Lately we’ve been hearing from more and more women that their glowing skin isn’t just about the radiance-boosting skin-care serums they’re slathering on—it’s the result of paying attention to a rather different organ.

We’re talking about colonics—and the intestines. Practitioners and devotees of colonics believe that regular sessions with the hose can clear up acne, psoriasis and eczema, and even a single session can give an immediate glow to the skin.

Dr. Mariana Boneva, founder of Beauty Plus Aesthetics and a pioneer in advanced laser skin treatments, says colonics are a perfect complement to the broad menu of aesthetic and cosmetic procedures her Manhattan practice offers. Beauty Plus uses the Colenz colon cleansing system, and Boneva likens the effects of a Colenz session to that of a great cardio workout—glowing skin and a feeling of lightness or even euphoria.

Boneva took a few minutes with us to explain the unexpected benefits of colon cleansing.

What’s the connection between the intestines and the skin?

Any fecal matter in the body is toxic. It’s like a bag of trash in the summer that’s starting to ferment. That happens in the intestines, and then the toxins sink through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. And from there, the skin is the largest organ of elimination. So if you are at all toxic, it’s going to show up there.

I always say to my clients that there is no clear and beautiful skin without a clean colon. What happens in the colon is directly seen in the skin. So when I see a person with chronic acne, to me they are pooping through their skin. That may sound harsh, but when I put it that way to my clients, it gives them a wake-up call. I tell them that what’s going on inside will show on the outside—that the skin is the organ that we can see that tells us if we are internally fit. So I tell them to pay attention, as it can save them from longstanding issues later on.

 

How many sessions does it take to see results?

Generally healthy clients with decent skin and good natural elimination can see a glow after one session, but clearing up a chronic condition like acne, eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis takes more of an investment.

And just as the skin is the first place trouble can appear, it’s also one of the first places for improvement. When you detox, the first place you’ll see the results is on the skin. Your skin tone improves, and it emits a glow, a vibrant quality. It motivates you to take better care of yourself. And maybe hit the hose in addition to the beauty counter.

 

Is your practice devoted entirely to colon hydrotherapy?

No, but Colenz sessions are a major part of my anti-aging, anti-acne and other treatment programs. That’s why I opened another room for colon hydrotherapy in my practice four years ago.

 

What’s the recommended schedule for Colenz sessions?

It depends on your lifestyle, diet, health condition, age, and other factors. If it’s your first time, I recommend at least four sessions close together, once a week, along with—not coincidentally—an elimination diet without dairy, processed food, meat, sugar and gluten.

 

Some people worry that colonics can wash the good bacteria from their intestinal system, or that they’ll get addicted to it. What has your experience been with your clients?

It definitely doesn't cause addiction. A probiotic has to be taken to balance the bacterial flora in the colon. The famous gastrointestinal surgeon Hiromi Shinya, who has operated on more then 300,000 patients, claims that those who do regular colonics show up for their colonoscopies with healthier and much better-looking intestines than people who rely on natural elimination only. He’s convinced after his long years of practice that those people have prevented colon cancer and many other chronic conditions.

I recommend colonics not just to my clients with skin problems, but to everyone who cares how they look and feel, and for how long. And springtime is the best season to refresh and clean the internal body.

 

FREE CONSULT during month of April 2015 when you mention Natural Awakenings.

Dr. Boneva's office is located at 353 Lexington Ave. For more info visit BeautyPlusAesthetics.com or call 212-371-6097.