We put our skin through a lot: Makeup, lotion, sweat, dirt, pollution. So it totally makes sense that this hard-working organ could benefit from a mini-detox every once in a while.
We’re not talking full-blown detox diet, though. Nope! There are actually some really simple, one-step ways to cleanse and detoxify your complexion to get glowy, clear, and youthful skin.
5 easy ways to detox skin
Clay masks
One of the fastest ways to brighten and tighten skin, clay masks work by drawing impurities—aka toxins, dirt, and bacteria—out of pores. Invest in a formula with blue or bentonite clay, which both work well on oily and acne-prone complexions. Both are rich in minerals like phosphorus and magnesium which nourish and clarify skin.
Shop: Herbivore Blue Clay Mask
Apple Cider Vinegar
Yes, it smells a little like salad dressing. But apple cider vinegar (ACV to its fans) is actually a fantastic topical treatment that encourages cell turnover, resulting in a light skin detox. Unpasteurized ACV naturally contains alpha hydroxy acids that clear dead skin cells and reveal fresh, dewy skin. If you really can’t stand the smell, try adding a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oils for an aromatherapy experience.
Shop: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Sweat
One of the best (and cheapest!) ways to detox? Get sweating. Your body naturally flushes out its pores as you sweat, which should leave skin looking bright and glowy. Plus, exercise gets your blood pumping and encourages oxygen flow, which will help detox your body from the inside out! Get sweating in your favorite workout at least five times a week, or hit up the sauna for a more meditative sweat sesh. Just make sure you cleanse right after sweating, or else you might end up with breakouts!
Shop: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Dry Brushing
Using a dry brush daily before bathing is an excellent way to encourage lymphatic drainage and—you guessed it—get bright, youthful skin. The natural bristles of a dry brush encourage blood flow to the dermis and the fascia, which is the layer of tissue under your skin. Anecdotally, dry brushing is used to combat cellulite and to increase collagen production. The practice also acts like a full-body exfoliant, which opens up the pores and makes it easier for skin to absorb moisturizers.
Shop: Jute Body Brush
Steam Bath
Like a chill pill for your face. All you need are a few essential oils and 10 minutes a week to enjoy the beauty benefits of steam baths. There’s a reason that every facialist you’ve ever seen uses steam before treating your skin: The hot air encourages pores to open and softens whatever buildup (sebum, oil, bacteria, general nastiness) is inside, making it easier to perform extractions. Doing a steam and following up with a mask or peel allows the treatment to penetrate deeper, so you’ll get more bang for your buck! Simply heat a quart of water until it’s steaming, add the essential oils or salts of your choice, then drape a towel over your head and sit for at least 10 minutes.
Shop: Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Steam Bath
Photo credit: Unsplash
