8 Ways to Turn Skin Care Into Self Care in 2024
With the rise of wellness being prioritized in a society that has often celebrated a workaholic lifestyle, many beauty brands are jumping on the wellness and self-care wave. But this trend is here to stay as people are inspired to look at their skincare and beauty rituals as actions that will help them show up as better versions of themselves in their daily lives.
Embracing the act of self care within skin care opens the doors for other healthy routines to develop within your life. The goal of self care is to not only benefit your physical health, but to also benefit your mental health. This applies directly to skincare as when our skin is not at its best it tends to lower our self-esteem. This then impacts how we show up to our responsibilities and obligations. Physical insecurities often leave a heavy burden on one’s shoulders so taking the time to better yourself can be very rewarding. And the feeling you get when seeing that something you’re doing is paying off can be somewhat addicting.
But for some beginners, a skincare routine can feel like a chore. Not all results show overnight and a thorough skincare routine will most likely include multiple products that require consistent use of them all. Turning your skin care into self care is a great way to slowly shift your perspective. Rather than looking at it like a chore, look at it as a moment that you’re actively taking for yourself. So what are some skin care rituals that align with the self care narrative and how can they be customized to our own individual lives?
1. Use a Gua Sha
A Gua Sha is a tool that originated from ancient Chinese medicine and was originally a tool used for the entire body. Using this tool (with oil already on skin) helps decrease swelling and puffiness and accentuate your cheekbones and jawline for a more defined look. The concept is similar to the method used with lymphatic drainage.
But what does this have to do with self care? Most would agree that a face massage is relaxing. So why not combine that act with a tool that will also reduce swelling and sculpt the muscles in your face? When done correctly and consistently, using a gua sha can feel like a massage for your face while also putting the skin at ease. There are many different techniques and you can target whatever areas on your face that you see fit. There are gua sha techniques that target under eye bags, smile lines, forehead wrinkles, swollen cheeks, and much more.
2. Invest in a Facial Steamer
If you’ve ever gotten a professional facial you will notice that estheticians use a facial steaming machine that is designed to help create better results. But facial steamers can easily be incorporated into your routine at home as well.
The idea behind a facial steamer is to allow the mist that comes from the heat of the water to open up the pores of your skin. Blood circulation will then be increased and the skin will also become more receptive to any serums or creams applied afterwards. The tingling sensation that evokes within your skin will leave you feeling relaxed and calm.
3. Wear Fun Pimple Patches
Pimple patches are stickers designed to absorb a pimple and depending on the patch medicate it as well. Many pimple patches are clear and are intended to camouflage in with your skin. Whether intentional or not, this can promote the idea that a bump that appears on most people's skin at some point in their life needs to be hidden.
Pimple patches like the Hydro-star pimple patches from the brand Starface embrace a more lighthearted approach to acne. These particular pimple patches are shaped like stars to resemble a sticker you may have received on a spelling test in elementary school. They are designed with the intention of the wearer confidently wearing them as they go throughout their daily activities. This is intentional and is meant to destigmatize the way we look at pimples by rather looking at them through a more playful lens.
Self care isn’t only something that you do behind closed doors or in the comfort of your home. It’s something that can defy those walls and follow you wherever your day takes you. Embracing an unexpected pimple is just one simple way to regain control of the negative narrative attached to your acne.
4. Try Fun Eye & Face Masks
Just like pimple patches, eye masks and face masks can be just as fun. These masks often bring a spa-like feeling to your home. They act as a perfect way to hydrate skin and are a great addition to a relaxing movie night with friends or family. Many face masks concentrate on specific things so they can be a great way to quickly target a skin concern that may be bothering you. Eye masks are similar in that they won’t get rid of genetics that may be playing a role in dark circles underneath the eyes. But they can definitely offer immediate and temporary results to swollen eyes.
5. Embrace Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that focuses on the act of being aware and in tune with your surroundings. It is about being centered within the present moment. This means you are blocking outside thoughts that may be on your mind. Rather than thinking about what happened at work or what you have to do tomorrow, actively decide to think about how quiet your room is or how smooth the texture of your moisturizer feels.
When we embrace this state of mindfulness it allows us to get back in touch with what really matters. As life goes on we often fall into a repetitive cycle and forget to recognize the importance of being in tune with our own body’s, especially on a mental level. Through using that designated time you put towards your skincare routine to embrace the beauty in your solitude and present state, you simultaneously decrease stress while relaxing your body.
6. Nurture Stable Routines
Being able to find the time to be consistent with your skin care rituals opens up the door to be more consistent in other areas of your life. Discipline can be a hard skill to master, and it becomes more important as we get older and our responsibilities increase. Being able to master a routine for your skin can be the first step towards mastering other healthy routines in your life from diets, exercise, and even your work life.
7. Combine Skin Care with Other Self Care Activities
Skin care doesn’t have to be done by itself to be considered self care. In fact, it can be even more exciting to look forward to if you combine it with another self care activity that you enjoy. This can be blasting your favorite music playlist in your room, drinking your favorite cup of tea, reflecting on your day and journaling about it, or binge watching your favorite tv show. Anything that allows you to be present or shift your focus from harsh realities or negative feelings that you may be having is a great option to pair with a relaxing skin care routine.
8. Calm Your Nervous System
Putting your body at ease right before bed is what encourages a good night's rest. And what plays a role in encouraging a body at ease is clean, relaxed, and treated skin. Sleep will always be one of the best ways to take care of yourself. When your mind, body, spirit, and skin are all at ease it leaves you in the best state to receive the rest and relaxation your body needs.
Conclusion
Skincare doesn't have to feel like a demanding chore. When you shift your perspective and start to see your skincare routine as an extension of self care it can make it a lot more enjoyable. The saturation of beauty products in the market can make it overwhelming. You know where to begin. But trying any of the 8 options above will be sure to put you one step closer to a well rounded skin regimen that works for you. Remember to take the proper time necessary to find products and rituals that are true to your skin. The health of your skin will always be an investment in your wellbeing.
