6 Ways to Detox Your Skincare

We all need a detox at some point - whether that be a juice cleanse or a break from social media. But when was the last time your bathroom counter tops saw a thorough cleanse? 

Today, I'd like to talk about a few ways we can remove clutter and harmful products taking up space in our homes. If you're brave, tackle all six steps at once! Or take your time and detox a little bit every week. In either case, you're sure to start seeing better skin and a refreshed space in no time.

1. LET GO...

You check the date on milk before you drink it. (You might even do a sniff test just because!)

But... you apply expired beauty products to your delicate eyes, cheeks, or lips because, well, it’s your pretty stuff! And you invested your cherished time and money into finding the perfect products for your skin. But you could be harming your skin by using products past their expiration date.

It’s hard to let go, I know. Heartbreaking even. But tossing expired products is a MUST.

When it's time to break up with expired skincare products, be extra-careful to check the dates on these type of products:

- Water-based products are bacteria’s happy place. Be extra careful to check the expiration date, as oxygen can change the efficacy of some skincare products.

- Some Vitamin C skincare products. These should be contained in opaque packaging that protects product exposure to sunlight and oxygen. (That’s why our Vitamin C Treatment Complex is in a solid, air-tight metal tube! Plus, the vitamin C in our products is extremely stable, which means it can be exposed to more oxygen than most.) Be sure to check the product color too. If it changes to a brown or orange tint, it’s contaminated. Discontinue use and toss it!

- SPFs. It’s good practice to replace these with the seasons. If you’re using your SPF, you don't want to run the risk of expiration.

2. STICK YOUR NOSE WHERE IT BELONGS...

Consider replacing skincare products that morphed into something else (even if they’re not expired).

Most of our skincare products have a shelf life of 1-2 years unopened. But once opened, try to use them within 6 months to a year. Any beauty product will have a "Period After Opening" or "PAO" symbol on the jar or bottle. You can see that the product below should be used within 12 months (or 12M) of opening.

When your skincare products change in texture, smell, or color - something is wrong. Keep an eye (and nose) out for these signs:

- Changes in color or tint
- Odors signaling products have “gone bad”
- Products that run, separate, or clump
- Application feels streaky or grainy
- When in doubt, toss it out. If it’s not working anymore or irritates your skin, replace it.

3. A HEALTHY OUTLOOK...

Getting rid of harmful ingredients is a no-brainer. Shockingly, there are tons of toxic ingredients hiding in your bathroom cabinets! I suggest reading each label carefully and doing a bit of your own research. I like to think, "Better safe than sorry!" so I avoid the following...

- Parabens: A skincare preservative, potentially linked to mimicking estrogen.

- Sulfates: Used as a lathering agent in shampoo, toothpaste, and body wash. It’s an irritant and harmful to the environment.

- Phthalates: Can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.

- Triclosan: Can lead to damage of the reproductive system, weakening of the immune system, and thyroid abnormalities.

- Formaldehyde: Used as a preservative in personal care products. It’s been reported to cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.

- PABA: Used in sunscreen to filter dangerous sun rays. It’s been linked to cancer. Side effects of using products formulated with PABA include skin irritations like eczema and scleroderma.

- Toluene (aka Benzene): Clear liquid used in nail polish, hair dyes, and bleaches. It can cause headaches, dizziness, and skin disorders.

All of our products are formulated without these ingredients. After being in the biz for 20+ years, I know which ingredients stand the test of time and which can be harmful. I like to be very transparent about what is in each formula, and you can find a full list of ingredients on each product page.


4. PLAIN OLD HOARDING...

This one might be a bit more obvious... Do you have beauty products overtaking your bathroom space? Are you the kind of gal that just can't let go?

Maybe it's a product that didn't work for you or something that you've had for so long the label is starting to fade... It’s time to take inventory and say your final goodbyes!

I mentioned last year that my number one 2017 New Year’s Resolution was to get organized! Decluttering my life of unwanted and underused products was extremely helpful.

5. FOUR SEASONS...

Your beloved skincare routine may not be appropriate for year-round use. Transition your skincare from hot and humid, outdoor activity-filled days of summer to the abrasive coolness of fall and winter. And back again.

During warm summer months, I like to switch to my oil-free moisturizer to avoid any extra heavy layers! But in the winter and fall, my skin needs more hydration to avoid feeling dry and tight. (I like to layer this moisturizer and this face oil for that extra glow.)

Also, an oil based cleanser or cleansing balm helps replenish moisture lost in harsh winter weather.

6. AGING OUT...

If you’re still using the same cleansers and moisturizers you used when you were pulling all-night cram sessions, it may be time to detox. Our skin ages with the rest of our body. Your 20 year-old skin has different needs than your 40 year old-skin.

In your teens and 20s, a basic cleanser and moisturizer is usually enough for your lighting-fast regenerating skin. If you're prone to acne, a treatment containing salicylic acid can help combat this major nuisance.

In your 30s and 40s, your skin loses collagen. Look for skincare products formulated with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) to help repair collagen deficient skin.

50 year-old skin needs highly effective, multi-tasking products. Vitamin A (aka: Reitnol) is essential to help improve slowed cell turnover. (Read more about which retinol product is right for you here.)

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Do your skin (and yourself) a favor. It's time to give your skincare line-up an overhaul. Practice these six steps, and I bet you’ll see improvement in your skin!

xo
Colleen