After all the joy of Christmas indulgence, the not-so-joyful reality of a January detox rears its ugly head., but to ease you in gently, here are a few more ‘gentle’ yet still very effective ways to kick start a healthy new you for the new year.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are a great way to re-mineralise your body and help with excess water retention and bloating. Add 2 cupfuls to a bath twice a week and soak for 20mins. Available from chemists and health food shops
Daily dry body brushing will help to reduce cellulite and greatly improve your skin texture and tone. Start at you feet and sweep the brush (Try the bristled cellulite brush, £10, http://www.thesanctuary.co.uk/) up each leg in long, light movements.
Keep movements towards the heart to improve lymphatic flow. Brush your abdomen with a circular clockwise motion and your arms from the wrists down to your under arm again, towards the heart. Do daily before your morning shower. Apply lots of moisturizer afterwards.
Spa Tea
I was lucky enough to get my hands on this recipe by the wonderful Spa therapists at the The George V Spa, Paris. Not only does it warm you in the colder months but it naturally cleanses and stimulates your digestion, helping to eliminate waste and toxins, and boost your immune system by increasing your intake of Vitamin C, (Livia starts every morning with this!) Add boiling water to a stem of fresh ginger, one juice of a lemon and a spoonful of Manuka honey, delicious! 
Aromatherapy Associates
Enrich Hair oil from Aromatherapy Associates is a great remedy for weathered hair, (if any of you were lucky enough for Christmas day in the sun) Containing plant extracts and essential oils only when applied before bed to lengths and ends, this will help repair and hydrate your hair whilst you sleep. £24
Steaming
Never underestimate the power of steaming. Whether its's at your local gym, spa or at home, steaming will help to draw out impurities and toxins from your skin whilst also re-hydrating and re-balancing. For a home facial steam, add three drops of Lavender essential oil and 3 drops of lime essential oil into a bowl of boiling water, Cover your head with a towel over the bowl and allow the steam and oils to soothe and help clear your complexion, cleansing pores and congestion.
If you prefer the relaxation of sitting in a Spa steam room, give your self a full body scrub first to get rid of any dead skin build up and to make your skin more receptive, then stand under cold water for a few seconds to get your circulation going before relaxing and letting the steam detox both face and body. Remember to always drink lots of water afterwards.
Advanced Nutrition Programme
Get Glowing with a Skin & Body Detox from Advanced Nutrition Programme. If you’re feeling tired and ‘toxic’ from over-indulgence restore balance, boost energy and bring back vitality to your skin with The Pure Detox Pack from the Advanced Nutrition Programme.
Detox whilst you sleep
These plaster-style reflexology patches are placed on the soles of the feet overnight. Using the same principles of reflexology to improve circulation, they support the body’s own capability to remove toxins to give your system a boost. Detox Patch-it £3.99 for two patches; Holland & Barrett 
Face oil
The excesses of alcohol and rich foods can really take its toll. Treat your skin to a face oil, massaging into clean skin before bed really working over the lymphatic pressure points to help drain any fluids and waste. My favourite oil of the moment is Pukka Firming Face Oil.
I spoke to Health and Nutrition expert Bridget Hunt of www.sixpackchick.com, who shared one of her favourite recipes for healthy Skin, hair, nails AND keeping the immune system strong after an exhausting period of over indulgence:
2 sticks celery
1 washed carrot
1/2 fresh pineapple skin removed
1 washed granny smith apple, core removed
Small handful curly Kale (in season right now!) or spinach
Juice everything on the list in order and now add the following options and blend in a jug blender.
Option 1: Protein booster - add a scoop of protein powder for a great cleanse and post-workout muscle repair boost.
Option 2: Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed for essential fatty acid benefits
Option 3: Add half a chopped Papaya for clearing the bowel!
Option 4: Add half an avocado to promote GORGEOUS skin.
