Healthy skin is arguably one of the most important tools in anyone’s beauty kit. We all know that it is not just what we put on our skin but what we eat a drink too that helps keep it toxin free. Alongside a balanced diet, detoxing your skin is paramount and can be done in 5 simple steps.
Step 1: Cleansing
The only way to get rid of daily dirt and oil build up is by washing your face in the morning AND the evening. It is imperative that you identify what skin type you have- dry, oily or combination so that you can buy a face wash that is likely to be effective. Cetaphil have a range of different cleansers for different skin types but they also have Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser , which is a soap free face wash perfect for any skin type. Homemade natural face cleansers are also extremely popular as you have more control over ingredients in terms of what is being used and how much. Honey and lemon is perfect as the citric acid in the lemon is a good cleansing agent, while honey is able to remove the deep impurities in the skin. This is ideal for all skin types, even those that are looking for sensitive or ageing skin cleansing. For acne prone skin, you need to look for a face wash that contains 2% Glycolic acid to dry out and clear the acne like the Maria Badescu Glycolic Cleansing Lotion .
Step 2: Toning
This step acts as reinforcement for step 1. Often enough, some dirt and impurities are still lingering in the skin after cleansing. Toning is used to get rid of any skin debris left by drying it out. Again, there are a plethora of toners on the market, catering to different skin types. No7 Soft & Soothed Gentle Toner is one product in a range of toners they do that are alcohol free, so do not leave the skin feeling dry. A good homemade toner for any skin type is a mix of green tea (cold of course) and a few drops of a pure essential oil of choice (jasmine oil gives off a complimentary scent with the green tea).
Step 3: Exfoliating
Once the dirt and oil from your skin has been removed, the next stage is to get rid of the dead skin. Skin is constantly shedding and it is a very natural process that happens to all of us. However, if the dead skin cells are not removed, they can build up and clog up our pores, which may cause acne. The easiest way to exfoliate is with a facial scrub, which contains small particles, beads or chemicals that are able to remove the dead skin cells. The process is carried out using a washcloth, glove or mechanical brush. Again, a suitable homemade face scrub for all is a mixture of coconut oil and sugar. Be careful not to over exfoliate when using store bought scrubs as the chemicals in some of them can cause hyperpigmentation or sensitivity in darker skin tones. A worthwhile exfoliant is St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub , which works on all skin types and is perfect for everyday use.
Step 4: Masks
For deeper skin purification, (recommended weekly) the next step is to use a face mask. They are numerous available, from clay to paper ones. Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Masque is a good one to pick up as it is made up of all natural ingredients. A popular homemade mask is an avocado face mask. It is made up of one avocado, mixed with an egg white and lemon juice. It should be applied for approximately 20 minutes and washed off with lukewarm water.
Step 5: Moisturising
It is a common misconception that not all skin types need to moisturise. This step is essential in preventing the skin from becoming too dry or oily. Lightweight oils or non-greasy moisturisers like the ones in the Simple Kind To Skin range are ideal. This step is very important for ageing skin as it adds to the elasticity of skin, which is lost over time, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.
Do you use any other steps in your skin detox or what products would you suggest?
