As annoying as it can be, skin congestion is quite a common thing. Contrary to popular belief, congestion is linked internally and has much to do with how our bodies are expelling toxins daily. When our bodies are not expelling toxins daily and properly, these toxins will be released through our largest organ, the skin, causing or contributing to acne or breakouts. It is very important to be mindful of how often we are expelling, daily or a few times per day is great. Our liver, the toxin warrior, if under stress, it will be unable to detoxify the blood, which will cause these toxins to be eliminated through the skin.
WHAT STRESSES THE LIVER?
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CAFFEINE
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EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL
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DRUGS
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MEDICATION
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STRESS
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HORMONE IMBALANCE
WHAT CAN AID THE LIVER IN DETOXIFICATION?
Of course, trimming back on the things mentioned above, as well as herbal teas such as; DANDELION
WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO CLOGGED SKIN?
Well, besides our bodies not properly expelling toxins, here are some additional things that can cause/contribute to clogged skin. Once the pores become clogged, the skin's function of breathing or exchange of carbon dioxide is hindered, making oil, waste by products difficult to secrete. Due to the blockage, moisture cannot be absorbed, causing products intended to infuse moisture impossible to do so. The acid mantle, the thin protective layer of the skin, is also compromised, resulting in black heads, whiteheads and/or acne.
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DEHYDRATED SKIN
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IMPROPER and EXCESSIVE CLEANSING
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EXCESSIVE OIL PRODUCTION
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EXCESSIVE BUILDUP OF DEAD SKIN CELLS
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HORMONES (I remember extreme breakouts after having my babies)
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EXCESSIVE SWEATING
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DIRTY ENVIRONMENTS
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DIRTY HANDS/FINGERS TOUCHING THE FACE
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MAKEUP (particulary those that may contain petro products and talcum)
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DIET HIGH IN SUGAR
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ALLERGIC REACTIONS
WHAT CAN HELP UNCLOG PORES?
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DIETARY CHANGES (Minimizing the cause foods and drinks mentioned above)
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MINIMIZING STRESS
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PROPERLY HYDRATING THE SKN: internal hydration with good water intake is great, in addition to external hydration, and this may be needed a few times per day to begin seeing results. For example, applying a moisturizer, toner mist with a serum a few times per day may help keep the skin hydrated.
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PROPER DEEP PORE CLEANSING: Even though you take the time to hydrate the skin, if all of the buildup and residue is not removed from the skin (sometimes twice per day) and definitely before a treatment such as a mask or exfoliate, the pores are still susceptible to becoming clogged. This makes those wonderful cleansers that you thought were working,are/were only half working. Anything left on the skin that is not thoroughly cleansed is sealed deeper within the pores as you layer your finishing products such as, moisturizers, serums and beauty balms. Some deep pore cleansing practices are: manual exfoliates, chemical exfoliates, enzyme masks and herbal steam treatments.
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PROPER EXFOLIATION
The magnificence of the skin is that it exfoliates naturally, shedding millions of dead skin cells daily. Every 28 days, the top layer of skin is sloughed off and replaced by new cells. As we age and become exposed to environmental toxins, this top layer wears and tears, causing skin to feel rough. As we age, our skin becomes drier and sometimes, duller, the cell turnover rate slows from 28 days to more along the lines of 45.
The detriment of over exfoliating is that it is possible to strip the layers of skin before they are able to be replaced, causing redness, rashes, hyper-pigmentation, irritations and vulnerability to sun damage.
Proper exfoliation begins at night and no more than twice per week.
METHODS OF EXFOLIATION
CHEMICAL: Ingredients such as lactic acid are high in AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) and work well for aging skin
MANUAL: gentle exfoliates contain oats, grains and clays, such as our Oats+Bamboo Charcoal Scrub Grains or our Cacao Clay Cleanser. Sugars and salts are much more harsh and may prove too harsh for facial skin.
ENZYME: a gentle exfoliate that contains fruit enzymes such as pineapple, papaya, strawberry, blueberry, pumpkin, raw honey, such as our Kijani Enzyme Mask or our Rajati Enzyme Mask. These are extremely gentle and beneficial for the skin.
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