Do You Really Need a Detox?

Detoxing, doing away with toxins and totally transforming your body: the promises that go along with detoxing seem too positive to pass up. However, before you jump on the bandwagon, there are some things to consider, according to Miraval nutritionist Junelle Lupiani. “Our body does a wonderful job of cleansing and purifying itself on its own,” she says. “However, some people find a detox or a cleanse is a great way to kick off positive lifestyle changes, like beginning a healthier intake for the long-term. But, as far as weight-loss is concerned, the only formula that works reliably is eating less and exercising more.”

Who They Are Good For
Today’s society can be summed up in two words: constantly stimulated. “Detoxifying programs are great if you need to escape your normal routine,” says Clint Wall, spa director at Napa Valley’s The Spa at The Carneros Inn. These offerings can benefit anyone who needs a simple recharge or someone looking to totally reboot their lifestyle. “They are great if you want to boost your overall health,” says Frye. 

What To Look For
Like most results-oriented spa offerings, detox programs can vary widely—mainly when it comes to how restrictive (especially in terms of diet) they are structured. “These programs can include a variety of techniques, such as specialized diets, spa treatments, fasting and activity classes,” says Wall. “It’s important to understand what is offered before you sign up.”

How You’ll Benefit
Because skin is the largest organ and it is responsible for numerous physiological regulatory processes, the whole body is impacted when it is compromised. “Detoxing is about cleansing, balancing and healing,” Frye says. “By doing it, you strengthen your immune system, which contributes to improving your overall health.”

The Fast Fix
Can’t make it to a spa that specializes in detox? A variety of spa techniques can be found on many menus that aim to detox both the body and mind. “I recommend any treatment incorporating mud or clay to help with detoxifying,” says Wall. “These mineral-rich products help balance the skin’s pH and encourage the elimination of toxins via the skin; a lymphatic massage is also a great option to promote detox.” Michelle Frye, director of spa at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, adds, “Some of the best detoxifying treatments include elements of the sea such as seaweed, algae, sea salts and clay, which are all high in nutrients and help draw impurities out and also have balancing and healing properties.”

Why You Need To Detox The Skin
There are several reasons why you need to detox the skin: your environment and age, and to get the full benefits of the products you use. “From our 20s on, the body’s ability to shed and create skin slows down considerably,” says Celeste Hilling, CEO and product formulator for Skin Authority. “Debris trapped in those dead skin layers contributes to not only inflamed conditions, such as breakouts, but also a dull, dry appearance. The environment causes free-radical damage, resulting in the appearance of premature aging. Regular masking and detoxification can remove the surface cells and toxins, allowing the skin to replenish needed vitamins and minerals for a more youthful appearance.”