Body Detox and the Dermal System

Our skin is the biggest elimination organ which cleans over a pound of toxins every day. The skin, a part of the dermal system comprises of sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands and tears. Considered as the “third kidney”, the skin gets rid of fat-soluble toxins via sebum that is produced by the sebaceous glands. Tears are produced to help remove toxins from the eyes. Toxins are also removed via sweat which is an essential detoxification liquid that bring toxins to the skin surface for removal. Thus when detoxification is not competent in other body systems, the toxins can rise up to the skin and causes acne and rashes.

Very often, when people do detoxification programs, they experience skin eruptions which are considered as a cleansing side effect. Toxins which were kept in the tissues now are moving in the bloodstream to find a fast exit via the skin. Skin disorders like acne and psoriasis are not really skin problems but are an external indicator of toxicity in the body.

Sometimes, the liver can be so burdened with toxins that it cannot discharge hormones properly which lead to a hormonal imbalance (indicated by skin problems too). That is why when people discover their skin become better and look more youthful after going through detox programs.

A little known aspect of our dermal system is that our skin “breathes” just like our lungs – it breathes in oxygen and gives off carbon dioxide. Also, we have friendly bacteria on our skin surface which block microorganisms like viruses, fungi and parasites from entering.  The skin can also transform some toxins into a water-soluble form which then can be passed out from the body via the kidneys.

Our skin comes across toxins from the environment and also those produced within the body. Free radicals from sun exposure and other environmental factors can cause skin damage in the form of acne, wrinkles and skin cancer.

Signs of a weak dermal system are eczema, rosacea, very oily and/or dry skin, acne and premature aging. Reasons contributing to a stressed dermal system include an absence of fruits and vegetables in one’s diet, too much refined flour and sugar in your food, eating fried foods, bathing with unfiltered water, using synthetic cosmetics and consuming alcohol.

We can improve our dermal system by eating more oily fish like salmon, fresh nuts, more vegetables and a tablespoon of fresh flax oil, drinking enough water and regularly exercising. Skin brushing, body detox with hydrotherapy such as sauna, steam, Epsom salt bath or contrast shower, and using sunscreen and natural cosmetics help too. With a healthy dermal system, our body can detox more efficiently which leads to a healthier life.