Seems everyone is getting in on some sort of detox, especially post holidays. Not just for the body anymore, now even skin is getting in on the action. Do you need a face detox?

Whether to lose weight, purge the system of toxins, or gain more energy, detoxes have become commonplace. Some people do them annually, others more often.

The reason behind these toxin purges is mainly good health. Obviously, a super streamlined or liquid diet usually results in some weight loss, which can be an added bonus. And often skin looks better because you aren’t feeding your system full of junk.

So what if we took things to the next level and did a face detox? If you are less than game to ingest certain questionable ingredients (charcoal smoothie?), you may feel better about putting them on your skin.

Let’s backtrack just a minute and get to the why of detoxing the skin. We know harmful chemicals are not good for skin or body, and work to avoid them in skincare and cosmetics. Did you also know that daily pollution becomes trapped in pores and can cause toxic buildup too? Smog, exhaust, and second-hand smoke are all detrimental to the look and health of our complexion, and can cause premature aging.

A regular skin purge may be just what we need to kick those nasty pollutants to the curb. And away from our skin.

A Face Detox for All Skin Types

Step #1: Cleanse. The double cleansing method is perfect for ridding skin of as much toxic gunk and debris as possible. Start with an oil cleanser. Oil binds to dirt, makeup, and pollutants more easily than a water-based cleanser. Aster & Bay Cleansing Oil is formulated for all skin types.

For the second stage of double cleansing, use a creamy or lightly foaming cleanser. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating cleanser, like Josh Rosebrook Moisturizing Cleanser. Those with oily skin should go with a foaming cleanser. Try YULI Halcyon Cleanser.

Step #2: Mask. That charcoal smoothie no one is eager to down? Try one for skin. Charcoal is super absorbent and great for drawing out impurities. It is also good for soaking up excess oil, so helps with acne. One to try is Cocovit Coconut Charcoal Face Mask.

Because dryness tends to make skin look older and inflammation is another cause of skin aging, those with sensitive or dry skin may want to avoid a charcoal mask. Instead, opt for clay masks to pull out toxins. Aster & Bay Green Glow Mask is perfect.

Step #3: Hydrate. You know how it is important to stay hydrated throughout the course of a detox? Same goes for a face detox. Mist with a hydrating toner to balance and prepare skin for moisturizer, like Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator. Next, apply a rich lotion or cream, again, depending on your skin type. Dr. Alkaitis Organic Day Crème is designed for normal to oily skin, and The Beauty Chef Beauty Fix Balm works well on dry and sensitive skin.

Pollutants are an inevitable part of life. Giving skin a regular detox can help to keep it healthy and looking its best, and ward off premature signs of aging.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

7 Post Holiday Skin Detox Tricks

7 Detox Foods to Add to Your Diet for Optimal Health

How to Detox Your Home in 5 Easy Steps

Image of woman drinking green juice via Shutterstock

The post Face Detox: Like a Colonic for Skin appeared first on EcoSalon.

Winter is coming right up. This means cozy fires, hot cocoa, and playing in the snow. It also means extremely dry skin and cracked hands.

Why do our digits seem to get hit the hardest in winter? Sandpaper skin and gnarly cracks are not only unsightly, but painful too.

Once we turn on the indoor heating and the air brings a bit more chill, our face shows extra dryness right away. And we adjust our skincare routine accordingly. We turn to a more emollient moisturizer, or add an oil or balm to our skincare regimen, and our facial skin issues are usually resolved. But the skin on our hands is thicker than elsewhere on the body, and doesn’t show signs of dryness and irritation as quickly. We often don’t notice our dry hands until we have redness, scratchy skin, and deep cuts.

Preemptive care is essential in staving off extremely dry skin this winter, and keeping hands soft, smooth, and pretty straight through to spring. The key is to start now.

Stock up on hand cream and start using it even before your hands show the signs of winter drying. Keep one near each sink in your home, one in your purse or gym bag, and another on your nightstand for easy access. At nighttime, the glove trick works like a charm to give hands an infusion of moisture. Don’t be afraid to slather it on before bed and don gloves (or a pair of socks) for deep hydration.

Exfoliate, if you are already to the cracked skin stage, wait until your skin has healed to do any exfoliating. To keep skin smooth and ready to soak up moisture, use a scrub twice weekly to slough away dry skin. This sugar and honey lip scrub (honey is great for softening skin!) does double duty as a hand polish.

Soap and water is drying. Yes, it is a good idea to keep hands clean any time of year, especially in cold and flu season. But washing with a soap made with harsh surfactants is ultra drying. Opt for an organic hand wash, like SKIN Naked Foam unscented shave cream and wash, made with natural oils, and remember to apply hand cream afterward. And unless hands truly need washing, substitute a nontoxic hand sanitizer. EO is the pro at making safe sanitizers and offers a wide variety.

Protecting skin from wind and cold also helps to keep them from becoming dry. Score a pair of glam gloves to, you know, go with your ear muffs.

Choosing the best hand cream for extremely dry skin is super important. Certain natural ingredients are better than others at protecting skin and warding off dryness. Olive, avocado, and coconut oils are all beneficial to dry skin. Shea butter helps to seal in moisture and protect hands.

To heal deep cracks and callouses, apply a salve to affected areas. SKIN Healing Calendula Salve and Laurel – Healing Balm are both good options.

Best Hand Creams for Extremely Dry Skin

1. SKIN Lemon Mousse Extra Dry Hand Cream

2. Pai Fragonia Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream

3. Amala Hydrating Hand Cream

4. Lavera Basis Hand Cream

5. Cocovít – Coconut Oil

6. 100% Pure Coconut Hand Buttercream

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

5 Yummy Facial Care Products to Make You Glow

Fight the Chap: 5 Best Ways to Soothe Our Winter Lips

9 Natural Skincare Products to Beat the Cold War of Winter

Image of woman holding tea in winter via Shutterstock

The post The 6 Best Hand Creams to Combat Extremely Dry Skin appeared first on EcoSalon.