Forget detoxing your diet -- a little beauty cleanse can result in glowing skin and shiny hair.
That YSL lipstick you’ve been hanging on to for the past three years may be the perfect shade of orange (and finally on trend again), but let’s face it, that lipstick is probably a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. No matter how clean you think your beauty routine is, there are probably a few things you could benefit from tweaking. Ditching certain products and building some better beauty habits can result in younger looking skin and hair. Which is why, in the name of all things spring cleaning, ELLE Canada sat down with a prominent skin and a hair care expert to get tips on doing a beauty detox.
Step one: Product clear out
Just like you would clear your closet of unwanted items before you restock it with the latest looks of the season, the first step in a beauty detox should be to clear your cabinet of products that harm your skin and hair.
“If you can’t remember when you bought an item, it’s time to throw it away,” says Holly Sherrard, Education Manager for The International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica Canada. She suggests reading product ingredient labels and ditching any skin care items made with artificial fragrance and colour. “These products cause allergic dermatitis and can lead to increased breakouts and blackheads.”
Detox your hair
When it comes to hair care, Greg May, celeb hairstylist and owner of Greg May Hair Architects, suggests tossing shampoos, conditioners or styling products made with alcohol. “It’s beyond drying. Much talk has also been made of sodium lauryl sulphate, which is basically a detergent that cleanses hair and makes shampoo foam. It essentially strips hair of moisture.”
May also advises clients ditch anything containing paraben, an ingredient which has been linked to breast cancer. “Look for all-natural products when shopping your drugstore’s aisles. You can be relatively sure organic products – or anything in pure oil form – is free of harmful, drying chemicals.”
Want better beauty habits? Check out our top tips on the next page ...
