Just about everything can trigger an acne flare. Pollution, stress, hormones, and even your favourite skincare products can break you out. Some say skin detoxing provides a way out of this endless loop, that it works wonders for the acne-prone. But others insist the skin detox is nothing but a passing fad.
Introducing the skin detox
Detox culture is everywhere nowadays. Everyone is detoxing something or the other: their body, mind, home, their friend list, and even their complexion.
Strictly speaking, the word ‘detox’ means eliminating toxins from the body. The toxins could come from pollution, unhealthy food, and lifestyle habits like smoking. Thankfully, you don’t have to work actively to remove these toxins. That task falls to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and colon. When these organs are functioning properly, they eliminate harmful substances from your system, and they do it like clockwork. Your bodily organs don’t need any intervention from you.
The skin is also an organ, the largest organ in the human body, but it is not concerned with flushing out toxins. As the body’s outermost barrier, the skin’s job is defence—it keeps out germs and impurities. But there is no way to purge harmful substances, dirt, dead skin cells, and pollutants through the skin. Not even through sweat.
Detox acne-prone skin in 3 steps
Rather than get hung up on toxins, focus on the health and appearance of your skin. By adopting a skincare regimen that is tailored to your complexion, identifying acne triggers, and making smart lifestyle choices, you can hone in on an acne-care strategy that works.
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Step 1: Revamp your skincare
A twice-daily skincare regimen holds the key to healthy, acne-free skin. Here’s how to go about it:
- Start with a gentle cleanser to wash away acne bacteria, grime, and makeup. You could try a lightweight formula like Clearica Anti-Acne Cleanser which is specially formulated for acne-prone skin.
- Once you rinse off the cleanser and pat your skin dry, quickly swipe on some toner that suits your skin type. Toning restores the skin’s pH balance and readies it to absorb any acne treatment creams and serums.
- Next, treat the acne problem. Use a targeted product like Clearica Anti-Acne Cream to reduce active lesions, fight acne bacteria, and minimise infection.
- Slather on sunscreen and moisturiser in the mornings. During your evening routine, skip the sunscreen but make sure to apply moisturiser.
Acne occurs when bacteria proliferate in clogged pores. An exfoliating scrub or sheet mask once a week could clear stubborn pore blockages. If you suffer from body acne, weekly exfoliation and non-comedogenic body washes will slowly erase those pesky zits. (Here’s more on why body acne occurs and how to treat it.)
Acne-care regimens can take up to three months to show results. But if your acne is severe, you may need to consult a dermatologist. Check our blog on the different grades of acne to assess where you stand.
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Step 2: Review any triggers
Maybe your skincare is fine, but other products are aggravating your acne problem. Hair oils and styling products will sometimes leak from the hair onto the skin, where they clog pores and cause blemishes. Acne on the forehead is often a tell-tale sign that your hair products are to blame. To save your complexion, always go for non-comedogenic hair products and cosmetics.
Some people are very sensitive to sun exposure. If the sun is causing you to break out, be generous with the sunscreen. Wear wide-brimmed hats or scarves when you are outdoors for prolonged periods.
High humidity is another problem, for it can turn your face into an oil slick. Your best option is to follow the twice-daily skin regimen and wash off the sweat with plain water from time to time.
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Step 3: Rethink your lifestyle
Staying hydrated is the first step. Drink plain water, try fruit juices, or sip on antioxidant-rich green tea. Avoid happy hour though, for alcohol will leave you dehydrated.
The jury is out on whether diet actually helps the skin. But you can’t go wrong with foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Load up on green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, nuts, and lentils.
Through it all, make sure to get enough sleep and fit in regular exercise. Work at managing stress as well, whether through deep breathing, yoga, or just making time for a hobby.
The road ahead
Your acne will not vanish overnight. But if you stay consistent with your skincare regimen, the zits will gradually start clearing up. Nourishing your skin and being kind to your body helps build up the outermost layer of the skin. When this barrier is strong, toxins stay out, and your complexion remains healthy and acne-free.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation or for diagnostic purposes. Please consult your dermatologist or doctor before acting on any of the information provided here.