How a Dopamine Detox Can Give You a Natural Glow

Do you scroll through Netflix for 30 minutes to find a show to watch while eating? Is checking your phone the first and last thing you do each day? If you’re nodding along, the internet thinks you need a “dopamine detox.”

The wellness trend blew up on social media platforms after influencers like Emma Chamberlain shared their positive experiences. Aside from its effects on productivity and mental well-being, some say that it also improves their skin health. A bold claim, which raises the question: does it work or is it just a glorified screen break?

Dopamine detox was first introduced by psychiatrist Dr. Cameron Sepah who came up with the idea to help his patients break bad habits. The process works by temporarily abstaining (or cutting back)from potentially addicting activities or stimuli, such as TV binge-watching shopping sprees, and even alcohol consumption.

However, instead of relying on self-regulation and willpower, you’re supposed to make the habit much harder to do. For example, you can lock your phone away in a drawer or delete shopping apps from your phone for a limited time. 

What do these practices have to do with dopamine? Although the term “dopamine detox” implies it helps cleanse dopamine from your system, it’s not actually about eliminating the hormone itself. That would be impossible to do anyway since dopamine is naturally produced by nerve cells in the brain, and it’s a good thing. In his LinkedIn article, Dr.Sepah explains, “We are not fasting from dopamine itself, but from impulsive behaviors reinforced by it.”

Fasting from dopamine hits can have wide-ranging benefits, depending on the specific actions one chooses to refrain from during the detox period.

When you limit your screen time, you’re not only giving your brain a break from digital overload but also letting your skin rest. Researchers have investigated the impact of blue light emitted from the screens on circadian rhythm. Too much screen time can knock your skin’s regenerative cycle off balance, possibly aging the skin and causing damage over time. Moreover, several studies found that blue light exposure might trigger hyperpigmentation in medium to dark skin.

If your detox involves passing on junk treats, alcohol, and smoking, your skin stands to gain even more. According to the Dermato-Endocrinology journal, diets full of high-glycemic index food such as sugary snacks and soft drinks may increase your risk of developing acne. Meanwhile, alcohol and tobacco smoke are linked to dry and sagging skin.

In a nutshell, dopamine fasting, if done correctly, may help you achieve a healthier, more radiant complexion. It sounds like a pretty good deal!

Emma Chamberlain – along with the rest of the internet – gave up almost all life’s instant pleasures, including social media, music, podcasts, caffeine, takeouts, and shopping for 24 to 48 hours. However, this detox plan is extremely difficult and may not yield the best results. There are more effective and sustainable ways to do a dopamine fast. Follow these steps if you’re unsure of where to start.

Dr.Sepahrecommends opting out of only one problematic behavior for the detox to be effective. Focusing on too many at once can be overwhelming and stressful, especially for first-timers. So, take a moment to reflect on which distracting habit you wish to change. Is it mindless snacking? Excessive social media scrolling?

It’s also helpful to be clear on what you want to do. Don’t set a vague goal like“I want to reduce my screen time.” Make a specific objective such as “I will log out of TikTok for a full day” to track your progress.

Dopamine detox doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing effort. As a warm-up, start with shorter fasts. You can do a few hours a day or a full 24 hours every month. Maybe allow 10 minutes of free time to indulge in the activity you’re fasting from to manage your impulses. Once you’re more comfortable with the practice, feel free to gradually expand the window.

The best part of a dopamine fast is you’ll have more spare time to do other things. The downside? Restlessness. Your brain is so accustomed to constant stimulation and instant gratification that the prospect of sitting alone with your thoughts can feel anxiety-inducing. That’s why you should prepare a list of things to keep you occupied.

Engaging in activities that encourage mindfulness, such as stretching, exercising, or dancing, can help calm your nerves. Begin your day with Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Roll-On or Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Spray to protect you from body odor. These deodorants have none of the harsh ingredients that can irritate your delicate underarm skin and are formulated with ¼ moisturizing cream for smooth kili-kili.

One challenge of dopamine fasting that very few people talk about is isolation. For instance, if you’re the only person in your circle who’s committed to a social media ban, feelings of FOMO may haunt you. On top of this, staying connected with your friends can be more challenging.

To stay in touch, reach out to your loved ones and invite them for a meetup. Let them know about your detox plan so they can support you. Rather than withdrawing from social gatherings, use this opportunity to deepen your bonds with those who matter.

Dopamine detox may not be for everyone, but it’s worth trying at least once. The whole experience shows promise in improving sleep patterns and promoting a healthier lifestyle. It can teach you a thing or two about your not-so-great habits and, as a bonus, give you glowing skin.