Skin is one of first parts of body to show problems from toxins. The body essentially sees skin as not as essential as other key organs like heart and lungs. The body, unfortunately, diverts nutrients from skin to key organs to keep them as healthy as possible. This fact is problematic for look and texture of our skin because skin relies totally on nutrients for its health --- which is a mirror for how our skin appears. Toxins attack nutrient stores and when sufficient quantities are not available for entire body, skin suffers.

Major causes of toxins which should be reduced or eliminated to preserve healthy, natural reserves of nutrients are following:

1. SMOKING Probably worst toxin for healthy skin is smoking, because it severely constricts blood vessels that cause smokers to have a discolored complexion. The nutrients can only be delivered to skin with a healthy delivery system, which is compromised by smoking because it constricts circulation, cutting off an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen needed. It’s been conclusively shown that smokers in their 40’s have same amount of wrinkles as non-smokers who are 20 years older. The Nagoya City University Medical School in Japan has demonstrated smoking increases levels in body of an enzyme that acts to break down collagen – which is fiber that keeps skin firm.

2. ALCOHOL Another toxin that causes major problems with healthy skin is alcohol in that it actually alters shape of red blood cells that reduce amount of oxygen traveling through system. It, like smoking, increases an enzyme that attacks collagen and, particularly, elasticity of our skin.

3. STRESS Unique hormones are driven by high stress levels that wipe-out B vitamins circulatory systems need to create healthy red blood cells. Stress drives dull looking skin because of lack of adequate vitamin B.

Detoxing body to afford skin its optimal opportunity for beauty consists of following steps:

Food – these top 10 detox foods have been shown to provide best all-around nutrients that work hard to get rid of toxins in your body – apples, avocados, artichokes, beet root, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, kiwi, prunes, seaweed, and watercress. Other honorable mention goes to alfalfa, asparagus, bananas, bran cereals, brazil nuts, carrots, eggs, and tofu. Vitally important is water, which is needed to flush toxins through our system – 8 glasses daily is standard. You can also eat high water foods like watermelon, celery, cucumbers, pears, and grapes. Reduce toxin intake – switch to organic foods wherever possible. Always rinse foods before eating to rid them of pesticide residuals. Eat only lean cuts of meat and cut off any noticeable fat.

Avoid sugar at all costs. A recent study at New York State University in Buffalo documented that within two hours of eating 300 calories of sugar (the equivalent of one can of soda and some chocolate), number of free radicals increased by 140%. The USDA says consumption should never exceed more than 40 grams of sugar a day.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.