Were your holidays as whirl-wind as mine? Phew! I’m grateful for the precious time with family and friends, all the love and holiday cheer, but judging from my complexion it’s possible I’ve had a bit too much cheer, if you know what I mean. When I’m indulging more than normal it shows up in my skin, and fast! Inflammation is the name of the game thanks to sugary treats, rich and salty foods, plus some cocktails here and there. Ok, and a whole lot of champagne for New Year’s Eve. Tis the season! So yes, it’s the first day of a new year and my skin is ready for recovery mode. I’m prepared for this, and I have some ideas for you, too.
There’s a reason why we gravitate toward a detox phase after the holidays. Our overloaded and maxed out (in the best way possible) bodies and minds are screaming for a little TLC — the nourishing kind. Putting good things into your body and onto your skin is the fastest way to flush the bad things out. In addition to doing some serious clean eating over the next few weeks, I’ll be hitting my herbal tea stash hard, especially in the few days following New Year’s Eve. Rotating between favorites with an anti-inflammatory punch like tulsi & peppermint or ginger & turmeric, I’ll also be drinking cleansing herbal tea blends that contain herbs like red clover, burdock, fennel, nettles, and dandelion. This will keep me well hydrated and support my liver, aiding the body’s natural detoxification process. Plant power aside, drinking hot tea is nurturing in its own right, which helps me feel calm and collected after the holiday frenzy.
Teas, fresh juices, and clean eating are wonderful start, but a few products can give you a detoxifying boost plus have an instant affect on your nervous system. Before going into the holiday season, I identified two products I knew I’d want to have on hand when it’s all said and done. Both are a gorgeous addition to any routine, and combined they have a powerful ability to pull nasty toxins out and reset your body and mind.
It’s difficult to walk past this bath soak without opening it up and inhaling deeply. The restorative and stimulating blend of essential oils instantly clears congestion from your mind and body. Mineral-rich sea salts draw out impurities, replenish your body with the good stuff, and soften skin. The essential oil blend is very concentrated so you only need to dissolve 3-4 tablespoons in a hot bath to receive the aromatherapeutic benefits. That makes this 20 oz. bottle a great value. If I don’t have time for a bath, I like to sprinkle a small handful of this bath soak on the shower floor. The steam from the shower disperses the beautiful scent throughout the shower and opens up my chest and mind. Mandarin and cypress are known for their relaxing properties, while eucalyptus boosts your immune system and aides deep breathing. One bath with this soak will make you feel brand new again.
I love a good body oil, especially when it has a purpose. There are many essential oils that have the ability to detoxify, tonify, and stimulate the lymphatic system. Getting those essential oils into your system in safe doses requires a carrier oil to dilute and deliver. Aster & Bay uses a light bodied blend of sunflower, safflower, olive oil, and castor oil to deliver the detoxifying benefits of grapefruit, rosemary, fennel, cypress, juniper, and lemon essential oils. These are some of the most stimulating essential oils for your lymph, which means that they’ll help get your system moving and coax out the bad stuff that’s just hanging out making you feel and look sluggish. The oil has a warming, citrusy-fennel scent that is ultra soothing and lush. It really helps with water retention. I use it frequently on damp skin after showering and take extra time to massage problem areas. If you dare, add some to your bath for a heady, luxurious addition. It’s worth it.
What are you doing to reset and detox post holidays?
