Why your skin doesn’t need a ‘detox’ this January
“Detoxing” has become a buzzword, especially this time of year. Despite “starting fresh” for the new year, your skin doesn’t actually need to detox. What it needs is a consistent routine that is matched to your skin type and specific needs. When it comes to skin health, slow and steady truly wins the race.
Your skin ‘detoxes’ on its own
Scientifically speaking, the body’s built-in detoxification systems – the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and immune system – handle the work of removing toxins and waste from your entire body.
When people talk about “detoxing” their skin, they are usually referring to removing surface buildup such as excess oil, dead skin cells, oxidized sebum, pollution particles, or product residue. If left to build up on the skin, these substances can make skin look and feel dull or irritated.
Fortunately, our skin already has its own built-in renewal processes. Skin cells naturally move upward and shed in a process called epidermal turnover, which ends with desquamation at the skin’s surface. This process naturally gets rid of old skin cells and replaces them with fresh, new cells.
What you can do to support natural cell turnover
There are factors that can hinder this natural cell renewal process, such as aging, sun exposure, inflammation, dehydration, and disruption of the skin barrier. To support the skin’s natural cell turnover, you can use ingredients like hydroxy acids and retinoids to exfoliate and speed up cell turnover.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid work by loosening the “glue” that holds skin cells together, so the old cells can fall away from the surface. Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid help to clear oil and debris from pores. Retinoids signal to skin cells to renew more efficiently and evenly over time.
However, it is crucial that you use the right products and ingredients for your skin, as overusing these ingredients can disrupt the skin barrier.
Bottom line
The key to getting healthier-looking skin this year isn’t a “quick fix” in January; it is consistently using a skin care routine that is right for your skin type. Some types tolerate regular exfoliation better than others. Stick to a new routine for eight to 12 weeks to see optimal results and clearer, brighter, healthier-looking skin all year long.
I am now seeing patients at Body and Beauty in Palm Beach and will begin in Bay Harbor in April. Questions/comments? Come ask me on reddit r/skintypesolutions
