Clear Skin Detox Is Real But Maybe Not What You Think

This word, DETOX, is everywhere. Detoxing what you eat, detoxing your friendships, detoxing your work environment. And yes, detoxing for the skin. 

Now, what does it really mean to embark on a clear skin detox? Let see what the hype is all about and learn how to actually help your skin detoxify itself with the help of pure, natural, botanical ingredients that your skin will love. 

What is detoxing?

I wrote about the toxic overload that most of us experience in this article. I also warned against the snake oil salesmen trying to sell you detoxifying potions, powders, pills, etc. Our bodies are marvels of nature and they can easily detoxify themselves. Our role is to stay clear of toxins and to let the body take care of cleansing itself if any toxins reach it. 

Can you detox skin?

Ever since my move to a large industrial city for college, my skin has been bombarded by environmental toxins. With the exception of a two-year visiting position at a college in rural Vermont, I’ve been always living in large cities both in Europe and in the USA. 

Pollution, industrial toxins, and urban environment (less green and more concrete) are not what comes to mind when thinking “good for the skin.” This can lead to the skin being stressed and even congested, sometimes resulting in breakouts, rashes, or full-blown acne. How to deal with this constant assault?

Is detox for skin really a thing?

When talking about skin detoxing, I don’t suggest that we can remove the toxins accumulated in the dermis or epidermis. Our skin is not able to do it. Only our internal organs – liver and kidneys – can actually move the toxins out of the body.

Detoxing as I understand it in reference to the health and appearance of the skin means bringing the skin back to the balance that it was meant to be in. 

Also, there is no quick fix when it comes to getting the results here. Just like with systemic detoxing, be very skeptical if someone suggests a “detoxing”  pill or supplement. 

Bringing the skin back to its equilibrium will take a bit of time, but it can be done. Not any magic potion, but instead gentle routines and correct products will be your allies in this process. 

How to detox skin with a gentle yet effective formula

First of all, I suggest sticking to a minimalist skincare routine. Skin that is exposed to environmental stressors and pollution needs cleansing first and foremost. 

Even though I live in one of the most polluted cities in the world – Los Angeles – I stay clear from harsh scrubs and exfoliation because they can over-sensitize the skin and make it even more helpless when faced with the environmental assaults.

I believe strongly in the power of clean botanical ingredients meant to help the skin achieve its true potential. Opting for products that are safe and gentle while effectively de-stressing and bringing the skin back to its optimal state is key here. I formulated a facial oil serum that is specifically designed to aid in detoxing aka rebalancing the skin. More about it is below.

If you are familiar with my other posts, you’ll know that I am literally obsessed with facial oils. Let me briefly reiterate why. (You can also read here a longer article about the benefits of oils for all skin types, including oily and blemish-prone)

My history with facial oils

I suffered from acne from the tender age of nine. I still remember one traumatic incident in fourth grade when a classmate started making fun of my zits. It was horrible! My parents tried every possible solution. We visited multiple dermatologists, tried every medical intervention on the market that was available to us. Still, not much changed well into my mid-twenties. 

Throughout this ordeal, one thing remained constant – the admonition from every doctor and spa practitioner to stay away from any type of oil. Everything that my face touched had to be oil-free. Oil-free cleanser, oil-free treatment, oil-free moisturizer. 

Well, it did nothing to the health of my skin. In fact, it was getting only worse. With all the oil-free stuff plus the harsh salicilic acid and other acne medications, my face was not only getting blemishes, but it was also dehydrated and lacking the bounce and clarity that youthful skin is supposed to have. 

To make the story short, my skin has improved really only when I reintroduced oils to my routine. And, it became really clear and beautiful only once I switched to organic and vegan, mostly my own, botanical products that are free of harsh chemicals and unnecessary fillers. 

The clear skin detox in a bottle

To get back to my love of facial oils, I use many of them as I like to change things up. Not only do I get the benefits of the different ingredients when I change things up. It also lessens the chance that my skin gets “used” to the ingredients in just one skincare product.

So, I recently formulated two new facial oils, and one of them is specifically called Skin Detox. It is suitable for all skin types, however might be especially beneficial to the oilier and blemish-prone skin. Here is why.

The base of noncomedogenic carrier oils

The base for this Skin Detox Serum is made up of oils that are the lowest on the comedogenic scale. That means that they are not going to clog the pores which could lead to congestions. They are also some of the fastest absorbing oils which means they will not leave an oily film on the skin which sometimes seems scary or off-putting to those with oiler skin types. 

Grapeseed (1 comedogenic rating) 

The natural composition of this oil is super gentle to the skin and it also has the ability to tighten and tone. 

Hemp seed (O comedogenic rating) 

This oil is high in several vitamins as well as the highest levels of polyphenols and other antioxidants. Thanks to these, hemp seed oil has been praised for its ability to reduce the appearance of acne and eczema. Because it is high in omega‐3 and omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, hemp seed oil can reduce dryness, itchiness, and transepidermal water loss. 

Jojoba (2 comedogenic rating) 

Jojoba oil is actually a wax that closely resembles the oil our skin produces. Applying a thin layer can be protective and result in smoother, softer skin. It is suitable for all skin types but might be particularly beneficial for normal and oily skin.

Pumpkin Seed (2 comedogenic rating)

Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and Omega-3 and 6, Pumpkin Seed oil is fast-absorbing and beneficial towards oily skin. It is praised for being able to counter acne and help with post-acne scarring. Especially vitamins C and E are beneficial when trying to re-balance the skin.

Vitamin C and vitamin E are potent antioxidants which help protect skin against environmental stressors by reducing free radicals. The essential fatty acids penetrate the skin to maintain and increase moisture levels, without leaving a greasy residue. Combined with the antioxidant properties, they help maintain a youthful appearance.

Healthline

Fruit Extracts complex 

I added fruit extracts to this serum in order to up the vitamin and antioxidant content.  The extracts of Bilberry, Orange, Lemon, Sugar Cane and Sugar Maple contain potent antioxidants and will help to gently exfoliate and reveal the new fresh skin.

• Bilberry is known to strengthen skin against signs of redness, likely due to its calming properties.
• Orange and Lemon contain citric acid so they are used as a natural, mild exfoliating agent.
• Sugar Cane and Sugar Maple have the following benefits for the skin: Exfoliating, Cellular Renewal, Skin Brightening, Anti-Wrinkle, Moisturizing, and more.

Targeted Therapeutic Essential Oils

Last but not least, I added specific essential oils which boast properties especially beneficial to balancing the skin. All of the oils are organic.

Below are a few affiliate links. If you click on one and purchase the product I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more info see the Terms and Conditions Page. Thank you for supporting Oko-Logic.

Tea tree (anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties)

Grapefruit (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, sensory, uplifting)

Yarrow (anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent)

Cypress (antibacterial, toning, astringent, wound-healing)

Bergamot (de-stressing and anti-inflammatory)

Rosemary (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial)

The resulting serum is very light and fast-absorbing. It has a faint green color (thanks to the blue-colored yarrow mixed in with yellowish carrier oils). Its aroma is irresistible: woodsy and floral with a note of citrus.

If you’re inclined to make it yourself, here is the recipe for a 1-ounce bottle (30ml)

Ingredients

1 TBS grapeseed oil 

1 tsp jojoba oil

1 tsp hemp seed oil

1 tsp pumpkin seed oil

3 ml of fruit extract (oil-soluble extract, find on Amazon or cosmetic ingredient purveyor)

20-25 drops of essential oils (about 4 drops of each)

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Mix all the ingredients together in a 1-ounce dark-glass bottle (to preserve the properties of the oils)

How to use

Apply morning and evening after cleansing and toning. Put around 5-6 drops into the palm of your hands and press gently into the face. Enjoy the feel and aroma! 

In case you are not a DIY type, here is the serum for you to get. Use coupon DETOX to get 20% off on this order. I really, really want you to try it, as I am sure your skin will truly love it. 

Happy detoxing!

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