Just like our body, our skin too needs a detox. Thanks to the fact that we are exposed to so many chemicals and toxic substances daily, our bodies and skin go through a lot of abuse affecting our health in a bad way.

Our skin takes the brunt of it. Dr KE Mukadam, dermatologist and laser surgeon says, “Overload of toxic materials causes skin eruptions, allergies, dry skin, pigmentation, eczema and psoriasis.” The skin acts as the backup organ of elimination for the kidney and bad skin is usually an indication of toxicity in the body.

Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist and laser surgeon adds, “Toxins could be those produced within the body and not eliminated naturally, or they are the ones ingested orally or inhaled or another way of penetration of toxin is through skin i.e. makeup, skincare products as well as pollution.” Some of them are… Free radicals Cosmetologist Dr Rashmi Shetty says, “Free radicals are singlet oxygen cells and are produced due to various chemical reactions in the body like breathing, digestion or when you are stressed, or are smoking.” They can cause a lot of damage by harming the good cells of the body including affecting collagen production and pigmentation pathways. Dr Shetty adds, “This can be treated either by topical application of Vitamins A, E and C, Q10, aster xanthine, glutathione, (orally or serum). Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant but its absorption is poor so it is given as an intravenous drip, along with vitamin C. Tablets, serums and creams are available over-the-counter.”

Heavy metals

Bismuth, lead (in lipsticks), arsenic, copper and other heavy metals can be ingested through food as well as through makeup and skincare products. They produce toxicity when their levels rise beyond a critical level and the body is unable to eliminate them.

Environmental pollutants 

Pollutants like sulphur gases, carbon monoxide, dust particles, bacteria, viruses, fungus, moulds make skin sensitive, intolerant, dry, dark and patchy.

Contaminated drinking water

There has been a lot of emphasis on water purification processes with carbon, UV light as well as reverse osmosis technology. Water ingested could be contaminated with toxins, bacteria, fungus, spores, parasite, ova etc.

Medications

Most medicines are metabolised by the liver or kidney or both. In case of reduced function either, or in case of cumulative over dosage of chemicals, they tend to accumulate and cause harm to the skin as well as other organs. Iron ingested for a long time (years) can produce black pigmentation on skin.