We usually think of a beauty detox and spring clean at the beginning of a new year, but why wait until then? Detoxing and greening your beauty routine can start at any time of the year. Perhaps the best time to start might be right now!
Undertaking a skin detox can be a gradual switch from products that contain harmful chemicals and additives and checking thoroughly what you currently have stored in your cosmetics bag and bathroom cabinet.
There are two essential types of detox:
1. Check out the ingredients.
Look at the packaging of all your favourite skincare and read the labels to see what the product contains; are there active ingredients and antioxidants listed? Are they marketed as natural, organic and cruelty-free? If not, then there will be harmful chemicals such as parabens and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) that are not skin-friendly.
2. Detox using the right products.
Cleanse and hydrate using natural or organic face masks, therapeutic oils and serums, balms and beauty supplements. Drink plenty of water, fresh fruit juices and herbal teas.
Take a little time for you; it's crucial.
When was the last time you did something just for you? We're so busy juggling work, relationships, children, and a host of other obligations that its easy to put some "me time" at the bottom of a long list of responsibilities.
Why not step back, take a breath and organise all your skincare and beauty products? I was horrified to discover old unloved lipsticks and grungy lip balms in my bedroom dresser, I had bought these years ago, and they were well past their use-by-date.
Do you know what you're putting on your skin?
While clearing out, it's an excellent opportunity to spend some time researching what's in the product you're using, and you'll be less likely to purchase the same products going forwards. You might want to consider parring down your skincare and cosmetic collection and keep things simple. Let your skin breathe by using natural chemical-free products.
Many synthetic creams and lotions contain chemicals and hormone disrupters – even if you think you're buying "natural" products, it's easy to be fooled by great packaging and expensive advertising.
You check your prescription label, why not scrutinise your skincare label?
We're all guilty of storing skincare well past the expiry date so check on the outer packaging, product information leaflet, plus labels attached to jars and containers. Once opened your skin cleanser, serums and balms will have an expiration date usually standard across the Green/Natural beauty industry.
Continued skincare use beyond the expiry date may mean that you're more prone to skin irritation and infection.
As a guide, this is how long Live Well organic/natural skincare lasts once opened:
Moisturisers fitted with screw top lid – up to 6 months.
Serums and Oils with glass dropper – up to 12 months
Facial cleansing masks – up to 6 months
Waterless skin balms – up to 12 months
Cream in pump-action bottles - up to 12 months
Bath soak/salts – up to 12 months
Natural & Organic cosmetics & skincare are best stored cool & dry.