The festive season is almost here, and it’s a time when we all want to look our best for parties and social get-togethers. However, the colder weather, late nights and increased alcohol intake are not always compatible with radiant glowing skin.
Sometimes harsh skincare products can make the problem worse, causing dryness, irritation, or breakouts. That’s the last thing you want to be dealing with when you have a stacked social calendar. Here are some easy to use natural alternatives that can be a literal face saver!
Start with a gentle cleansing and exfoliating routine
Switch out foaming cleansers that typically contain irritants such as sulphates, alcohol, glycolic acid and synthetic fragrances for natural ingredients such as aloe vera and tea tree oil. These will effectively remove makeup without stripping away the skin’s natural oils and disrupting the moisture barrier, which can lead to dryness or breakouts.
Follow up with a gentle exfoliating product, such as clay or bamboo. Do not scrub at your skin, but apply it in gentle circular motions to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the circulation. This will leave your skin looking refreshed and radiant.
Apply a clay mask
Clay masks are powerhouses of nutrition and detoxification for your skin. Two of the highest quality options available are montmorillonite clay and kaolin clay, which can be used separately or in combination.
Montmorillonite clay
Montmorillonite clay is also known as red clay, and is given its distinctive red colour due to the iron oxide content. The clay is not only packed with beneficial minerals and nutrients, but it has a negative ionic charge that enables it to draw toxins from the skin.
This makes it super effective for cleansing off that heavy party makeup, reducing the risk of clogged pores and unsightly spots. The clay has a high absorbancy and is excellent for balancing out oilier complexions.
It also stimulates blood flow to the skin’s surface, helping nutrients from the body to be transported to the skin’s cells more efficiently, so your skin will look more youthful and radiant.
Kaolin clay
White kaolin clay is ideal for sensitive skin, because it’s mild and gentle but also effective for rejuvenating the complexion and drawing out impurities. Simply mix with a few drops of rosewater to create a relaxing mask that will leave your skin feeling wonderfully soft and soothed: perfect therapy to recover from a big night out.
Follow up with hydration
After rinsing away the clay mask, follow up with a hydrating serum or moisturiser to lock in moisture. For normal to oily skin, a serum containing hyaluronic acid (a natural substance that is produced by the body) will help to keep your complexion supple and smooth.
If you are prone to drier skin and issues such as eczema, go for a richer cream containing shea butter or coconut oil for deeper hydration.
Your skin will be glowing with renewed health, leaving you radiating confidence and ready to party the might away.
