The Calgary Stampede has finally come ‘round again, the highlight of the Summer for most! We’re prepping our livers, and applying our self-tanner, dusting off cowboy boots and dry dusting our hair. It’s a week of junk (but amazingly delicious) food, booze, UV Rays, makeup, sweat, good times, and fun! That Nashville North tent sure gets steamy when the sun drops low, and I’m sure you haven’t thought twice about the Palm Bay that stranger over there just bought you. It’s Summer… go ahead, live a little! But when you do, here are some tips and tricks to detox and remedy your hungover skin.
Detoxing Rule #1: WATER!
Hydration is the name of the hangover game. H2O – The powerhouse for our health. We know we need water daily for health and ultimately survival, to prevent kidney disease, but it also allows minerals and nutrients to dissolve and be accessible to reach different parts of the body. But what does drinking WATER do for our skin, and what does not drinking WATER do to our skin?
Our skin is an organ, and skin cells are composed mainly of H2O, just like any other cell in our body. Drinking the recommended daily amount of water optimizes skin cell function to create a more radiant overall complexion. Pairing drinking water with a proper skincare routine will ensure you’re looking flawless all Summer!
Skin that is lacking water: will look dry, tight, cracked and flaky. Dry skin has less elasticity and is also more prone to wrinkling, acne, and an overall dull or sallow looking appearance. Some obvious symptoms of dehydration are dry lips and a dry inner nose, but can also show in the form of premature ageing lines+wrinkles, or pigmentation spots! As we age, our skin cell function naturally decreases; therefore, it’s important to drink water for optimal cell function and cell turnover.
Hydrated skin: will appear plump and hydrated (but not over-oily), vitalized and not dull, acne is less aggravated, and little to no inflammation in the skin. Did you know that if your skin is at the proper hydration level, your makeup should adhere pretty perfectly? Check your skincare regime, ask our skincare professionals if you’re on the right products to optimize your hydration. Try the Lilikoi Mineral Defense SPF Makeup Primer from Eminence - I’m in love!
Water Helps Prevent Hangovers:
Alcohol is a diuretic and also causes the body to urinate more frequently; therefore, it makes you lose more water than you’re putting in, leading to dehydration. Dehydration in hangovers can cause things like dry mouth, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and thirst. Drinking a BIG glass of water before bed after a night on the booze benefits the body by replenishing water lost, allowing for our cells and organs to function correctly. Proper cell and organ function is crucial to feeling better! Not only does alcohol dehydrate our systems, but those summery spirit drinks are also often packed with sugars and other additives that cause inflammation in both the body and in the skin. To counteract the negative effects of a night out, there’s a pretty simple solution: drink more water! Take a break from cocktails and replace them with plenty of water (lemon water for the best results). Water hydrates our skin from the inside out, while lemon juice will help with DETOXIFICATION. Try out a “Nutrl” flavour; they’re a canned vodka soda drink without all the carbs, sugars or sweeteners!
Detoxifying Skincare Routine;
See where you can fit one of these great detoxifying products into your current regime, or switch it up completely! Here are some Eminence Organics products rich in detoxifying ingredients like citrus, leafy greens, spices (paprika) and charcoal.
Morning Beauty Ritual
Cleanse with a gentle cleanser, or my personal fave, the Konjac Sponge. The Konjac sponge is an excellent addition to a light morning-cleanse because it invigorates the skin while gently exfoliating, without stripping you of your natural, protective oils. Go on to apply your Toner, Serum, Moisturizer, and SPF! If you need SPF and plan to wear makeup for the day, the Lilikoi SPF Makeup Primer is your 2-in-1 go-to!
Overnight Skin Treatment
Cleanse with a more degreasing or exfoliating cleanser to wash away a day’s worth of bacteria, dirt and oil build-up.
Exfoliate and refine the skin using the Stone Crop Fizzofoliant, which will oxygenate the skin, and allow better absorption for your other detox products!
Toners are essential because they help fight free-radical damage, balance the pH, and prep the skin to better absorb ingredients from further products and treatments. The Stone Crop Hydrating Mist (for dry/hyper-pigmentation), the Sweet Red Rose Tonique (for dry/dehydrated skin), or the Lime Refresh Tonique (to minimize pores and balance sebum).
Masque – Behold the Balancing Masque Duo - the left side contains an Activated Charcoal T-Zone Purifier, which is a highly porous and absorptive skincare ingredient, making it great for drawing out toxins, bacteria, dirt + oil, and other micro-particles that can get clogged within our pores. The right side is a Pomelo Cheek Hydration Mask, which revitalizes and hydrates the cheek areas, thus creating a perfectly balanced treatment! Two birds, one stone - good for your budget, which means more $$ spent on Rodeo tickets!
Masque (alternative) Eight Greens Phyto Masque (HOT) contains Paprika, Omega 3’s, antioxidants, GREENS, and Honey! Paprika (the hot component of this masque) stimulates the skin to promote blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Stimulating the skin and using proper drainage techniques allow all the excess oils and dirt to be drained away, making way for better cell function. It also contains detoxifying greens, and Honey to moisturize and nourish the skin’s appearance.
Serum - The Citrus + Kale Potent C+E Serum; Kale is one of many necessities for your skin. It contains Lutein which is related to Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A. We know that Retinol (Vitamin-A) gives us a boost of collagen and speeds up cell turnover, therefore helping to ward off stubborn wrinkles, even out skin tone, and keep the skin looking smooth and luminous
Moisturizer - The Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment wakes up devitalized skin, improves skin elasticity, and plumps using Jojoba spheres. Detoxify and protect the skin from environmental stressors using Eminence’s Microgreens Complex™. This lightweight cream prevents trans-epidermal water loss, and enhances the complexion.
Supplements you’ll need…
Vitamin B – Did you know drinking alcohol prevents the absorption of Vitamin B in the body? B1 and B6 are the most important of the Vitamin-B Complex because they are responsible for boosting energy levels, cell metabolism, brain and nerve function, and hormone and cholesterol production. Being Vitamin-B deficient brings on the hangover symptoms, so supplement these to help alleviate these irritating manifestations.
Essential Omega’s – taking a couple of Omegas before going out, and again in the morning with breakfast will help line the stomach for protection and replenish your healthy fats. These healthy fats are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes and are a vital component of the skin’s natural moisture barrier. In addition to helping the skin retain moisture and absorb beneficial vitamins and minerals, a healthy lipid barrier keeps out irritants that can cause dryness and inflammation!
Vitamin-C – One of the most important vitamins to consider for the common hangover. It is a super-strong antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system. Drinking alcohol depletes the Ascorbic Acid levels in the body; Ascorbic acid helps speed up the metabolism of alcohol in the liver. Therefore, it’s important to replenish these levels for a fully functioning immune system: a never-ending, sometimes vicious circle during the highly-anticipated Stampede week.
Massage Therapy - helps to get all those toxins stimulated, allowing lymphatic drainage techniques to carry them away! Book a Massage with our fully claimable therapist, Sandra, for your post-Stampede treatment to set your body back to its natural balance and full potential.
Happy Stampeding my friends.
Written by;
Kyndle Doolan | Spa Director
The Natural Art of Skin Care