A fresh start for 2024: How to kickstart your New Year's detox

Start the new year right by enhancing your body's natural detoxification abilities for better skin and hair

Credit: Deeenerss/Instagram
Credit: Deeenerss/Instagram
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You might currently be contemplating a New Year's resolution – perhaps focusing on a healthier diet or getting more sleep. But have you considered adding your skin's health to the list?

After the indulgences of the end-of-year festivities, it might be a good time to cut back on the sweets and carb-heavy meals. Don’t get us wrong: An occasional indulgence is perfectly normal, but it can become problematic not only for your cholesterol levels, but also for your skin when you overdo it.

When our body absorbs excess sugar, the production of collagen and elastin proteins in our skin become impaired. As a result, skin appears saggy and you may even notice that your face looks greasier than usual as sebum production reaches an all-time high. Dehydration and rough skin texture can also show up if there is a lack of care.

“Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients essential for combating skin dullness, such as vitamins A and C, which are crucial in collagen synthesis and protection against oxidative stress,” says Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, medical director and consultant dermatologist at Epi Dermatology Laser & Specialist Clinic.

You can address these skin woes by paying close attention to the following tips.

This is a mantra that’s worth repeating: Never go to bed without removing your makeup. Not only can inadequate cleansing contribute to congestion, breakouts and dullness, the deep-set dirt clogging your pores will reduce the efficacy of the skincare that you apply.

Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser, $45

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This gentle face wash boasts ceramides, pre- and postbiotics that keep skin hydrated, seal in the moisture and toughen skin barrier.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Fluide, $49.90

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This multi-tasking lightweight lotion is perfect for skincare minimalists. Not only can it be used as a moisturiser, it also doubles as a cleanser, makeup remover and aftersun lotion. Fans love it for its softening, soothing and skin barrier-strengthening power.

Aside from choosing the right skincare products, paying attention to what goes on inside your body is crucial too.

"A balanced and healthy lifestyle that includes a well-rounded diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, along with adequate hydration and healthy skin care practices, can contribute to maintaining vibrant and healthy-looking skin," says Epi Dermatology Laser & Specialist Clinic's Dr Lee.

However, she caveats that you should consult a medical professional first to assess your overall health, medical history and specific needs before introducing any supplements to your diet.

KINS Supplements, $127

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Target bloating, cellular damage and inflammation with the help from the 22 strains of bacteria in this supplement. The cleansing and strengthening properties are said to take care of your skin health from within.

Empath Detox Jelly, $72

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Packed with fruit enzymes, antioxidants and plant prebiotics, keep a sachet of this vegan-friendly jelly close to you to minimise hunger pangs and enhance your body’s detoxification process.

While drinking enough water is important for overall hydration, it might not be sufficient to counteract the negative effects of excessive sugar and alcohol intake on the skin, which causes skin to look uneven, dull and dry.

Heliocare Luminance, $162

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Key ingredients such as fernblock, glutathione and nicotinamide toughen the skin’s protective barrier, even skin tone and protect against environmental aggressors to reveal a plump and glowing complexion.

Elixir Design Time Serum, $79.80

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Beauty brand Elixir has studied collagen for the past 40 years to develop skincare that strengthens our skin’s internal network. Its star product is none other than this age-defying serum that improves your skin elasticity and supercharges your skin’s internal collagen network for a youthful-looking complexion.

Excessive use of acids and actives can make your skin more sensitive and susceptible to irritations. The solution: Swap your regular products with gentler ones and get your skin health back on track.

Jung Beauty Pure Calming Pad, $18

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Centella asiatica, a medicinal herb used in traditional medicine, is the hero ingredient in this triple-layered pad. It is best for skin that is prone to redness and irritation as its calming properties relieve skin inflammation, which helps with the healing of wounds.

Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Repair Cream, $105

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Not only does its rich texture provide instant relief for perpetually dry skin, this repair cream also features a blend of skin-soothing ingredients that restores your skin to a flake- and dull-free state.

In case you didn’t already know, our skin goes into regeneration mode when we sleep. During this process, damaged or dead cells are replaced by fresh new ones. That’s why getting enough shut-eye is crucial for healthy-looking skin.

Vicks ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs, from $24.90

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Improve your sleep with this supplement, which promises to regulate your sleep by boosting your body’s natural melatonin production.

SOVA Pillowcase, from $95

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Made with 100 percent pure mulberry silk, this pillowcase feels luxurious and cooling to the skin. It even helps with minimising split ends and retaining skin’s moisture.

Dry shampoo, styling products, dirt, dead skin cells, and oil buildup can cause our scalp to be clogged. Not only does this cause discomfort, it can also impact hair health and quality. Add detoxifying and treatment steps to your hair care routine to give your scalp a fresh start.

Moist Diane Extra Scalp Refresh Liquid Shampoo, $19.90

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Specially formulated for Asian women and Singapore’s humid weather, this rejuvenating shampoo deep cleanses, nourishes, and reduces scalp odour.

Guerlain Scalp Hair Youth Oil-in-serum, $228

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Black bee honey and active ingredient D-panthenol combine to revitalise, strengthen and add shine to dry and fine hair. The result?A fuller- and healthy-looking mane.

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