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Post-holiday detox beauty guide

So you partied through Christmas and saw New Year in with style, but is your skin and body suffering as a result? If you've lost your glow, follow these tips to look and feel fresh all through January.

From the inside out
Overdoing the alcohol definitely has an effect on your skin, leaving it dehydrated and dull. When you clog your liver — the body's filter — with things that make it work too hard, such as alcohol, it doesn't function to full capacity. Your skin is the last organ to receive nutrients so when your liver is sluggish, the chances are that your skin will show it.

Nobody likes to detox, but on this occasion, it really does make a difference to cut down on caffeine and booze and replace it with water for a few days. It's fine to drink warm (boiled) water — add a spring of fresh mint, a slice of lemon or some honey if you find it too boring to drink as it is.

Experts in natural remedies recommend milk thistle (a relative of the sunflower), the seeds of which are packed with Silymarin, an antioxidant-rich extract, to support the liver function. Antioxidants mop up free radicals in the body, including skin, which is why milk thistle is often found in skin care products.

It goes without saying that turning your back on rich party and festive food will help you feel more energetic — include plenty of fruit and veg instead by getting creative with fresh, home-made smoothies or salads.

Recover your crowning glory
Your hair doesn't need detoxing as such — but product build-up over party season can leave it lacklustre and dull. Styling with hot irons, straighteners and hot, hot dryers really won't help the overall condition and will contribute to your hair feeling dry and lifeless.

Invest in a detox shampoo, such as Lee Stafford Bling Hair Detox Shampoo, £5.69, that melts away residue from styling products such as gel or hairspray and leaves your hair feeling ultra clean. You shouldn't use detox shampoo as a regular shampoo as overuse can dry out your locks. A nourishing hair mask used once a week can also return your parched tresses to their former glory by infusing with moisture and nutrients.

If you want to get busy in the kitchen and make your own hair-restoring treatment, simply mash two avocados, add a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of olive oil, apply it to your hair and leave for at least fifteen minutes before rinsing away. While it is sometimes said that olive oil can be a good revitalising treatment, it can be very difficult to rinse away, so take care before raiding the food cupboard!

Complexion restored
You might notice that tiredness and partying has caused breakouts and dull-looking skin, so it's time to get that glow back! Don't sleep in your make-up, however late you get home — leaving your make-up on will only clog pores and irritate your complexion which in turn can lead to spots.

At the very least, a quick swipe with cotton wool and cleanser is essential to ensure your skin stays clear. If you have more time, do a double cleanse by first massaging your cleanser into your skin, wiping residue gently away with cotton wool, and then repeat, this time spending a little longer massaging to increase circulation and wipe it all away with a warm, damp flannel. The flannel will give a gentle exfoliating effect to slough away dead skin cells to reveal fresher, new ones which are automatically brighter and more healthy-looking. Pat your skin dry and apply an antioxidant serum, such as The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Firming Serum, £66.35, and if your skin is feeling extra dry, add your regular moisturiser on top.

Read more from Jane Cunningham, the British Beauty Blogger