Yoga has taught me about the importance of detoxing both your mind and body in order to experience a well-balanced life. Throughout my yoga journey, I’ve become more aware of toxins that I encounter each day, from toxic thoughts to environmental toxins. Yoga and meditation were a clear approach to a mental and physical detox, but finding a detox for environmental toxins was a challenge, especially when it came to my skincare routine. So, for years I struggled with skin irritation, breakouts, and acne without a clear solution or understanding of the underlying cause. Finally, after several years of personal research and experimentation, I learned the importance of listening to my body and built a more intimate understanding of its signals over time. As I started reducing the use of skin care products with harsh chemicals and focusing on all-natural solutions, I saw irritation and inflammation lessen, leaving my skin feeling healthy, moisturized, and vibrant. Moreover, I hope these key learnings from my journey can help you find a detox-focused skincare routine that works best for you!
Coconut Oil – Face Wash, Makeup Remover, and Moisturizer all in one!
It doesn’t irritate my skin or clog my pores. To begin, I wash my face with coconut oil once a day in the evening, following the below steps:
Step One:
First, splash warm water on your face
Step Two:
Pat face dry with a towel
Step Three:
Then, rub a dime sized amount of coconut oil between your fingertips and apply in a circular motion
Step Four:
Soak a face cloth in warm/hot water squeezing out any excess water
Step Five:
Rest the warm cloth on your face for up to 30 seconds to allow your pores to open and absorb the coconut oil
Repeat 1-2 more times
Step Six:
Finally, rinse your face with warm water and pat dry
Rinsing off any excess coconut oil is key to avoiding clogged pores!
Test out these steps and feel free to adjust the approach based on what works best for you!
Apple Cider Vinegar Spot treatment
For those inevitable blemishes that arise, a solution of apple cider vinegar and water is the best spot treatment I’ve found. It will cleanse and dry out the blemish without any harsh chemicals, effectively killing acne-causing bacteria. Test out these steps to use an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) solution as a spot treatment:
Step One:
To start, create a diluted solution with 1 part ACV and 5 parts water
Step Two:
Then, dip a cotton ball or Qtip into the solution and apply solution directly to the blemish
Step Three:
Let the treatment sit for 5 mins and then rinse off
Step Four:
Remember, apply each night until the blemish is gone!
Due to the high acidity of ACV, be sure to dilute with water and avoid leaving it on your skin for too long. Reading additional articles about the pros and cons of using ACV as a spot treatment can help you determine if it is the right approach for you and your body.
Exercise
Don’t be afraid to sweat it out! I used to think sweating and breakouts went hand-in-hand, but have found the exact opposite is true! Sweating allows your pores to open and release any impurities. The key is to make sure your skin is clean before and after hitting the gym or taking a yoga class. To start, wash your face (maybe removing makeup with coconut oil) before you exercise and splash your face with water as soon as you are done. Check out our class schedule to join your next sweat session!
Water, Water, Water!
This may be the most important step! Drinking enough water each day will benefit your skin from the inside out! Test out some of these approaches to help increase your water intake throughout the day:
Step One:
Carry a water bottle with you at all times
Step Two:
Keep a water bottle in your car
Step Three:
Use a tall cup with a lid and straw to make it easy to take frequent sips of water throughout the day
Step Four:
Put lemon wedges in your water to liven up the taste