When we hear the word detox, we usually associate it with our body, our health and wellness journey, but rarely with detoxing the skin. But if you’re striving for a glowing complexion then regularly detoxing your skin is an absolute must. Here, we reveal five simple ways to press recharge, refresh and reset so your skin is at its absolute optimum.
Double Cleanse
Put simply, this is about washing your face not once, but twice, to ensure every last trace of makeup, SPF and daily grime has been thoroughly removed off the surface of your skin. It makes the next step in your skincare routine work to its max and penetrate deeper too. Whether you use an oil-based cleanser, a cleansing balm or cream cleanser, it all does the job. The only rule is, only double cleanse at night, your skin hasn’t been sleeping in SPF or makeup (we hope!) so stick to one cleanse come morning but go all-out before bedtime.
Try: Dermalogica Pre Cleanse, £49; Olivianna Rosewater & Chamomile Cream Cleanser, £36; Trinny London Double Cleanse Skincare Set, £54.
Exfoliate, gently!
Exfoliation is one of the best ways to detoxify your skin. It helps to slough off dead skin cells and promote new cell growth, which gives you a bright, glowing complexion. But don’t overdo it. We can all get a little carried away with a scrub. Consultant dermatologist Justine Kluk explains, “over exfoliating can lead to adverse reactions such as redness, peeling and flaking, so gentle is key!” And although any time is a good time to exfoliate, the morning is ideal because the skin repairs itself at night and usually leaves a layer of dead skin on the surface that needs brushing off when you wake. Here’s some simple steps on how to exfoliate.
Try: Paula’s Choice CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant, £26.40; Tula Skincare Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, £30; Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant, £46.
Take Your Supplements
Supplementation is a great way to improve and maintain skin quality. According to Rhian Stephenson, founder of celebrity favourite supplement brand, Artah, “you need the basics for good skin – like Vitamin A and Zinc and added phytochemicals that really help enhance skin quality and protect collagen – Lycopene is my favourite. It’s an antioxidant that has been shown to prevent fine lines and wrinkles and protect against free radical damage.” Grape seed is also a hardworking antioxidant to look out for as it’s only good for your skin but your gut too. While Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid and copper will enhance the production of collagen which will lead to more youthful looking skin that’s well-protected. And if anti-ageing is at the top of your list of skin priorities, consider adding a standalone collagen supplement.
Try: Artah Skin Clinic £52; The Nue Co. Prebiotic and Probiotic, £45; Indi Body Daily Diet Enhancer, £55.
Consider Your Gut Health & Lymphatic System
Gut health plays a major role in your skin health. “When your microbiome is imbalanced, our skin can suffer,” says Prof. Dr. Michael Detmar, IRÄYE Co-Founder and dermatologist. “In addition, a healthy lymphatic system maintains radiant and firm skin without signs of puffiness or sagging contours. It has no signs of inflammation, plus it retains healthy elastin and collagen fibres in the dermis, which in turn helps to slow down fine lines and wrinkles appearing.” Stimulating the lymphatic system and taking care of your gut inside and out, will reap benefits on the overall health and look of your skin and the way you feel too. Bloated tums, feeling sluggish and catching every germ in the air, will soon become your worries of yesterday. Here’s some other changes you can make to improving your gut health.
Try: StriVectin Super-B Barrier Strengthening Oil, £62; IRÄYE The Cream, £110; H&B Expert Calm Gut, £24.99.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
We know you’ve heard this umpteen times before, but drinking water is your skin’s best friend. It will help your body rid itself of toxins which can cause inflammation in the face as well as the body. It’s not just what you put on your skin, but what you put in that counts. Chronic dehydration can lead to dullness, dryness, enhanced wrinkles, and deeper fine lines. Get in the habit of drinking more and your skin will noticeably thank you for it.
Try: Artah Cellular Hydration, £32; Skinceuticals Hydration B5 Serum, £80; Reome Active Recovery Broth, £110.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some of the products purchased through affiliate links.
