Start Fresh: Tips for a Skincare Detox

A new year brings promise of a fresh start and for many of us, that includes a focus on our own wellness. But when information is readily available and sometimes conflicting, it’s easy to buy into various trends. How that sometimes pans out is, as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of skincare, we accumulate products that promise miracles but may not deliver the results we desire. A skincare product detox is an excellent way to refresh your routine, eliminate products that aren’t serving you, and focus on what truly benefits your skin. In this blog, I wanted to explore effective skincare options, supplements, treatment programs, and the importance of a consistent home skincare routine.

Understanding Skincare Product Detox

A skincare product detox involves evaluating and refining your skincare routine to eliminate ineffective, harmful or just superfluous products and practices. The goal is to simplify your regimen, allowing your skin to do what it does best –  repair and rejuvenate. This process can also help you identify which products genuinely benefit your skin, making it easier to incorporate essential treatments and supplements.

Evaluate Your Current Routine

Begin your detox by assessing your current skincare products. Take note of everything you use, from cleansers and toners to moisturisers and serums. Ask yourself the following questions:

What are the active ingredients? Are they suitable for my skin type?

How does my skin react? Do I experience breakouts, irritation, or dryness?

Do I use too many products?

As a Skincare Professional, I need you to know – less can often be more when it comes to skincare.

Skincare Options for a Fresh Start

Cleansers

Start with an appropriate cleanser suited to your skin type. The cleansers that I work with and recommend do much more than cleanse the skin. They have ingredients that support skin biome health, respect the skin barrier and start cell communication from the outside in. I also choose to work with brands that avoid the nasties like SLS, parabens and other skin irritants.

Exfoliants

It is sometimes necessary to incorporate exfoliation into your homecare routine, but I am always going to advise you to be cautious and not overdo it. This is one instance where more is invariably worse than less. Chemical exfoliants, like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), can help remove redundant skin cells and promote cell turnover. For a gentler effect, I may recommend and enzyme or mask based exfoliant.

Moisturisers

A moisturiser needs to hydrate, repair and enhance cell mechanisms without clogging pores. Depending on skin needs – I may recommend a moisturiser with Niacinamide for its skin-boosting immunity, Vitamin C to fight free radicals and build collagen, Retinoids (Vitamin A) Giving environmental protection to repair your skin cells, Phospholipids, as these are essential to the healthy function of skin cells, Linoleic, linolenic, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides and/or exosomes to protect, repair and restore moisture to the skin.

Supplements for Skin Health

In addition to topical products, I usually ask my clients to consider integrating supplements into their routine to promote skin health from within. I may include

Collagen Peptides: These can help improve skin elasticity and hydration. I like hydrolysed collagen powders that can be easily added to smoothies or drinks.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil or flaxseed oil, these supplements can help reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function.

Quercetin: To reduce redness, itching, and inflammation. It can also prevent UV-induced collagen degradation, damage caused by oxidative stress and repair of damaged and aging skin. Some studies suggest that quercetin glycosides may help treat dark spots. 

Treatment Programs

For those looking to take their skincare detox a step further, together we can discuss professional treatment programs that can provide targeted results:

Nano Infusion

Nano infusion is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny needlelike cones to deliver serums deep into the skin. This treatment can help enhance product absorption, providing your skin with the nutrients it needs. It’s an excellent option for those looking to improve skin texture and tone.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can help address various skin concerns, from acne to hyperpigmentation. New peel technology allows peels to be performed all year round, with many of my peels have an anabolic (adding to) action rather than catabolic (taking away) For example, I work with peels such as mandelic acid or retinoids delivered to skin via exosomes, where they work from the inside out, setting up good cell metabolism and repair mechanisms while they work their magic.

Oxygenating Treatments

Oxygenating treatments are one of my very favourite treatments for any skin with redness, slow to heal, disturbed biome (acne, peri-oral dermatitis, rosacea) and is also particularly beneficial for dull or tired skin.

The Importance of Home Skincare

While professional treatments can enhance your skincare routine, home skincare is crucially important.

Your skin is exposed to various environmental factors daily, including pollution, UV rays, and stress. A consistent home skincare routine helps protect and maintain your skin’s health. The little habits we do each and every day add up to the biggest impact in the long game.

With at home products, I can help you tailor your routine to your specific skin type and concerns. Rather than randomly experimenting with different products allows you to discover what works best for you.

My main message is to building healthy habits, as consistency is key to achieving results in skincare. Establishing a daily and weekly routine encourages the development of these healthy habits, promoting long-term skin health.

Crafting Your Ideal Home Skincare Routine

Morning Routine

Cleanser: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.

Serum: Apply a serum that targets your specific concerns (e.g., vitamin C for brightness).

Moisturiser: A moisturiser suitable for your skin type and concerns with effective delivery systems of suitable active ingredients..

Sunscreen: Never skip sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF in a texture you enjoy (and will wear!)

Evening Routine

Cleanser: Double cleanse if you’ve worn makeup or sunscreen.

Exfoliant: Use your recommended exfoliant as prescribed, usually 1-2 times a week.

Serum: Apply a treatment serum (e.g., retinol for anti-aging).

Moisturiser: Use a moisturiser that respects the circadian rhythms of the skin and facilitates repair

Stay Committed to Your Skincare Detox

As you embark on your skincare detox journey, remember that results take time. Be patient and allow your skin to adjust to new products and routines. Here are some tips to stay committed:

Track Your Progress: Keep a skincare journal to note changes in your skin and how it responds to different products.

Stay Educated: Follow skincare blogs, watch tutorials, and talk to me about the latest trends before introducing random items

Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin feels and reacts. Adjust your routine as needed based on its needs.

A skincare detox is a refreshing way to reinvigorate your skincare routine, allowing your skin to thrive. By evaluating your current products, incorporating beneficial supplements, and committing to a consistent home regimen, you can achieve healthier, more radiant skin. Remember, the journey to great skin is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the process, make informed choices, and enjoy the benefits of a detoxified skincare routine.