The big detox: get your skin in shape in just one week
Pollution, lack of exercise, tiredness, stress, a rich diet - all these can be a fail for your face. It's time to take things in hand with a week-long detox.
Work up a sweat
It doesn't matter what you do, just pop on your trainers and move your body; in the gym, outdoors, alone or with a gang. The more fun the activity, the better. Aim for 45 minutes of exercise, preferably cardio, three times a week, because sweating opens your pores and releases toxins.
Treat yourself to a sauna
Moist heat opens pores, releasing impurities that suffocate skin. If the sauna's too expensive, get the same results by taking a hot bath. Add a few drops of purifying essential oils like eucalyptus, grapefruit or lemon; their draining properties will boost circulation and promote cell renewal.
Try a scrub & mask combo
Essential for a successful detox, this dream team will give you a fresh, glowing complexion. Use a fine-grain scrub to penetrate pores and remove impurities; to avoid damage, gently massage your skin with small, circular movements, paying particular attention to your T-zone. Then apply a clay-based purifying mask to absorb excess sebum.
Watch what you eat
Some foods are famous for their detoxifying action. Fruit-wise, chomp on apples, pineapples, blueberries, kiwis and squeeze lemon on your salad. As for vegetables, artichokes, aubergine, cabbage and watercress will do the trick. Wholegrain cereals are also great for kicking toxins to the kerb. Here's a pro tip: drink a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice before breakfast, followed by fruit and veg smoothies throughout the day.
