For many of us January will be a time for detoxing following an indulgent December, but while a detox may be doing wonders to our bodies, it could be playing havoc with our skin.
Facialist Emma Appleby, from L’atelier Aesthetics in London, says that many of us experience redness, spots or even seasonal acne when we change our diet, even if it’s for the better.
Her colleague, nutritionist Ruth Tongue, says it is caused by the body’s natural ‘detoxifying’ organs.
She explains: ‘The liver, the kidneys, the digestive system and the skin all work on a daily basis to eliminate all of the substances that are harmful or unnecessary to the body.
‘When following a ‘detox diet’, which will typically involve cutting out things such as sugar, alcohol, and processed foods, you may find that your skin breaks out due to changes in the levels of inflammation in the body.’
Here’s how to make sure your skin is reflecting your saintly new January diet.
Even if the detox is doing wonders to our bodies, it may not be the same to our skin and some of us are experiencing acne as a result explains facialist Emma Appleby
Appleby, facialist from L’atelier Aesthetics in London, says that many of us experience redness, spots or even seasonal acne when we change our diet, even when it’s for the better
AVOID HIGH GI FOODS
Appleby, who has treated beauty bloggers such as, Victoria Magrath, (aka InTheFrow) and Alessandra Steinherr, also believes we should avoid foods with a ‘high glycemic index (GI)’ – so those with a high sugar level and refined carbohydrates.
‘Foods with a high GI elevate levels of insulin in our blood and can increase inflammation and sebum production in the skin resulting in breakouts and acne.’
JUMP IN THE SAUNA
In order to combat a nasty breakout Appleby suggests taking some exercise or having a sauna.
She says: ‘They’re a brilliant way of flushing out the toxins and increasing the blood flow to your skin.
‘But it’s important to remove your make up and cleanse beforehand. You need to have clean skin to start with so the sweat can easily flow from your pores and not be blocked by the days makeup and grime.’
Emma likes to follow her own advice, making sure she has regular superficial chemical peels
‘Directly afterwards wash away the sweat with cold water to remove any bacteria that may result in breakouts and to constrict your pores back to their normal size.’
EMBRACE SERUM
When it comes to switching up your skincare routine, Appleby says: ‘Apply a Vitamin C serum each morning as this will protect your skin from free radical damage – such as alcohol, cigarette smoke and pollution.
‘Use Hyaluronic Acid serum to maintain your skin’s hydration.
‘Hyaluronic Acid attracts and holds 1000 times it’s weight in water, making it a brilliant skin hydrator. It will result in your skin being plumper and firmer too.
‘Including the ingredient vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) into your skincare regime is also vital, as it helps to strengthen your skin barrier function, meaning it aids water retention and is great for anti-inflammatory.’
To get rid of spots Appleby recommends nightly serums with lactic or glycolic acid and a weekly weekly enzyme face mask.
‘The serums will help to eat away at the dead skin cells on your skin’s surface and smooth out your skin’s texture. While the face mask will give you that New Year glow.’
TRY A CHEMICAL PEEL
The Harley Street facialist also suggests a professional treatment at least once a month.
She loves having a superficial chemical peels, as it helps to remove her dead skin cells, cleans out her pores and gives skin a boost.
She adds: ‘Regular professional treatments are rather like going to the gym to get your body in shape.
‘When you check in with a trainer on regular basis, for a more intense workout, it helps to keep everything on track and ensure your skincare regime is working the best it can.’
The Harley Street facialist also recommends a professional treatment at least once a month