How to Undo the Damage From Years of Toxic Beauty

Many of us have spent lots of years using cosmetics that contain toxic chemicals. Our beauty routines have spread toxins onto and into our skin, leading to damage, strain, and internal imbalances. The longer we use such products, the deeper the adverse effects.

Toxins affect the overall appearance of your skin, but that's only one side of the story. When your body is unable to eliminate the build-up of toxins, it re-circulates them and stores them in fat cells. Some people suggest that this contributes to cellulite and fat deposits.

Switching to natural and organic beauty options is the best way to go. However, this won't magically undo all the skin problems built up over the years. Healing your skin and removing toxins from your body takes time.

In this article, we highlight some easy and fun solutions for skin healing.

Step 1: Detoxify your skincare routine.

Take a look at your stash of beauty products. Do you have a huge stockpile? If so, there are products there that you rarely use. Some have probably expired! Today, we're looking at those products we have and removing any that are damaging to our health. 

Assemble all your skincare products, then read the ingredient list for each one. If you come across any of the chemicals listed below, toss that product out.

• Phthalates
• PEG compounds
• Lead
• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives such as

1. 1. Methenamine
   2. Quaternium-15
   3. DMDM hydantoin
   4. Diazolidinyl urea
   5. BHUT
   6. Imidazolidinyl urea

• Butylated Compounds (BHT, BHA)
• Parabens
• Carbon black
• Octinoxate
• Petrolatum
• p-Phenylenediamine
• Ingredients that end in '-siloxane' or '-methicon
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS, SLES)

How many things did you throw away? Incredibly, most beauty care supplies include toxic ingredients. Thankfully, we don't need those chemicals to look and feel beautiful- there are safer, natural options.

Your final step is to choose 100% natural alternatives that are healing for your skin. The Sole Toscana Skin Care line is a perfect example of how the products we use can nourish, repair, and strengthen our skin.

Step 2: clean up your diet.

You probably already know that your diet directly affects your health, weight, and well-being. Your skin isn't left behind, either. It needs nutrients to function correctly, to regenerate skin cells and keep them healthy.

Consuming high-fat, too many sweets, processed foods, and sugary drinks will ruin your complexion. They trigger acne, oily skin, whiteheads, blemishes, and more. Other indirect effects of 'junk foods' include slowing down our digestive and circulatory systems, blocking waste removal systems, disrupting hormones, and clogging pores.

Switching to a diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables and natural meats is a beautiful way to begin healing your skin and strengthening your body. 

Step 3: stay hydrated.

Hydration is a vital part of ensuring your skin naturally heals from years of toxic skincare. Water is essential for the optimal function of your skin. It also promotes the functions of your liver and kidneys, which process the toxins absorbed through your skin.

When we take enough water, our liver and kidneys easily flush toxins from the body. If we are dehydrated, those toxins continue to circulate, causing skin and other issues.

Dehydrated skin appears splotchy, dry, and sometimes, oily. Drinking more water helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, keeps your skin naturally moisturized, firms your skin, and lessens the appearance of blemishes.

If you find it hard to drink water, purchase a reusable water bottle and have it with you wherever you go. Start with the goal of finishing one full bottle per day, then increase it until you're drinking several bottles daily.

Step 4: replenish your nutrient stores.

Did you know that vitamin deficiencies can cause or contribute to skin problems? This happens because our bodies require a certain amount of vitamins each day to function optimally.

When we don't get enough nutrients from our food or through supplements, our bodies have to obtain them from storage. Eventually, the nutrient stores run out.

To heal your skin, you need to restock these stores. The easiest way to tackle vitamin depletions is to buy a high-quality multivitamin. Since the goal is to replenish the stores (not just meet a daily minimum), a tiny dose here and there won't work. You need to take a powerful multivitamin daily to jumpstart cell rejuvenation and healing.

Here's how nutrients can heal tired, blemished skin.

• Omega 3s and Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) keep the skin moisturized naturally by calming dry, itching skin.
• Calcium and B vitamins reduce dark undereye circles.
• Vitamins E, A, B2, B6, and C can help to restore worn-out skin cells and reduce the appearance of acne.
• Your body uses Zinc and magnesium to help resolve edema and swelling.

Step 5: move more.

Whether you prefer a hardcore daily workout, the gentle intensity of yoga, or hiking every so often, exercise is an essential part of overall health.

Aside from weight loss, muscle toning, better brain function, and other benefits, daily exercise plays a vital role in healing our skin.

• Exercise burns fatty deposits in the body. As the body uses those fat stores for fuel, the toxins stored inside them move to our detoxification channels for elimination. 
• Working out strengthens your cardiovascular system. This ensures our circulatory system flows smoothly, bringing more nutrients to your skin cells.
• Exercise enhances your breathing. Since your lungs are a massive part of the detox system, you can expel numerous toxins in one workout through breathing alone. 
• Exercising triggers your digestive system. Increasing your heart rate reduces intestinal sluggishness by stimulating your muscles to move digestive waste through the body faster.

Step 6: try dry brushing and exfoliation.

Dry brushing is a simple and effective way to stimulate regeneration in your skin.

Our skin's temperature regulation function can be greatly inhibited by dead skin cells, toxins, and skincare products that hinder sweating. 

Dry skin brushing solves the problem and takes only a few minutes a day. This regimen is helpful whether you do it once a day, once a month, or once a year.

Benefits include removing dead skin cells, stimulating your lymph system, and increased blood flow to your skin. The overall result is healthier skin and a more youthful appearance.

Step 7: indulge in Epsom salt baths.

When added to warm water, Epsom salts dissolve, making them easier for the skin to absorb. Here are some of the benefits you'll enjoy:

• Sulfates bind to toxic impurities in the liver and aid in their removal from the body.
• Magnesium increases circulation, ensuring a steady supply of nourishment to your cells while removing waste matter.
• Magnesium salt is a gentle laxative that relieves constipation.
• Epsom salts and hot water stimulate sweating, which releases toxins through the skin.

Additional benefits include a natural treatment for fungal infections such as athlete's foot, soothed muscles, and relief from aches, pains and stress.

Use the recipe below for a luxurious, healing bath:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 to 2 cups Epsom Salts
• 2 tablespoons of almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, or any natural oil you prefer
• 5 to 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (optional)

NOTE: Drink a large glass of water before bathing. Since these baths trigger sweating, it's essential to stay hydrated.

With love,

​The Sole Toscana Beauty Team