We hear all about detoxing your body, but what about topically detoxing your skin? While cleansing your body internally has definite benefits on your skin, what you do to your largest organ that is continuously exposed to pollutants, irritants, dirt and makeup may have longer lasting effects than you thought. Surprisingly it’s not difficult to purify your skin and purge it of all that attacks the moisture balance and glow of healthy skin. The tools are simple and it can be done in as little as three minutes twice a day.

Cleansing is the first step. Even in your own home, you are exposed to environmental and airborne pollutants that have a harmful effect on the delicate skin of your face and neck. Allergens, dust, pet dander and even the residue from certain household cleaners and sprays, all work against the delicate balance of your skin. The moment you step outside you’re adding pollution, sun, wind, exhaust and allergens to the arsenal that can strip your skin of its nutrients and pH balance. Cleansing banishes all these enemies of healthy skin. For the most significant cleansing, choose a face wash that works deep but gently. Your cleanser should exfoliate lightly to leave your skin smooth and refreshed. The after effects of cleansing should result in skin that is soothed, not irritated or tender.

Any cleanser should be followed by moisturizer. Choosing a moisturizing product that compliments the pH balance and specific needs of your skin may be the most important component of your skin detox routine. Moisture is necessary to help smooth and restore skin on and beneath the surface. Moisturizers aid in building a barrier of defense against impurities, but only if it is made from natural ingredients with minimal chemical additives. Because your skin can’t survive without water, your moisturizer works with the fluid you take into your body to keep a natural balance on the surface.

When your goal is to “detox” or deep cleanse your skin, clarifying toner or lotion becomes a significant part of your regime. Clarifying agents serve to refine pores, complete the deep cleansing process and restore the surface of your skin so that it is able to best absorb the nutrients of your moisturizer. Effective toners are also gentle and leave skin feeling fresh and refined. Toners should not cause skin to burn or sting. A slight and comfortable tingle is acceptable but not necessary for a toner to work well. While a cleanser opens pores to deep clean them, a toner helps to close those same pores to protect them from impurities and from clogging when you apply your moisturizer.

The joined effects of these three products create a detoxifying effect on your face that leaves the surface polished, purified and silky smooth. If you choose to skip one of these steps you will not have the finished effect or the deep clean and protection your skin craves.

Choose a line that was designed and balanced to work together. This helps to ensure that your skin will not be overly dry or oily. Using products from different cosmetic lines can work well but may require trial and error testing in order to find the right weight in your moisturizer and alkaline in your toner.

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