Simple and easy beauty fixes that leave you feeling both good and beautiful

Have you been spending a lot of time outside, exposed to the elements? Or have you had one too many night outs? Is your skin blotchy and pimply? Your skin is probably crying out for a spa day to detox. But maybe you don't have the funds to pop into a luxurious spa and get pampered. Worry not; you can still detox your skin inexpensively at home. Here are the some detoxifying ingredients and practices you can add to your beauty routine:

Calming clay

Clay is one of the most recommended ingredients when it comes to skin detox. It adsorbs (attracts and soaks up) toxins while infusing the skin with nourishing minerals. No, we're not talking about the clay you can find in your backyard. You have to get specially processed clay from a beauty shop. There are many types of clay- white, red, pink, green- all of which are great options to remove dirt and impurities from your skin. However they have different strengths and specifications. The most common is Bentonite clay, which comes from volcanic ash sediments and is composed mainly of hydrated aluminium silicate.

Bentonite clay is highly absorbent and is praised for mopping up grease, toxins, heavy metals, and chemical residues from skin leaving it fresh and radiant. It is the best option for those with oily skin. For dry skin, aestheticians recommend milder varieties such as French pink clay (also called rose clay). Rose clay has a high concentration of iron oxide and silica making it a great option for gentle exfoliation which doesn't dry out skin.

Soothing green tea

Easily available from your local supermarket shelves, green tea is an awesome detox whether ingested or applied topically. According to experts, when you apply green tea to your skin, it helps boost circulation and detox the skin.

Green tea has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties which are particularly suited for treating acne-prone skin. Additionally, it has antioxidants which offer protection from the free destructive radicals. Eyes swollen from lack of sleep? Apply a cooled bag of green tea to your eyelids to soothe and reduce the puffiness.

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Healing turmeric

One of the most popular skin detox ingredients, turmeric has been used since ancient times to remedy a number of skin problems. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is both an anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant.

The Indian spice can be applied to skin as a paste or face mask to reduce swelling and redness, treat acne, and brighten the complexion. It is recommended for people with skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and acne-prone skin. DIY: You can either go for store-bought turmeric-infused formulas or opt for DIY treatments. Mix two tablespoon oats, one tablespoon turmeric, and three tablespoon milk to create soothing facemask that will leave your skin looking and feeling radiant. For an extra oomph, add a few drops of honey. Note: Lots of people worry that turmeric will stain their skin yellow or orange. Don't pile it on. If you apply only a thin layer as recommended, your skin is unlikely to get stained.

Dry brushing

Proponents of dry brushing say the age-old practice is a must for any self-proclaimed beauty aficionada. Experts say that dry brushing boosts blood circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, and sloughs off dead skin cells to leave skin softer, smoother, and more toned. Want to try dry brushing? Buy a handheld brush with firm, natural bristles. Start brushing your skin from the legs upwards in circular motions towards the heart. Apply the same rules for your arms. You can dry brush a specific area or your entire body. Note: Don't dry brush your face, private parts, or any area of skin that has scratches or abrasions. If a brush is specially indicated for facial use, feel free to try it.