detox your skin

the bottom line

Life in New York City can be exhilarating – the never-ending skyline, 24-hour-everything, and the sheer pulse of energy that seems to flow through the people who call this crazy place home. But the hustle and bustle of city life can wreak havoc on our skin - whether it’s due to pollution, air conditioning, or just one too many nights out. Sometimes, in our busy lives, our skin gets neglected. We’ve all heard of detox diets - a change in lifestyle to help cleanse impurities from the body and improve wellbeing - but when was the last time you considered the same for your skin?

The skin is the largest organ in our bodies and plays a major part in eliminating waste and impurities. If your bod is trying to compensate for other systems that aren’t at their best, then you’ll see it your skin. While signs vary from person to person, indications that it’s detox time include oily skin and breakouts; uneven, dull or sallow skin; or dry or sensitive skin. If your face doesn’t have the glow you think it should, then a skin detox could be the key to looking and feeling better.

Just for you, we’ve handpicked our favorite ways to detox city skin. Read on, beauty.

first layer: detox that diet

You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again (and again): beauty starts from within. What we choose to ingest will manifest itself in some form or another on our skin. So do yourself a favor and wean out the junk - we promise that your glowing complexion will thank you for it.

second layer: steam clean

For an easy and highly effective deep cleanse, try a face steam at home. Exposing your face to ten minutes of steam allows it to penetrate deep into pores to help to draw out impurities that may be lurking. Simply add boiling water to a bowl - plus a slice of lemon or a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil - and then hold you face above it, using a towel draped over your head to complete your little sanctuary. Be careful not to overdo it; steam can burn the skin if you get too close.

third layer: commit to cleansing

We’ve waxed poetic about cleansing before, so we’ll keep it brief: it’s not a one-night stand, beauty, this baby needs commitment. Working a day and night cleanse into your skin care ritual will go a long way towards helping over-worked skin. It’s important to be mindful of your skin type when choosing a cleansing routine - dull or oily skin can benefit from a product that decreases excess sebum, while dry or sensitive skin types should look for one that cleanses without stripping the skin. And don’t forget the beauty of the double-cleanse…

fourth layer: drink (lots of) water

Drinking water is one of the easiest routes to a glowing, hydrated complexion. To allow your body to run normally and flush out waste, 6-8 glasses of water per day are the standard, depending upon activity. But listen to your body - if you’re thirsty, then you could already be dehydrated.

fifth layer: masque it

Destress your skin and apply a clarifying face mask twice per week during your detox period. The right mask can reveal clearer skin and help to decrease inflammation and irritation. If your skin is prone to breakouts, try a deep cleansing product that focuses on removing dead skin cells and targeting excess sebum which can clog pores.

sixth layer: polish it off

Our skin turns over every six weeks (every four weeks when you’re young, which is why kiddos have such unfairly gorgeous skin). Dead cells sitting on the skin’s surface can clog our pores, resulting in dull skin and predisposing to blackheads and breakouts. Help it along with an exfoliating scrub to help remove dead skin cells. Your happy skin will be able to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively, too.

seventh layer: ditch it (the toxins)

There are some gross things hiding in your skincare, and honestly, we don’t want them anywhere near our lovely detoxed selves. Think clean and check the labels of your skincare to look out for unsavory ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, petrolatum and artificial colors and fragrances. Avoid these synthetic chemicals and toxins and instead choose green products packed with botanicals and active natural goodness.

A little plug: anokha’s Rice & Bamboo Facial Scrub combines the exfoliating effects of rice and bamboo powder with the soothing properties of green tea - the perfect antidote for pooped-out city skin.

All this and more at www.anokhaskincare.com .

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xx

anokha