What does the word self-care mean to you?
Does it evoke the instant recollection of smells & sights synonymous with a calm environment? Mood lighting, relaxing music, and possibly your favorite unwinding activity - skincare.
It’s no secret that skincare has taken over the world by storm. And honestly, it’s no surprise. Our face is our primary identity and often the first impression upon a stranger. Who wouldn't want to take care of and pamper themselves?
And who would say no to some “me-time pampering” (not us, for sure)! But it raises the question of whether skincare is indeed self-care.
Is it possible to actually comfort and soothe yourself by practicing mindfulness throughout your skincare regimen, or are we simply mistaken, confusing self-indulgence for self-care? Is your self-care all about the face, or are you actually taking care of yourself and giving yourself the time to reflect?
In this article, we cover the aspects of self-care you might be neglecting and leaving you thinking a little deeper about how you make time for yourself.
CAN SKINCARE BE SELF-CARE?
Well, that depends on how you define self-care. At its core, self-care means protecting your own health, happiness, and wellbeing by doing whatever it takes. Logically, that implies that a self-care routine would have to be unique for each individual to truly protect them. There is no “right or wrong” in self-care.
Ultimately, your self-care routine has only one objective: to make you feel like the most rejuvenated version of yourself! Making the effort to care for yourself can come in so many different forms, but they have similar goals and benefits:
A Continued Sense of Control
In today's fast-paced and chaotic world, your skincare self-care regimen serves as a constant, giving you a sense of control in the face of uncontrolled events. Maintaining a steady schedule may therefore help minimize your chance of developing numerous mood disorders.
Inculcating Mindfulness
Your skincare regimen provides you with a window of opportunity to calm your mind - to appreciate the emotions you are experiencing in the current moment, or other emotions that were too busy to notice throughout your day, without harsh judgment. This helps you organize your thoughts and find a moment of peace for yourself.
Improved Self-Esteem
Mindfulness isn't just good for your emotional well-being. It has also been proven in studies to reduce collagen-damaging stress hormones, strengthen the skin barrier, "switch off" inflammatory genes (which lead to premature skin aging indications), and promote lymphatic drainage.
And keep in mind, these correlating benefits of skincare have nothing to do with the actual benefits your skincare products will leave on your skin! Glowing and healthy skin will only build upon your confidence.
4 ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR NEXT SELF-CARE RITUAL!
We’ve talked about how important it is to remain engaged in what you do as part of your self-care routine. Well, here are some ways that can help you remember to do just that the next time you decide to do a little ‘me-time pampering’.
Don’t rush it
The best way to stay engaged is to give yourself the indulgence of taking at minimum a few moments of "me-time" to care for your skin. Remind yourself that your complete skincare regimen, from cleanser to sunscreen, takes no more than 15 minutes, so there's no need to rush through it.
Pay attention to all of your sensations
For example, while you massage your cleanser to remove the grime of the day, take note of every sensation. Pay attention to how your body oil nourishes and seeps into your skin, leaving it glowing and moisturized from within. It is normal for your mind to wander at this stage. When you notice your thoughts straying, acknowledge it and return to the current moment.
Avoid using electronic devices
In the latter stages of our skincare process, most of us tend to distract ourselves by streaming content on Netflix or listening to a podcast (e.g., when using serums or moisturizers). However, they inhibit you from really engaging in the current moment. So, regard your skincare routine as precious self-care time, and put aside your phone, iPad, or laptop. Spend some time alone with yourself.
Relax by listening to soothing music
Listening to calming music may assist in increasing your capacity to practice mindfulness, hence strengthening the latter's mood-boosting and stress-relieving effects. Remember that the main word here is relaxation. That implies calm beats are better, and lyrics should be avoided if feasible.
ALL SELF-CARE IS NOT SKINCARE!
As much as skincare forms an essential part of our self-care routine, it is crucial to realize that it is not all that self-care consists of!
While skincare is a valid method of indulging in self-care, there is a certain thing about applying many products that can actually affect the health of your skin. Meaning? You shouldn't go overboard with adding things to your routine in order to extend your mindfulness practice.
Too many products can cause reactions your skin may not be prepared for! Why?
One of the primary reasons is that the more products you apply, the more likely it is that you're combining skincare actives that don't work well together.
FINAL VERDICT
So, yes, self-care can be skincare. However, it is important to note that this is not the only type of self-care you may practice.
Instead, self-care is a comprehensive way of life that can involve both minor (such as making time for your skincare regimen) and major (such as adopting better lifestyle practices) activities. There are several self-care methods available to help you keep physically, psychologically, and emotionally well.
Whatever self-care activities you choose, staying consistent with them is critical. Begin your self-care journey slowly by selecting one technique to add to your everyday life.
Let's assume you want to include mindfulness in your self-care routine. Build up to doing this every day for a week, then add more self-care routines when you're ready.
OUR SELF-CARE FAVORITES!
When we think about self-care, we think of luxury. And that is exactly what Empress Naturals is all about. Here are some of our favorite products that are self-care must-haves!
Empress Naturals’ Calming Massage Oil
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Our Calming Massage Oil is an anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and anxiety-fighting experience that removes every stressor from your body and mind.
Our CEO Elizabeth’s Pro Tip
Empress Naturals’ Circulation Massage Oil
A radiance-enhancing body oil that promotes inner circulation and emotional stagnation while spreading a calming scent throughout your surroundings.
Our Circulation Massage Oil contains potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories like Juniper Berry, Rosemary and Sage that help your skin by eliminating toxins from your blood.
SELF-CARE OR SKINCARE? FIND THE RIGHT FIT WITH EMPRESS NATURALS!
Empress Naturals’ Menopause and Perimenopause Skincare with 100% Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil
At Empress Naturals, we believe in year-round wellness and skin nourishment, healing, and repair focused on perimenopause and menopause care. Our Rosehip oil-based skincare line is meticulously formulated by industry experts that cater to the specific needs of mature skin ensuring ageless radiance and luminous skin.
Our Best-selling products - Anti-aging Face Serum and Luxe Night Elixir Serum are all you need to cover the essentials when it comes to aging skin.
Our mission is to provide 100% pure and organic skincare products that make you feel incredible in your skin, regardless of what stage it is at. We carefully cultivate our ingredients from sustainable farms worldwide that harvest the highest quality without the use of hazardous preservatives or pesticides. Our products are non-toxic, clean, cruelty-free, and formulated with 100% Organic ingredients.
Experience the power of clean skincare and wellness with Empress Naturals.
*Disclaimer: We highly recommend that you contact a trained health professional, before introducing any products into your routine especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
