Detox & Cleansing · 6 min
The Skin as a Detox Organ
Your skin is sometimes called your 'third kidney', but that's an exaggeration. It does play a role in regulating temperature and releasing small amounts of waste through sweat, but the bulk of detoxification is handled by the liver and kidneys. This article sets the facts straight.
In this article: What it is · How it works · Common myths · Practical tips · When to be careful
Key takeaways
- The skin is mainly a barrier and temperature regulator, not a main detox organ.
- Sweating clears only small amounts of waste compared to the kidneys and liver.
- Detox masks and infrared saunas have no meaningful proven detox effect.
- Unexplained skin issues belong with a doctor or dermatologist.
Written by Jochem Nohlmans, founder of Somora.