Holistic detox: the science and the natural ingredients to induce it

The holistic detox concept emerges as “detox” claims have gained significant popularity in recent years. Associated with cleansing the body of toxins and promoting overall well-being, the holistic detox perspective considers how certain lifestyle choices and skincare practices can contribute to a healthier complexion. 

At a time when transparency in cosmetics represents an essential for many consumers (the number of consumers that worry about transparency has risen consistently in the last years, reaching 76% in 2023), any “detox” claims should avoid any potential misleading information, exploring the scientific basis behind holistic detox and its potential benefits for skin health.

What is a holistic detox? Understanding detoxification

Detoxification is a natural process that occurs within the body, involving the elimination of harmful substances. There are many organs and processes involved in detoxification, including the liver, kidneys, and digestive system, meaning the body is well-equipped to eliminate toxins on its own without the need for extreme measures.

The holistic detox approach focuses on supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes through a combination of lifestyle factors and targeted skincare practices. This includes navigating multiple factors:

• At a nutritional level, supporting the body’s detoxification pathways involves consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which can provide the necessary nutrients and antioxidants.
• Staying hydrated is crucial for optimal organ function but also for toxin elimination, as water intake helps flush out toxins.
• Regular physical activity can boost circulation and promote detoxification pathways.
• Sufficient sleep is essential for the body to activate cellular repair as well as the glymphatic system in the brain, which acts like a waste clearance mechanism, including metabolic waste products, such as beta-amyloid and other neurotoxins which accumulate during wakefulness (Reddy and Van der Werf, 2020)

Skin detoxification and the potential of skincare to promote it

While the body’s overall detoxification processes involve various organs, the skin also plays a crucial role in eliminating toxins, especially when it comes to skin toxins, dead skin cells, pollutants, and excess sebum, which can all accumulate on the skin’s surface, leading to congestion and potential skin problems. 

A skin holistic detox approach should focus on supporting the skin’s natural cleansing and renewal processes.

The science behind the holistic detox in skincare 

At the center of the skin’s natural capacity for detoxification is a process called cellular autophagy, a process where damaged or unnecessary components are broken down and recycled. Described as a “survival mechanism” and “a cellular ‘recycling factory’” , autophagy mechanisms are responsible for discarding the worn out cellular material. More specifically, when cellular mitochondria are no longer functional, the cell activates mitophagy, as a system to degrade and recycle them selectively (Glick et al., 2010).

Cell renewal systems deteriorate with age and so, over time, cells tend to accumulate mitochondria that do not function optimally. However, by stimulating mitophagy, the cell will slough off these dysfunctional mitochondria and be able to work at full capacity. For this reason, mitophagy, along with mitochondrial biogenesis (the process where new mitochondria are created), is considered one of the most powerful ways to rejuvenate cells (Diot et al. 2016).

However, other additional processes can be involved in promoting and aiding skin detoxification:

• On the one hand, antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors and pollutants, thus supporting the skin’s natural defense mechanisms and protecting the skin from the harming effects of toxins. In this context, white tea extract stands out as a powerful ingredient for facial detox based on its antioxidant action.
• On the other hand, the role of postbiotics in cellular detoxification and its link to the circadian cycle also show significant results in promoting skin holistic detox processes.
• Additionally, achieving microbiome balance is also known to support overall cell homeostasis and detoxification processes. For instance, certain types of microbes and specific bacteria influence natural exfoliation, where dead skin cells are shed, and new skin cells are generated, thus removing metabolic waste and other byproducts from the skin’s surface.

The natural ingredient to promote detoxification from a holistic detox perspective

Detoskin™  by Provital emerges as the ultimate ally to promote skin detoxification from a natural, holistic perspective. An innovative active ingredient that promotes mitophagy and thus detoxifies and rejuvenates the skin at a cellular level by removing damaged mitochondria.

A powerful combination of trehalose and paeoniflorin, Detoskin™ boosts a sustainable cellular mechanism that also promotes a more homogeneous skin tone, blue light protection and overall fosters a youthful glow.

With the focus on achieving a holistic detox, the use of Detoskin™ is best supplemented with a variety of complementary skin treatments based on natural ingredients, including:

• Gentle cleansing via white tea extract.
• Regular exfoliation that is gentle with the skin microbiome.
• Antioxidant-rich products.
• Deep hydration.
• As sun damage can harm the skin’s natural capacities for detoxification, sun protection ingredients such as Lingostem™ stand out for their role in protecting skin against photoaging caused by IR and UV radiation.

This provides a comprehensive approach to promote the body’s natural capacities for detoxification via science-backed natural ingredients that evoke a holistic detox perspective.