Reboot Your Skin: How to Detox After Chinese New Year
Each year during Chinese New Year celebrations, Singaporeans stay up late and celebrate by indulging in a variety of traditional snacks and alcohol beverages. From bak kwa to pineapple tarts, these treats are an integral part of the festive season. The snacks are often high in sugar and saturated fats. Bak kwa, for example, is a popular snack made from sweetened, dried meat that is high in sugar and saturated fats. Pineapple tarts, another popular snack, are often made with butter, sugar, and flour. Coupled with late nights and alcohol consumption, the festivities could have a detrimental effect on the skin.
Foods that can negatively impact your skin
Processed Foods
Processed foods can negatively impact gut health in several ways. Often high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, over consumption of these foods can lead to inflammation and an imbalance in the gut microbiome. When the gut is inflamed, it can lead to increased levels of inflammation on the skin, resulting in conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Excess Sugar
Excess sugar consumption can also lead to a process called "glycation," in which sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. This can cause the fibers to become stiff and weaken, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of elasticity.
Alcohol Beverages
Needless to say,too much alcohol beverages can have negative effects on the skin as well. Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes the body to lose fluids and dehydrate. This can lead to dry, dull, and flaky skin. A combination of late nights and alcohol can disrupt the body's natural sleep cycle, leading to dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.
Therefore, doing a detox after the new year celebrations is a great way to reset and rejuvenate your body and skin. Here are a few tips on how to detox:
Detox Tip #1
Hydrate
Drinking enough water per day can help flush out toxins from the body, reduce inflammation in the skin, and improve overall circulation by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, resulting in a healthy-looking complexion. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
Detox Tip #2
Eat Clean
Eating a clean diet can provide numerous benefits for the skin. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can provide the skin with essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin cell growth and repair. Eating clean can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to fewer breakouts and a more even complexion.
Detox Tip #3
Add Omega-3 Into Diet
Omega-3s can help reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin from within, keeping it looking supple and hydrated. They can also help to improve the skin's barrier function, which can help protect it from environmental damage and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also play a role in collagen production, which gives structure and firmness to the skin. Foods high in omega-3s include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Detox Tip #4
Consume Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and help to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption which can lead to a healthy-looking skin. Probiotics can also help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to fewer breakouts and a more even complexion. Foods high in probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha.
Detox Tip #5
Sweat It Out
Regular physical activity can improve blood circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, resulting in a healthy-looking complexion. It also helps to flush out toxins from the body, which can improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. Additionally, sweating during exercise can help to unclog pores and remove dirt and bacteria from the skin, leading to fewer breakouts. Exercise also releases endorphins, which can help to reduce stress, a common cause of acne. Try a simple workout like walking or even jumping jacks.
Detox Tip #6
Get Enough Sleep
During sleep, the body goes through a process of repair and rejuvenation. Adequate sleep can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to fewer breakouts and a more even complexion. It also helps to improve blood flow to the skin, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, resulting in a healthy-looking complexion. Additionally, getting enough sleep can help to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body, which can cause acne and other skin issues. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Also learn about our 3-step process to detox and rejuvenate our skin.
Step 1: Gently Exfoliate
Use a natural exfoliant to gently remove dead skin cells. Thann’s Oatmeal Face Scrub $62 contains Oatmeal and Apricot seeds to act as a gentle and natural scrub. It also includes Organic Camellia Oil, which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, to nourish and moisturize the skin. Rice Callus Culture promote skin cell regeneration and repair while Marsh Mallow Extract help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
Step 2: Use Clay MASK
Use a clay mask to draw out impurities and leave the skin feeling refreshed.Thann’s Clay Mask $65 contains 3 beautifying clays including Tanakura Clay, which is a Japanese mineral-rich, deep sea clay that is known to purify and detoxify the skin. It also has Cucumber extract, which known for its soothing and hydrating properties. Rose water is added for its anti-inflammatory properties - effective in reducing redness and irritation on the skin.
Step 3: Moisturize Daily
Use a natural moisturizer to hydrate and restore your skin. Thann's Age Inversion Face Cream $75 is a great option with many rejuvenating natural ingredients. Fermented Black Tea or Kombucha, rich in beneficial bacteria, can brighten and improve skin tone and texture. Shiso Extract has 300x more Vitamin A than Kiwi and 160x more Vitamin C than Lemon in equal amounts. They help speed up healing and support the skin’s immune system. Rice and soy protein stimulates collagen production and diminishes signs of dullness and wrinkles.
Having trouble sleeping?
Boost your recovery from late nights with our special treatments:
White Paradise Tired Eye Rejuvenating Treatment
$120 - 30 Minutes
Improve circulation and reduce tension around your tired eyes with our refreshing and lifting massage techniques. White Bird of Paradise Extract is gently massaged into the area surrounding the eye; breaking down toxins that causes dark circles. 9 other potent botanicals help to soothe inflammation, hydrate and reduce appearance of fine lines.
Sleep-Well Head Gua Sha
$49 - 20 Minutes
Try a head massage that helps to relieve tension after your late nights. This treatment relieves head area tension by gently massaging your head and neck area. Experience an immediate relaxation resulting in an improved clarity, focus and spirits. Most suited for individuals that trouble getting quality sleep at night. Increase your overall health and productivity with this specially designed massage.
Staying connected with friends and family during Chinese New Year can help to rejuvenate our spirits. Therefore, it is only natural to indulge in life’s little pleasures during this special occasion. Just make sure to include time for self-caring by detoxing your body and restoring overall health. Stay tuned for more tips on how to maintain overall wellness with Thann.