Why Skin Flares Up During Detox – And How to Support It
Feb 11, 2025
The skin is often referred to as the second liver because when the body's primary detoxification pathways (such as the liver and kidneys) become overwhelmed, toxins are pushed out through the skin. This is why many people experience breakouts, rashes, eczema, or itching during detoxification.
Understanding why this happens and how to support the skin properly can help you navigate detox symptoms with greater ease.
Why Do Skin Flare-Ups Happen During Detox?
1. Liver Congestion Leads to Toxin Overflow
The liver is responsible for breaking down toxins and excreting them through bile into the intestines. When the liver is sluggish or overwhelmed, toxins are rerouted to other elimination pathways—primarily the skin. This can manifest as:
- Acne
- Eczema or dermatitis
- Rashes and itching
- Hives
2. Lymphatic Stagnation Slows Toxin Removal
The lymphatic system is a crucial part of detoxification, carrying waste and toxins away from tissues. However, the lymph does not have a pump (like the heart), so it relies on movement, hydration, and drainage. If the lymphatic system is stagnant, toxins accumulate under the skin, triggering breakouts.
3. Gut Imbalances Can Cause Skin Reactions
When gut bacteria become imbalanced (dysbiosis), endotoxins and waste products can leak into circulation, leading to inflammation and skin reactions. This is often linked to parasite die-off, Candida overgrowth, or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
How to Support Skin During Detox
1. Prioritise Liver and Lymphatic Support
- Liver Support:
- Drink dandelion tea or lemon water to stimulate bile flow.
- Incorporate liver-supporting foods like beets, artichokes, and cruciferous vegetables.
- Take bitter herbs (milk thistle, burdock root) to enhance liver function.
- Lymphatic Support:
- Dry brush your skin daily to stimulate circulation.
- Use a rebounder (mini trampoline) to move lymph.
- Get lymphatic drainage massages.
- Stay well-hydrated to keep lymph fluid moving.
2. Support the Gut
- Work on gut healing to seal the gut lining and reduce inflammation.
- Ensure drainage pathways are open and you are moving your bowels regularly (daily).
- Avoid inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, and refined sugar.
3. Use Skin-Friendly Detox Practices
- Take Epsom salt baths to help draw out toxins.
- Use clay masks (such as bentonite or French green clay) to absorb impurities.
- Apply aloe vera or calendula for skin irritation and inflammation.
Final Thoughts
Skin flare-ups during detox are a sign that your body is eliminating toxins. Rather than suppressing symptoms, focus on supporting detox pathways, especially the liver, lymph, and gut. By working with your body's natural processes, you can achieve clearer, healthier skin from the inside out.