Detox your skin in 20 minutes. How to give yourself a mini-facial.

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Are you feeling tired and a little puffy? Maybe you o.d.'d on too much of everything during the holidays? I know I indulged more than normal... but in all fairness I had to test many recipes for this blog (at least that's what I'm rationalizing to my scale). Regardless of weight fluctuations, chances are your skin could be acting out and it just needs a time out (sorry for the parenting-a-two-year-old reference, but that's where my head is). If you're experiencing more-than-usual breakouts and/or irritations such as redness and/or dry patches, than it's time to give your skin an SOS treatment. Follow this two-step mini facial for healthy, radiant skin that look will make your skin forget any damaging Holiday effects.

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Step 1: Steam
~ Heat and steam are great for detoxifying your skin- they open up your pores and let them breath (hence the reason sauna's and steam rooms are so popular). If you're claustrophobic (like my lovely mother) and the idea of putting your face down hovering above a bowl of steaming water, with a towel draped over your head, sounds like torture and brings out PTSD, then by all means do this instead:

---> take a wash cloth and soak it in very warm water (but not hot!) and place this over your face. You can move it around and just do sections at a time so that your nose and mouth aren't covered. Do this for 5-10 minutes (you may need to put the wash cloth under warm water again if it starts to cool). Once your skin feels warm, wet and pliable it's time for the mask...

Step 2: Mask

---> Here are two mask idea's, depending on your skin condition. With each mask, you'll apply a thin layer and leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Follow with your usual routine of moisturizer and such.

for breakouts: clay mask
Clay masks are a wonderful compliment to a steam- the steam did all the work of opening the pores so the mask has easy access to draw everything out that's clogging it.

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For irritation and redness (including eczema): honey mask
Honey is a natural anti-microbial and antiseptic. It's also very hydrating, so apply a thin layer all over, and leave on for about 10 minutes.

**Bonus points for anyone who actually relaxes during the mask application. Try to lay down, cut up two thin slices of cucumber and apply them directly to closed eyelids (yes this really works at temporarily relieving puffy eyes), take a bath or read a book... just de-stress and let the mask do the work.


Do you have any special masks or skincare routines that deep clean or calm your skin?