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DIY Detox
Skin Savvy
Looking a little lacklustre after all those late nights? Recharge dull, partied-out skin with an effective regime that will get you back on track to face the New Year in style.
Let's face it - the urban environment, pollution, a penchant for Cosmopolitans and clouds of cigarette smoke all do your looks no favours, so treat your skin to a thorough cleanse and remove impurities with Biotherm Detoxifying Cleansing Foam, (available from House of Fraser), or St. Ives Apricot Radiance Cleanser - Deep Cleaning Facial Cream Wash, which deep cleanses without drying and is ideal for combination skin.
Try a reviving pressure-point massage at the same time: Press the inner eyebrows with your index fingers, then keep pressing along the line of your brows until you reach your temples. Then work your fingers around the top of your cheekbones, moving inwards towards the gum line of the upper jaw.
Reveal a squeaky-clean, flake-free complexion with the wonderfully aromatic, essential-oil infused Sanctuary Sugar Face Polish, and draw out toxins that can cause clogged pores and blemishes with Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, or a slathering of Moor Spa Face Mask, (01622 844944) - it's suitable for all skin types and is the only known 100% natural face mask in the world.
If you suffer from spots, try essential oils of tea tree, camomile, lavender or clove - dilute with a mild carrier oil first before applying to your face. Cooled camomile tea makes a good daily rinse for problem skins.
Crystal Clear Skin Repair Serum, (08705 934934 or visit www.crystalclear.co.uk) is a perfect pick-me-up for a dull complexion and can be applied at night to give skin a good drink, or in the morning. Or try BareEscentuals Skin Rev-er Upper, (0870 850 6655), for a re-energized and renewed appearance.
Body Aware
If all that overindulging has come back to haunt you, work on eliminating harmful toxins accumulated throughout the festive season that can dull and congest your skin tone.
Start detoxing from the inside by pouring yourself a glass of warm water containing a slice of lemon for an internal cleanse (health-spa style). 'Or drink some Green Tea, which contains natural antioxidants to keep your immune system on an even track,' recommends Sanctuary Spa's Training Manager, Jacqui Lee.
Me Mine Make Me Fresh Bubble Bath Oil, (www.memine.net) contains ingredients of grapefruit, rosemary and seaweed for a perfect detox, while easing congestion and improving skin texture. Alternatively, Virgin Vie Floatation Bath Detox Mineral Salts, (0845 300 8022 or visit www.virgincosmetics.com), contains therapeutic algae and will turn your bath into an aquamarine pool of detox heaven; simply lie back, relax and enjoy the floatation-style treatment.
Polish skin and boost circulation with Virgin Vie Massage Buff & Polish Salt Scrub, which also boosts your senses thanks to added May Chang essential oil.
Once you've dragged yourself out of the tub, spritz on Sanctuary Detox Dry Oil Spray, a light, easily absorbed dry oil moisturiser containing organic olive oil, vitamin E and marine extract.
Or leave your detoxing to the experts at Champneys Henlow (08703 300 300), and book a Wax Bath, perfect for helping with water retention and excess bloating, warm paraffin wax is applied to your body, and blankets are wrapped around you to retain temperature and body heat. As you relax, the wax softens dead cells and in turn helps draw out excess fluid, resulting in softer, smoother skin.
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