BENEFITS OF DETOXIFYING YOUR SKIN
• Fewer acne breakouts
• Fewer rashes or hives
• Clearer skin
• Softer, smoother skin
• Less dry skin
• Reduced risk of psoriasis or eczema
Most people know that beauty is more than skin deep, but our social emphasis on physical appearance can make even the most flawless-skinned beauty self-conscious. Not surprisingly, anyone suffering from skin problems may be even more self-conscious. With some help from foods, water, and herbs, all as part of the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend, along with a healthy dose of self-appreciation, it is possible to not only love the skin you are in but also improve its health and appearance as well.
You are what you eat, but you are also what you put on your skin. Not only is the skin the body’s largest organ; it is the body’s largest detoxification organ. Your skin also prevents your body from becoming dried out or waterlogged when you’ve been exposed to water, and it helps to protect your body from elements, temperature variation, microorganisms, sun damage, and other items. Your skin may show toxic overload, stress, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies. By working on the internal causes of skin concerns, the results are more effective than just applying a cream or ointment and hoping for the best.
JULIA BEATS BREAKOUTS
Julia M. came to see me concerned about her sensitive skin and her tendency toward breakouts with hives, rashes, and occasional bouts of acne. The skin issues were taking their toll on her self-esteem, and she didn’t want to keep slathering cortisone creams on them. Although these creams had once made the skin condition look improved, they no longer made a difference. Besides that, she had read an article on the Internet about the long-term immune system and other problems linked to cortisone cream use, and it just didn’t sit well with her.
I explained that the skin is often a reflection of other aspects of health and symptoms. For instance, hives and rashes tend to reflect sensitivity to toxins in the environment, particularly those that come in contact with the skin such as fabric softeners, laundry detergents, and personal care products.
Upon further investigation Julia reported that she used commonly available brands of laundry soaps and fabric softeners. She couldn’t believe the number of toxic ingredients they contained. Like most people, Julia assumed that because these products were readily available, they must be safe. We evaluated the products she used for personal care—soap, moisturizers, bug repellents, perfumes, and so forth. She was using many common products full of petrochemical byproducts, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors and preservatives. I asked her to switch to completely natural products. She agreed and asked me whether it would be alright to make the switch over the course of a month to consider her budgetary constraints. I encouraged her to take the time she needed to make the changes, explaining that it was more important that she stick to the changes for the long term.
Julia also agreed to eliminate many of the toxin-containing processed, packaged, and prepared foods as she prepared for her Skin Rejuvenation Weekend later in the month (once she had made the switch to more natural personal care and laundry products).
One month later Julia came to see me looking excited and eager to tell me something. She explained that, after she made the switch to more natural laundry and personal care products and doing the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend detox, the rashes and hives stopped. Her acne was significantly improved as well.
She was so thrilled to have clearer skin and fewer breakouts that she decided to stick with the natural products and eat more of the healthy foods. Periodically she does the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend as “general maintenance,” as she described it.
Once you learn more about your skin’s needs and experience the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend you’ll understand why Julia M. felt changed from her skin detoxification experience and why she no longer looks at her skin in the same way.
WHY SHOULD I DETOXIFY MY SKIN?
Most of what you slather on your skin will be absorbed directly into your bloodstream, where it will have access to your brain and other organs. This is why carefully selecting the skin care and body care products you use is so important. Most of these products (yes, even the brand-name and highly priced ones) are full of toxic ingredients that should never be put on skin. When you slather on creams full of petroleum products (most are!), synthetic preservatives, and other toxic ingredients, these ingredients quickly gain access to your blood.
Organs like the liver and kidneys will become involved in getting rid of these harmful toxins, but these organs can become overwhelmed if we keep throwing more toxins at them.
The skin also purges internal toxins through perspiration. When we clog our pores with personal care products we reduce what our bodies are able to eliminate through sweat. And although that doesn’t sound like a big deal, sweating is one of the best detoxification mechanisms your body has at its disposal. This is particularly true of heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium, all of which our bodies are exposed to in day-to-day life. Heavy metals are often best eliminated from the body through the skin, so blocking the skin’s ability to do so can cause toxic buildup in seemingly unrelated parts of the body.
The Skin Rejuvenation Weekend is different from the other detoxes in Weekend Wonder Detox for a couple of reasons. The obvious one is the focus on the skin instead of another organ, but this detox also focuses on internal cleansing as well as the detoxification of personal care products that can be absorbed through the skin and impede its ability to detoxify. So you’ll eat foods and use natural supplements, herbs, and therapies that cleanse your skin from the inside, but you’ll also give your beauty care and personal care products an overhaul too. The latter means that you’ll significantly reduce the quantity of toxins to which you are exposed in the future, giving your skin a better opportunity to heal and a reduced chance of experiencing skin issues.
SIGNS OF STRESSED-OUT SKIN
There are many signs that your skin is overloaded with harmful toxins. They range from acne breakouts to eczema or psoriasis.
Here are some of the symptoms and conditions that are linked to excessive toxic load for the skin:
acne, blackheads, or whiteheads
blotchy or ruddy skin
dry and/or flaky skin
dry, scaly patches of skin
eczema
hives
psoriasis
rashes
When Beauty Turns Ugly
As you learned in Chapter 1, there are more than 850 toxins lurking in most of the common cosmetics and personal care products. Most of my clients are amazed at how much better their skin looks and feels after they switch to more natural skin care products. The very product you may be using to improve your skin may actually contribute to skin conditions and toxic overload in your body.
The first way to detox your personal care products is to read the labels. If there is no ingredient list on the label, the company most likely has something to hide, so avoid these products altogether. If there is an ingredient list, be sure to check for ingredients like the toxic ones I mentioned earlier, including parabens—butyl-, ethyl-, isobutyl-, methyl-, and propyl-parabens; butylene glycol; numbered dyes like yellow dye #5 and red dye #4; petrolatum; fragrance; benzoates; sodium lauryl sulphate; diethanolamine (DEA) and ethanolamine (TEA); imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea; PVP/VA copolymer; stearalkonium chloride; dioxin; fluoride; coal tar; and lead (rarely listed but found in lipsticks—be sure it says “lead-free”).
I’m not asking you to eliminate all your favorite products if you don’t want to. Use them if you want to, but know the risks. But on the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend it is imperative to give your skin a break from all these toxic ingredients. You can switch to more natural options found in the health food store—just be sure to read the labels, because many of the personal care products in health food stores still contain some toxic ingredients. And check out the healthy natural options in the Recipes section at the back of this book for recipes to make your own personal care products. Most of these products are simple to make and much purer than anything you’ll find in the stores.
THE DIET
You’ll be eating a very simple diet over the next few days on the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend. For some reason many people immediately assume that means bland and boring food, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are lots of delicious foods in the Recipes section at the back of this book to help you eat delicious and nutritious food. The diet for this weekend includes six Skin Rejuvenation Weekend essentials and the Top Fourteen Skin-Cleansing Foods.
The Skin Rejuvenation Weekend Program Essentials
1. One of the most critical components of healthy skin is water. The body is made up of approximately 80 percent water and needs its stores replenished. Every cell in the body is dependent on water for good health, including skin cells. Water helps keep the skin properly hydrated. Although the need for water varies from person to person, I find that during a detox people benefit from drinking one-half quart or one-half liter (almost the same amount) for every fifty pounds of weight they’re carrying, up to about three quarts or liters. I know this is a lot of water, and you may feel like you’re spending your weekend in the bathroom, but your body needs water to flush out toxins. Without sufficient water, toxins can become absorbed back into the bloodstream. Fresh vegetable and fruit juices count toward your total amount of water. Vegetable juices are preferable to water because they contain water along with plentiful amounts of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and enzymes. Freshly made fruit juices also contain these beneficial substances but tend to be high in sugars, so they are best consumed in minimal amounts. And if you drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which are not part of the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend (with the exception of green tea), then add two additional cups of water for every cup of coffee, tea, or alcohol you drink.
2. Give your skin an oil change. Healthy skin requires plenty of health-boosting essential fats like Omega 3s, yet most people don’t get enough of them. Flax, chia, hemp, walnuts, and fatty fish like wild salmon, mackerel, and sardines tend to have high levels of Omega 3s. Because Omega 3 fats are sensitive to heat, choose cold-pressed flax seed or hempseed oil and raw, unsalted walnuts that have been stored in the refrigerator section of your natural food store. Eat a handful or two, minimum, of raw nuts and seeds daily throughout the detox. You can also eat fatty fish daily if you’d like, but that’s not a requirement.
3. Drink two to three cups of freshly made vegetable juices daily throughout the detox. Juices like carrot, cucumber, celery, or other vegetable juices can be helpful at cleansing the skin from the inside while also providing plenty of nutrients to help build healthy skin cells. It’s great if you have a juicer, but you don’t need one to make fresh vegetable juices, particularly if you have a powerful blender. Cucumber is easily broken down into juice in a typical blender, and this is fortunate because it is also the best skin-cleansing vegetable.
4. If you’re particularly vulnerable to acne, you’ll need to completely avoid many of the acne-triggering foods. Fortunately, you may already be avoiding most of these foods because they are not good for a detox. Some of the culprits are alcohol, coffee, eggs, meat, milk, wheat, sugar, tea, iodized salt (and foods that contain it), and vinegar. Tobacco and some medications and hormones also cause acne. If that sounds like the bulk of your diet, don’t worry—there are lots of great food options left, which you will soon discover.
5. Eliminate toxic oils. Hydrogenated fats (margarine, shortening, lard, or products made with them, such as cookies, pies, packaged foods, buns, pizza, etc.) and fried foods (French fries, onion rings, potato chips, nachos, hamburgers, etc.) or foods containing oils that have been excessively heated are not included in the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend. Also, avoid “vegetable oil,” “safflower oil,” “canola oil,” and “sunflower oil” found in most grocery stores. Most grocery store oils have been heated excessively during processing even before they reach the shelves. Most canola oil is genetically modified and therefore not a suitable food product. Extra-virgin olive oil is an excellent choice for cooking on low to medium temperatures. Be careful not to let it smoke, as that is an indicator the oil has changed molecular structure and will now cause inflammation in the body. Cold-pressed oils found in most health food stores are also a healthy choice. Flax oil is great but shouldn’t be heated or used for cooking.
6. Nonorganic meat and poultry contains hormones, sugar, and antibiotics, all of which increase your body’s toxic load. In addition, many people are sensitive to the hormones and other chemicals in meat. Skin problems can be an indication of a sensitivity or allergy. Switch to organic meat and poultry.
7. Reduce your toxin exposure in personal care products. If you use chemical-laden skin and hair care products, your body cannot rely on its largest detoxification organ to eliminate toxins. Instead, your skin is working in reverse, absorbing more poisons into your cells. Switch to natural hair and skin care products that are free of fragrances, colors, or other synthetic chemicals that have a tendency to irritate skin as well as increase your body’s toxic load. Refer to the section above that indicates many of the common toxins you’ll need to avoid. Refer to Chapter 1 for a reminder of the health problems linked to these common toxins.
Top Fourteen Skin-Cleansing Foods
There are many great skin-cleansing foods, but the following fourteen are some of the best. Be sure to eat at least three of these foods every day of the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend. Of course, you can eat more, and I encourage it. The more of these foods you incorporate into your daily diet, the healthier your skin will be.
Almonds—An excellent source of protein, fiber, B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, almonds help to eliminate toxins and improve the elasticity as well as repair skin from the inside out.
Avocado—Most people think that avocados are unhealthy due to their high fat content, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Avocados are rich in vitamin E, which your body needs to keep skin soft and healthy. They are also high in betasitosterol, which is valuable to protect against skin cancer and other cancers. Rich in monounsaturated fat, avocado helps keep the skin moisturized. Avocados help heal acne, sun damage, and wounds. Avocados are also rich in vitamin D, which is essential for healthy skin.
Blueberries—Rich in antioxidants that reduce free radical damage, blueberries also prevent the breakdown of collagen in the skin, which is needed to prevent wrinkling. Blueberries’ proanthocyanidins also help heal sun-damaged skin.
Cantaloupe—The orange color is the giveaway that this fruit is high in beta carotene, the precursor of vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for clear skin, free of blemishes.
Cucumbers—Cucumbers were highly popular in many ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome, thanks to their skin-healing properties. They are particularly beneficial to rehydrate skin from the inside out, but they can also be mashed and applied to affected areas of skin, left on for up to an hour to help heal dermatitis or any skin irritation.
Fish and sea vegetables (Fatty kinds like wild salmon, mackerel, anchovies, or sardines)—Fish is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) that decrease inflammation and improve skin conditions like psoriasis, dry skin, and inflamed skin. Sea vegetables are also a good source of DHA. You can use nori sheets to wrap brown or black rice and vegetables. You can also use hijiki, which typically comes in thin, spaghetti-like strands, or kelp, both of which can be rehydrated by soaking in water. Either hijiki or kelp make a great addition to soup. There are many types of seaweed available in health food stores, so don’t be afraid to experiment. There are even kelp noodles, which are naturally gluten-free and a delicious, mineral-rich, low-carb alternative to high-carb pastas. Kelp noodles are found in the refrigerator section of most health food stores, whereas other types of seaweed are dried and packaged.
Flax—Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E, flax seeds help skin stay moist and blemish-free. They also reduce inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and moisturize dry skin from the inside out. Add one tablespoon of cold-pressed flax oil to smoothies or sprinkle two tablespoons of flax seeds on your food each day to benefit from their skin-soothing properties.
Leafy greens—Rich in many nutrients like vitamin K, which helps heal wounds, and chlorophyll, which gives these veggies their green color and improves blood and skin health, leafy greens are an excellent choice on the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend.
Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds—Like cantaloupe and sweet potatoes, pumpkin is also rich in beta carotene, the precursor to vitamin A. As a result it helps with healing and protecting against sun damage as well as helps scars fade and wounds heal. Raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds are packed with skin-healing Omega 3 fatty acids and should be eaten daily for best results.
Squash—High in beta carotene, which helps protect the skin from UV damage, squash is an excellent skin-cleansing superfood.
Strawberries—Rich in the antioxidant superoxide dismutase and its partner nutrient, manganese, strawberries help eliminate free radicals and improve some skin conditions. However, some people with eczema or psoriasis are sensitive to strawberries, so if you have one of these conditions, you may want to watch your strawberry intake.
Sunflower seeds—Rich in protein, zinc, Omega 6 fatty acids, and vitamin E, sunflower seeds are highly beneficial to the skin. They help heal rough, dry, or flaky skin as well as improve the condition of eczema.
Sweet potatoes—Thanks to their high amounts of carotenes, like beta carotene, sweet potatoes are delicious and help heal skin conditions. Avoid adding sweeteners to these already sweet-tasting veggies. Sweet potatoes are also rich in other antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps eliminate infections, including from the skin’s surface.
Walnuts—Rich in skin-softening and healing Omega 3 fatty acids, walnuts are a great addition to your diet if you want to improve your skin. Eat only raw, unsalted walnuts that have been stored in a refrigerator because these oils go rancid quickly.
Some people may wonder why papayas, which are rich in carotenes and enzymes, are not on the list. Because some papayas have been genetically modified, I don’t recommend using them unless you are sure of their organic status.
By increasing your consumption of water, fruits, and vegetables, particularly those listed above, your body will begin to cleanse. Some people may find that their skin temporarily worsens as they start a cleansing program. If that is the case, it usually lasts for a day or two and then improves. That’s a sign that toxins are being eliminated via the skin. Usually the skin clears up fairly quickly.
THE SUPPLEMENTS
There are many great nutritional supplements and herbs that assist with skin cleansing. Of course, you don’t need to take all of them—just two or three is fine. Read the following section to learn which one(s) might be best suited for your particular needs. And as always be sure to follow the dosage recommendations to maximize the benefits of your cleanse.
Critical Skin-Cleansing Nutrients
Many different nutrients play critical roles in skin health. To help prevent any deficiencies, be sure to take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral. Select one that is devoid of additives, colors, preservatives, gluten, and common allergens like corn, soy, and wheat. You may wish to take additional nutrients that are beneficial to the skin. Here are some of the essential skin health nutrients.
Eliminate dry skin with vitamin A—A vitamin A deficiency can be a primary cause of dry skin. Supplement with 10,000 IU of vitamin A daily. Don’t take higher levels of vitamin A unless you are working with a qualified nutritionist, as excessive amounts can build up in the body.
Improve skin health with vitamin D3—Vitamin D3 is essential for great skin health. Although it is called a vitamin, it functions more like hormones in the body and helps to ensure a strong and healthy immune system. Vitamin D3 is available in drops, which is the easiest way to take it. I suggest 2,000 IU (which usually works out to be two drops of vitamin D3 in liquid form) daily during the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend, but because deficiencies can take longer to address, it’s advisable to continue this dose afterward.
Protect skin with vitamin E—Vitamin E is really a combination of several different compounds known as alpha-, beta-, delta-, and gamma-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, delta-, and gamma-tocotrienol. I know it sounds more like a sorority than a collection of nutrients, but these nutrients are so powerful that some experts estimate that we could reduce health care costs in the United States by $8 billion if people took adequate vitamin E supplements.1 That’s because vitamin E is involved in so many health functions and is imperative to good health. It is a powerful free radical scavenger that protects skin against aging and wrinkling. It also has anticancer properties, helps protect against skin cancer, helps reduce scar formation, and speeds wound healing. It can be applied directly onto the skin in areas where there are concerns, such as scars, wrinkles, rashes, and breakouts, but it is also advisable to take a natural-source combination of tocopherols like those mentioned above. Make sure it is in the “D” form, not “DL” form, which is synthetic. Studies that show vitamin E is not beneficial or, worse, harmful usually use the latter synthetic form. So the label should read “D-alpha tocopherol,” not “DL-alpha tocopherol.” Take 400 IU of vitamin E daily.
Moisturize skin with Omega 3 fatty acids—Insufficient essential fatty acids can also be a causative factor for dry skin, particularly an Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency. Cold-pressed flax oil found in the refrigerator section of most health food stores is an excellent choice. Add one to two tablespoons to your salads or in smoothies, or supplement with three to six capsules daily depending on their size and manufacturer’s directions. Never heat this oil.
Eliminate skin-damaging free radicals with zinc—This mineral plays a critical role in the functioning of an important antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is one of the body’s best defenses against aging and wrinkling as well as many diseases. Zinc is also important for burn and wound healing. Although it is found in many types of sprouts, pumpkin seeds, onions, sunflower seeds, nuts, dark leafy green vegetables, beets or beet greens, carrots, and peas, many people still have a deficiency that requires higher amounts to address. I encourage you to eat these foods on a regular basis while supplementing with zinc gluconate or zinc citrate, which are the superior forms of this mineral due to their ability to be readily absorbed by the body. Skin problems indicate a need for a higher dosage than common recommendations; I suggest a daily dose of 30mg on the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend unless you’re working with a skilled nutritionist. Because zinc can build up to toxicity levels, it is important not to take high doses for more than a few months.
More Skin-Cleansing Nutrients
The main nutrients that support healthy skin include chromium, potassium, zinc, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, D3, and E. You’ll get most, if not all, of these nutrients in a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Remember to check the product label to ensure you are getting sufficient amounts of vitamins A, D3, E, and zinc, without getting amounts higher than those recommended above, particularly if you’re taking a multiple along with other supplements. Exceeding recommended doses can be easy when combining multis with single nutrients. For example, you might have 5,000 IU of vitamin A in your multi and take another 10,000 IU in a vitamin A supplement, totaling 15,000 IU, which is higher than the recommended amount.
Herbal Skin Cleansers
Herbs are naturally powerful healers. Although there are many great skin-cleansing and healing herbs, the ones I like best are yellow dock and cleavers. I’ve also included dong quai and black cohosh for women who experience hormonally linked skin issues, either premenstrually, perimenopausally (the decade before menopause), and menopausally. You don’t need to take all of the herbs below—just one or two is fine. Both are readily available from most health food stores in dried, capsule, or tincture (alcohol-extract) form. If you have any liver impairment or a history of alcoholism, I advise against using tincture form.
I’ve listed the scientific name of each herb so you’ll be sure to obtain the correct one when purchasing it. Some herbs have similar common names.
Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)
Yellow dock is great for skin conditions, particularly psoriasis or acne, but it has beneficial properties that would help many other skin concerns. A new study in the journal Nutrition Research and Practice found that yellow dock is a potent antioxidant and has anticancer activity, making it a good choice if you’ve had sun-damaged skin. Use one to two teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat for one hour. Remove from heat. Strain and drink one cup three times daily. Alternatively, take a quarter to half teaspoon of tincture three times a day.
Cleavers (Galium aperine)
Drinking cleavers tea three times daily can help with skin problems and reduce acne flare-ups. It is also good for the kidneys and lymphatic system, so you’ll be helping to cleanse your body of toxins on multiple levels. This herb also goes by the name goosegrass or grip grass. Use two to three teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water. Let steep for twenty minutes. Then drink three cups daily.
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
If your skin problems coincide with your menstrual periods, hormonal imbalances may be at fault. Dong quai is an excellent choice for women suffering from hormone imbalances. Although it can be made into a tea, I find the taste rather disgusting and tend to recommend it in capsule form (follow package instructions) or as a tincture (one teaspoon three times daily).
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
If you suspect that your skin problems, particularly dry skin, are hormonally linked and if you are in the decade prior to menopause (usually forty to fifty), which is known as perimenopause, or if you are currently menopausal or postmenopausal, you might benefit from taking black cohosh. It is an excellent hormone-balancing herb; however, be sure to choose a high-quality one. Take one teaspoon of the tincture three times daily. If you are perimenopausal, menopausal, or postmenopausal, it is also important that you avoid caffeine and alcohol (with the exception of the amount in the tincture) and engage in regular exercise to help balance hormones. Avoid using if you are pregnant or lactating.
THE EXERCISE
Cardio to Heal the Skin
Exercise is important for skin health, as it one of the primary outlets for toxin elimination. Additionally, it boosts blood (and, therefore, oxygen, which is carried in the blood) to the surface of the skin to help keep it healthy. Oxygen is also great for killing harmful bacteria and fungi that are linked to skin infections and other conditions.
During the next three days of the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend it is imperative to do some form of cardiovascular exercise. You’ll need to do at least twenty minutes a day. If you have been inactive prior to the detox, you may wish to do cardiovascular exercise for ten minutes, twice each day. Whatever you choose, make sure it adds up to at least twenty minutes. Also be sure that it is sufficient to boost your heart rate without making you feel like your heart is going to jump out of your chest. It should never feel so intense that you cannot carry on a discussion with someone during activity.
You can choose any form of cardiovascular exercise you prefer, including brisk walking, jogging, stair climbing, cycling, spinning, or dancing. You don’t need a health club membership or expensive equipment. You don’t need special training or a body-hugging outfit to get fit. All you need is some motivation and a willingness to get moving. Pick a form of activity you will actually enjoy; making exercise fun means you’re more likely to do it. Furthermore, body-hugging, synthetic fabrics can actually prevent proper elimination of toxins and cause bacterial buildup on the skin’s surface. So if possible, try wearing cotton, bamboo, or other natural clothing. If your skin is quite sensitive, you might prefer organic cotton because regular cotton is heavily sprayed with pesticides. Don’t assume or listen to salespeople who tell you synthetic fabrics are superior—they are not. Most synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum products. Yes, that oil and gas that can’t be used in your car could actually be in your clothing, another possible culprit for skin conditions.
Ideally, it is best to get outside for a brisk walk or hike in nature, where you can breathe fresh, oxygen-rich air. Of course, you’ll want to be sure that you are protected from the sun if you are outside. That doesn’t mean slathering your skin with a toxic sunscreen (most are!). Instead, either wear a long-sleeve shirt or pants and a hat or choose a natural, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and color- and preservative-free sunscreen from your local health food store. Most sunscreens sold in drug and grocery stores are full of toxic ingredients and have even been linked with skin cancer.
When it comes to the skin, there are so many wonderful spa treatments that can help heal blemishes, reduce dryness, and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. However, the treatments depend on the quality of ingredients used. Some spas may claim the products used in their treatments are “all natural,” yet this is rarely the case. I’ve been told this and reviewed the products only to find cancer-causing parabens and colors, among other toxic ingredients, on the list. Choosing products free of toxic ingredients is important; otherwise, you will defeat all of your best efforts.
The Aromatherapy Skin Softener Bath (Bath Option One)
Who doesn’t love a relaxing, warm bath? Why not make your next bath also healing for your skin? It’s easier than you think. Simply adding some pH-balancing baking soda to the water along with some pure, high-quality, skin-healing essential oils can transform your next bath into a healing oasis. Ideally, it’s best if you can take a minute or two to dry skin brush beforehand. You can learn more about dry skin brushing on page 108. Choose one bath daily during the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend. If you don’t have a bathtub, that’s okay—just choose some of the other spa treatments below.
Fill a bath with hot (but not too hot, as this dries out the skin and can be exhausting) water.
Add one-half cup baking soda.
Add five or six drops of pure, high-quality essential oils of lavender, geranium, or chamomile. (You can use all three or just one—whichever you prefer.) It’s best to add the oils directly under the faucet while the bath water is still running to help them disperse throughout the water. Always do a twenty-four- to forty-eight-hour skin test on the inside of your arm to be sure you have no allergic reactions to the oils. Although pure essential oils are highly safe and therapeutic, it is possible to have the occasional person who has an allergic reaction to something that normally heals the skin.
Relax in the bath for about twenty minutes. The baking soda and essential oils will soften your skin, help eliminate any microbes that may be on the surface of your skin, and soothe any inflamed areas.
Always drink a large glass of water after your bath.
At-Home Thalassotherapy Bath (Bath Option Two)
Many spas offer seaweed treatments to improve skin and assist with weight loss. The latter may seem particularly surprising to most people, but there is some solid research supporting its weight-loss supporting properties. The benefits of seaweed skin treatments (called thalassotherapy) are largely linked to seaweed’s rich mineral and nutrient composition.
You will need:
One-quarter cup dried seaweed (it really doesn’t matter which type you use, as all types of seaweed are rich in nutrients, but choose one that has been ground or grind it yourself in a small coffee grinder). You can use for the bath the same seaweed you eat, but some health food stores carry preground seaweed created especially for bathing.
One-half cup hot water
Three drops of pure lavender essential oil
Mix the seaweed and hot water together and let sit for five minutes.
Add the seaweed mixture to your bath, and add the lavender under the running water to encourage it to disperse throughout the bath.
Soak for at least twenty minutes.
Always drink a large glass of water after your bath.
Note: You may want to use a small sieve in your bathtub to catch any seaweed solids before they go down the drain, particularly if you plan to use this bath regularly.
The salt body scrub is an excellent way to improve circulation in your skin, and this further promotes healing. The unrefined sea salt is full of skin-healing minerals, the essential oils eliminate harmful microbes and alleviate blemishes, and the olive oil helps moisturize the skin.
You will need:
Twenty to thirty drops of pure, high-quality essential oils of lavender or peppermint (depending on personal preference—lavender is relaxing, and peppermint is invigorating).
One-quarter cup extra-virgin olive oil
One-half cup finely ground, unrefined sea salt (it has a natural grayish color due to the many minerals it contains)
Place the essential oils in a small bowl with the extra-virgin olive oil and mix together. Add the sea salt, and mix together.
On damp skin, scrub your skin with a handful of the scrub, working upward from the feet toward the heart, and again from the hands, toward the heart. Rinse and pat skin dry.
Skin Clarity Facial
This simple facial is made with fresh food ingredients to nourish your skin. It is simple to make at home and is beneficial for all skin types. The cucumber has natural antiseptic qualities, enzymes to remove dead skin, and minerals to nourish skin. The avocado contains protein for healthy skin along with essential fats to improve skin texture and plump up fine lines. The honey is a natural antiseptic that kills harmful bacteria. Be sure to choose unpasteurized honey. Mix together:
Two-inch piece of cucumber
One-half avocado
One teaspoon of honey
Mash or grind all the ingredients together. A food processor works well for this purpose. Smooth over your face, neck, shoulders, or any “trouble spots” on your skin. Relax and allow to sit on the skin for twenty minutes. Rinse with warm water. Use this facial daily throughout the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend.
THE WEEKEND
By now you have a good understanding of the skin and the valuable role it plays in ensuring toxins are eliminated from your body. You are also knowledgeable about the best foods, nutrients, herbs, exercises, and therapies that ensure a healthy skin. I’ll help you put together your whole weekend here.
I’ve outlined a step-by-step approach to the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend detox below. Of course, you can choose the foods from the list that appeal most to you. I don’t want this to feel arduous or for you to feel deprived. Choose a wide variety of foods for the best results and to prevent boredom on the plan.
It is important you have a personalized plan that fits your health, budget, and schedule. The Skin Rejuvenation Weekend detox is designed to be flexible and individualized so you’ll get the best results.
Here’s what your three-day weekend will look like.
Days one to three:
Upon rising—Drink a large glass of water (two cups) with the fresh juice of one lemon. Add a few drops of liquid stevia if you prefer a sweeter-tasting beverage. Wait twenty minutes before eating.
Cardio to heal the skin
Salt body scrub
Breakfast—Be sure to include some of the skin-rejuvenating foods mentioned above. Some good options include half a cantaloupe with fresh blueberries or an almond milk-avocado-strawberry smoothie, Veggie Scramble topped with pumpkin and sunflower seeds (page 262), or cooked brown rice topped with almond milk, strawberries, and blueberries, and Skin Rejuvenation Herbal Tea (page 247).
Multivitamin
Optional nutrients
Herb (first dose of selected herbs)
Midmorning—Large glass of water (with lemon if desired), a cup of Skin Rejuvenation Herbal Tea (page 247), or Super-Detoxifying Green Tea Lemonade (page 243)
Snack, such as fresh or frozen (slightly thawed) blueberries, raw unsalted walnuts, and sunflower and pumpkin seeds
Lunch—Weekend Wonder Detox Signature Salad (page 193) or other large detoxifying salad topped with roasted squash, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, blueberries, and a tablespoon of flax seed oil
Citrus Boost (page 241) or Skin Rejuvenation Herbal Tea (page 247)
Vitamin C
Optional nutrients
Herb (second dose of selected herbs)
Midafternoon—Large glass of water (with lemon if desired), a cup of Skin Rejuvenation Herbal Tea (page 247), or Cucumber Mint Refresh (page 240)
Snack, such as raw unsalted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds, celery sticks with almond butter
Dinner—Salmon Parcels (page 266) with Lemon-Garlic Greens (page 252) or Ginger Chili Quinoa (page 264) and Chili Lime Green Beans (page 252)
Fresh cup of Celery Cucumber Juice (page 240), Skin Rejuvenation Herbal Tea (page 247), Honey-Turmeric Tea (page 247), or Carrot Celery Juice (page 240)
Herb (third dose of selected herb)
After dinner—Colon Cleanse Herbal Tea (page 246) or Cantaloupe Ice (page 241)
Skin clarity facial
Aromatherapy skin softener bath or at-home thalassotherapy bath
Before bed—Take some quiet time to turn off the television. Find a quiet place to sit, close your eyes, and take some deep breaths.
Write in the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend Detox Journal (at the end of this chapter).
CONCLUDING THE SKIN REJUVENATION WEEKEND
You just completed the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend. Your skin texture is likely improved, some blemishes have disappeared, and you may have that healthy glow many of my clients report. Your skin may look improved, but your whole body will thank you for taking the time to pay attention to its needs.
After the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend you may wish to keep incorporating foods, nutrients, herbs, exercises, or spa treatments into your day-to-day life. You may also wish to keep switching your personal care products, clothing, and laundry detergents to more natural and healthful options. Of course, I encourage you to do so. Healthy skin that isn’t absorbing toxins is essential to a healthy body.
You may choose to do the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend every weekend for a month or one weekend out of every month. Or if you’ve had serious skin issues, you may want to stick with it for a full month. The choice is yours. You know your lifestyle and schedule best, so choose the option that works best for you.
If you continue to follow the Skin Rejuvenation Weekend for longer periods, just take one week off every three weeks from any herbs so they don’t become habit forming and your body doesn’t adapt too much to them.
You may also wish to try some of the other health-building weekend detoxes I’ve included throughout Weekend Wonder Detox. I often recommend that people with skin issues start with the Colon Cleanse Weekend and, once the bowels seem to be moving well, do the Lymphomania Weekend, followed by the Love Your Liver Weekend. But there are no rules here—do whatever feels best for you.
The Grocery List
For easy Skin Rejuvenation Weekend prep, print this list and take it with you when you go to your local health food and grocery stores. Remember that not all of the items are essential. Purchase only the foods, nutrients, herbs, and items for the spa treatments you’ve selected.
Foods
Here are the skin rejuvenation foods you’ll need. Also, make sure your pantry is stocked with the essential items you learned in Chapter 2 and for any recipes you select.
— almonds
— avocados
— blueberries
— cantaloupe
— cucumbers
— fish
— flax seeds and flax seed oil
— leafy greens
— pumpkin and pumpkin seeds
— strawberries
— sunflower seeds
— sweet potatoes
— walnuts
Nutritional Supplements
— multivitamin and mineral (essential)
— vitamin A (essential but is often included in sufficient amounts in the multivitamin)
— vitamin D (essential but is often included in multivitamins)
— vitamin E (essential but is often included in multivitamins)
— Omega 3s (essential, may say “DHA-EPA” or “Fish oil” on the package)
— zinc (optional but is often included in sufficient amounts in the multivitamin)
Herbs Selected
Choose one to three of the following herbs:
— yellow dock
— cleavers
— dong quai (optional if you get premenstrual skin flare-ups)
— black cohosh (optional if your dry or irritated skin is linked to perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause)
Optional Items if You Selected the
Aromatherapy Skin Softener Bath
— baking soda
— essential oils (one is fine but you can blend all three if you prefer): lavender, chamomile, and/or geranium
Optional Items if You Selected the
Salt Body Scrub
— lavender or peppermint (depending on personal preference) essential oil
— extra-virgin olive oil
— unrefined sea salt
Skin Clarity Facial
— one cucumber
— one avocado
— raw, unpasteurized honey
The Skin Rejuvenation Weekend Detox Journal
You may wish to print off a copy of the journal page to make it easier to complete.
Energy: Rate your energy (from 0 to 10, with 0 meaning complete exhaustion, and 10 meaning abundant energy). Before the detox _____ After the detox _____
Pain: Rate your pain levels (from 0 to 10, with 0 meaning none, and 10 meaning unbearable, constant pain). Before the detox _____ After the detox _____
Mood: Rate your mood (from 0 to 10, with 0 meaning extremely moody, depressed, angry, or irritable, and 10 meaning extremely happy). Before the detox _____ After the detox _____
Weight: Before the detox _____ After the detox _____
Checklist of Skin-Rejuvenating Foods Consumed
Try to eat at least five a day. Check the ones you ate each day.
Be sure to take the multivitamin and vitamin C each day. Write down any additional nutrients you’ve opted to take throughout the detox. Remember that you don’t need to take all of them. Check off each day you take them.
Selected Herbs
Indicate the one to three herbs you’ve selected to take throughout the detox. Check off each day you take them. Most herbs need to be taken three times daily.
Exercise
Check off each time you complete cardiovascular exercise. Make sure to do it every day.
Check off each time you complete the skin-rejuvenating spa treatments. It’s not necessary to do all of them, but whichever one(s) you choose, make sure you do it every day.
Observations and Thoughts:
