Detox: some swear by it, others swear it off. I too have indulged in detoxing. Gradually reducing days, then onto the juices and then building back up. And yes, afterwards I really felt ‘cleansed’.

But when I walked into Cosmetics and Care and the owner started talking about a ‘facial detox’, I looked at her quite surprised. The principle is simple: give your face the chance to heal and renew itself by not using creams for a month. The only thing allowed is to cleanse your face twice a day with a 100% natural cleanser.

After this detox, you start taking care of your face with a 100% natural cream, the store obviously sells various ones. If you indeed want to go hardcore organic, the store even hasa list of ingredients you absolutely must avoid – this way you can do your own research from now on.

I do love challenges, so before I knew it, I said a resounding yes and walked straight home to ban all ‘bad’ creams from my bathroom. An empty shelf was the result.

Because I have dry skin, I live by applying a thick cream to my face twice a day. So not using anything for a month was indeed a challenge. But halfway through the detox, my skin no longer felt tight and the cleanser every morning and evening becamea true treat.

The month flew by and proudly I returned to Cosmetics and Care to purchase new, ‘healthy’ products for my face. Instead of a thick cream, I now only use a soothing gel twice a day and it feels wonderful on my skin. Long live the facial detox.

Cosmetics and Care
Herenstraat 30A Amsterdam
www.cosmeticsandcare.com