The Ultimate Guide to New Year Skin Detox: Tips for a Radiant Complexion

First thing’s first – what’s a skin detox?

The skin may be our body’s largest organ (yes, we paid attention in science class), but it does have a tendency to get neglected. Especially after a wild holiday season of non-stop feasting and minimal shut-eye. 

Your skin is the main thing stopping all those chemicals, pollutants and dirt particles out in the world from getting in, but this can lead to a buildup of bacteria, dirt and sebum on your skin which can manifest as – you guessed it – acne, irritation and congestion (AKA the dreaded purge). 

That’s where a skin detox comes in. You may have heard the word ‘detox’ in relation to your liver and kidney, the organs *actually* responsible for removing toxins from your body. That’s not really what we’re referring to when we talk about detoxing skin though (but well done for also paying attention in science class, you).

Doing a skin detox means protecting your skin using certain skin loving ingredients and limiting skin-stressing behaviour, like not drinking enough water, not getting enough sleep, not eating a balanced diet and exposing yourself to air pollution. That’s why skin detoxing won’t make you break out, because it’s got nothing to do with ‘clearing out’ your insides.

Why is a skin detox so darn good? 

If your skin is feeling dull, dry, congested or inflamed, a skin detox is like hitting a big reset button and going back to the basics. Doing a skin detox can leave your skin feeling brighter, clearer and more hydrated – which can only be a good thing, right? And, turns out it also gives your mental and physical health some TLC.

Here’s how to detox your skin

1. Eat a nourishing diet and stay hydrated
   No, we don’t mean throw out your stash of chocolate and never eat hot chippies again. Some foods and drinks can trigger skin irritation, but everyone reacts differently. Dairy, sugar and gluten are the usual suspects, as well as alcohol and refined carbs. Try limiting these ingredients one at a time to see if it has any effect, and add foods high in healthy fats, antioxidants and vitamins to your diet to nourish your skin, like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and fish. Oh, and that emotional support water bottle? Make it your new bestie – two litres a day for that plump, hydrated glow.
   
   
2. Stress less and sleep better
   Late-night TikTok scrolling can be fun, but so is your skin's beauty sleep. Catch those Zs to let your skin repair and regenerate damaged cells, and fight off wrinkles by rebuilding collagen and elastin. Stress can also inflame your skin, so find your zen, whether it's meditation, hanging out with friends or sweating it out at Pilates.
   
   
3. Watch out for pollutants
   Car fumes, UV rays, cigarette smoke and smog all wreak havoc on our skin, leading to problems like dryness, irritation and acne. Protect your skin with a high SPF sunscreen, wash your face twice a day and adopt a hands-off policy for your face.
   
   
4. Glow-up your skincare routine
   Here’s the thing – you can do all of this and still be battling with congested skin if your skincare routine isn’t right. Double cleanse with a balm or oil cleanser that penetrates deep into your pores, and use a gentle toner that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. Add a serum like Vitamin C to help brighten your skin, and use skin-loving antioxidants like green tea to help reduce irritation and redness. Finish strong with a glycerin-rich moisturiser – cue our Body Whip Moisturisers for a bouncy glow.

There you have it, an easy four-step skin detox routine that'll have you feeling fabulous and fresh from the inside out.

Happy Sundae x