levels. While it is completely normal, and to be expected after years of harsher regiments, skin detoxing can have some unpleasant side effects, including:

 

  • Breakouts

  • Redness

  • Skin sensitivity

  • Excessive oil production

  • Lack of oil production

 

After years of use, skin acclimates to the products you use daily, so when switching to new products, there can be a “freak out” of sorts as your body tries to find its equilibrium. In fact, this is actually a good sign! This means the changes you are making are having a positive impact as your body is releasing built up toxins deep within the skin’s layers. And, although it may be alarming at first, this phase will eventually pass.

 
How Long Does a Skin Detox Last?

A skin detox could last a couple of days to a couple of weeks depending on how in need of nourishment and repair your skin is. If you are switching from synthetic to using natural products for the very first time, a skin detox may last a little longer. Many of us have scrubbed, cleaned, peeled and poked at our faces for years, so it may take a bit longer for skin to naturally restore itself from all of the harsh chemicals and ingredients used in the past. Sometimes this means a few bumps and breakouts, but don’t worry. They will clear up as the skin adjusts to your new, gentler, natural skincare products.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Help My Skin Detox?

We recommend giving your skin about two weeks to balance out and adjust to your new routine. During that time, fuel your cells with lots of water, fresh foods, healthy fats and rest. As the body works hard to clear out old junk and find it’s new baseline, it will need all the extra support it can get. That means drink plenty of water to help detox from the inside out, eat nourishing foods packed with vitamins and minerals and make sure you are getting enough sleep. 

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Do While My Skin is Detoxing?

When it comes to something as irritating as breakouts, it can difficult to remain patient and wait for the skin detox period to pass. You may be desperate to see change and that can make it feel like the easiest thing to do is abandon your new routine and go back to what you were doing before. Don’t! (Slowly back away from the synthetics). Remember, it’s completely normal to experience a bit of a breakout or other strange reactions as your skin works to balance its pH levels. Continuing to switch skincare products will only serve to shock your skin further and could potentially make the issue worse. Trying too many things in a short amount of time is never the answer. 

Hang in There...

Once you have fully transitioned to using all natural skincare products, you may only experience a few, if any, detox symptoms. Once the detox phase is over, we certain you’ll be relieved to see the many benefits your skin has received after ditching synthetic skincare products as your glowing, smooth and gorgeous skin is revealed.

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