Photo: Matt Baron/BEImages.
Ever since we read that fab Into The Gloss interview with Liv Tyler, we've been diligently following the skin-care tips that the stunning star says she swears by. Her most intriguing recommendation? A do-it-yourself detoxifying bath.
Tyler says bathing in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and epsom salts purifies her skin and gives it the ethereal glow we so desperately covet. That all sounds well and good, but does it actually work? According to famed aesthetician Sonya Dakar, yup.
"[A detox bath] softens the skin," says Dakar. "The mineral water penetrates through the pores to hydrate and relax the body. It also has mental benefits and is great for anti-anxiety, as well." She adds that our lifestyle — with all of the pollution, stress, crappy food, alcohol, and drugs — takes a toll on our bodies. "It's important to give your body a break from processing all of these toxins and purge the impurities," she explains.
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And since we are willing to try pretty much anything that'll give us even an iota of a chance to score Liv's ridiculously gorgeous skin, we asked Dakar for the lowdown on how to make our own skin-perfecting detox bath at home. Click over to the next page to get the scoop.
To start your detox bath, you're going to need the proper ingredients. Dakar says you can use Dead Sea salts or epsom salts, but she prefers the former: "Israeli physicians prescribe Dead Sea salt baths for detoxification, arthritis, rheumatism, fibromyalgia, and psoriasis," she explains. Works for us. You'll also want some baking soda, a few drops of essential oil, and some fresh ginger to invigorate. "Be sure to check your products and make sure they are all non-toxic — no parabens, sulfates, etc.," she says.
Start off by cleaning your tub with an all-natural cleanser — no bleach! "You don't want any dirt or residue on your skin, or worse, entering your body," says Dakar. Um, no. Fill your tub with warm water and dump in one cup of Dead Sea salts, one cup of baking soda, a few drops of essential oil (lavender calms the skin and mind, while neroli is good for depression, says Dakar), and some of the dry ginger.
Pop in the tub and soak for at least 20 minutes. Dakar says it's important to make sure you don't use any soap or other detergent while you are doing your detox soak. Once you're finished, step slowly out of the tub (you might be a little light-headed from laying down for so long and you don't want to lose your balance). Dakar recommends you air-dry slightly, then massage organic almond oil on your still slightly damp skin. Follow this up by slathering a nice layer of shea butter on skin to lock in all the hydrating goodness.
Dakar says you should do a detox bath once or twice a month for best results. Well, we know what we're doing this weekend...
Kima Terramare Dead Sea Salts, $20, available at Dermstore; Bob's Red Mill Baking Soda, $2.75, available at DrVita; Aromappeal Neroli Essential Oil Blend, $7.79, available at Puritan's Pride; Now Foods Lavender Oil, $8.99, available at The Vitamin Shoppe.
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