Glow Up: How Skincare Can Be Your Fun & Easy Self-Care Ritual
- Snehapriya Roy
- Nov 2, 2023
- 5 min read
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Hello, fellow self-care enthusiast! I'm right there with you – self-care is like a love language to me. It's my daily ritual, a therapeutic escape, and the secret sauce for maintaining a balanced life. I cherish these moments I carve out for myself, a moment where I pamper and nourish my mind, body, and soul. And, you know what? I love it because it's a way of expressing self-love, a gesture of affection that we all truly deserve.
But let's address something critical – self-care is often misunderstood by some as being selfish or even narcissistic. Well, let me make one thing crystal clear: you should never, ever feel guilty for giving yourself the love and care you deserve. You are worth it, and self-care is an act of self-love, not selfishness.
If you've been following my blog, you probably know how much I value and promote self-care. Lately, I've discovered a new love in my self-care routine: skin cycling. It's a practice that has captivated my heart and elevated my skin-care game to a whole new level.
Skincare Ritual can be considered a form of self-care for several reasons:
1. Physical Well-Being: Taking care of your skin helps maintain its health and appearance. A good skincare routine can prevent or alleviate common issues such as acne, dryness, and sun damage.
2. Stress Reduction: Engaging in a skincare routine can be a relaxing and soothing experience. The act of cleansing, moisturising, and pampering your skin can be a form of self-soothing and stress relief. It's an opportunity to take a break from the demands of daily life and focus on yourself.
3. Mindfulness: Skincare routines often involve a series of steps that require your attention and care. This can encourage mindfulness, where you pay close attention to the present moment and the sensations of the products on your skin. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety.
4. Self-Expression: Skincare rituals allow you to express your individuality and personal style. You can choose products that align with your preferences and values, making it a way to assert your identity and practice self-expression.
5. Ritual and Routine: Establishing a skincare routine can provide a sense of structure and order in your life. Regularly caring for your skin can be a form of self-discipline and commitment to self-improvement, which can be mentally satisfying.
6. Confidence Boost: When you feel good about your skin's appearance, it can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Knowing that you're taking steps to care for yourself can have a positive impact on your self-image.
7. Me-Time: Skincare routines offer a dedicated moment for self-care. It's a chance to set aside time just for yourself, away from the demands and distractions of daily life. Whether it's a quick morning routine or a more elaborate evening ritual, it's an opportunity to prioritize your well-being.
8. Self-Love: Self-care, including skincare, is an act of self-love. It's a way of showing yourself that you matter and deserve attention and care. Treating your skin well can be a reflection of your overall self-worth and self-respect.
My skin care Routine:
For the past few weeks, I've immersed myself in the world of skincare, researching, experimenting, and giving my skin the extra love and care it truly deserves. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm excited to share it with you. I've even included links to the exact products that I've been using, with my detailed AM-PM and weekly routine. I hope you find it as enlightening and helpful as I have.
Why Skin Cycling Is a Game Changer
My skin cycling routine is a 4-day cycle that I stumbled upon during one of my Pinterest deep dives. It involves a strategic combination of chemical exfoliation with AHA, BHA, and PHA, followed by the retinol. But that's not all – it also includes two days of intense moisturising and skin repair.
I've genuinely fallen in love with the idea of giving my skin the time it needs to heal and rejuvenate.
In the mornings, I kick off my routine with a sense of purpose. Each step is like a loving touch, a moment dedicated to nurturing my skin. Here's what my AM routine looks like:
Cleanse: Starting the day with a clean slate, removing impurities and preparing skin for the next steps.
Toner: Restores skin's pH balance and enhance its receptiveness to follow-up products.
Essence: Infuses skin with hydration and nutrients for a fresh and revitalised look.
Vitamin C serum: Reduces pigmentation, brightens and protect your skin from environmental damage.
Eye cream: Target delicate eye areas to combat puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
Moisturiser: Lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated throughout the day.
SPF: Shields skin from harmful UV rays and prevent premature ageing and sun damage.
Now, my PM routine is where the magic happens. It's a cycle that repeats every four days, following the phases I've outlined below:
Day 1: Chemical Exfoliation
These chemical exfoliants are my secret to shedding dead skin cells, improving texture, and addressing concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines.
Benefits: Enhanced skin cell turnover, improved texture, and a more even skin tone.
THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2% PEELING SOLUTION
Day 2: Retinol
This powerful ingredient, derived from vitamin A, is the hero that stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines, and leaves me with a smoother, youthful complexion.
Benefits: Minimised signs of ageing, improved skin tone, and a more youthful appearance.
Day 3&4: Hyaluronic Acid and Moisturising
Hyaluronic acid, my hydration saviour, takes the spotlight in this phase. It's the key to intense hydration, plump and supple skin, and a protective barrier against environmental stressors. And let's not forget the importance of moisture, which keeps the skin glowing.
Benefits: Intense hydration, plump and supple skin, and a protective barrier against environmental stressors.
Day 5: Repeat
Repeat the exfoliation and retinol cycle and customise your routine based on your skin's specific needs and goals. Tailor your regimen to address any concerns or objectives you may have, such as acne treatment, pigmentation correction, or skin barrier repair.
Benefits of Skin Cycling
Let's talk about the remarkable advantages of skin cycling:
Optimised Results: By alternating products and treatments, I ensure my skin gets precisely what it needs at the right time, maximising the benefits.
Reduced Overload: Skin cycling prevents product overload, saving my skin from potential irritation and sensitisation.
Improved Skin Health: This routine isn't just about looks – it supports my overall skin health, addressing multiple concerns and enhancing my complexion's appearance.
Final Thoughts
Skincare isn't just about looks; it's about self-care, self-love, and self-expression. Incorporating skincare into your self-care practices is a powerful way to nurture both your physical and mental well-being. It's a reminder to prioritise yourself in this ever demanding world.
However, remember to keep a balance and not place unrealistic expectations on your skincare routine. It's just one aspect of self-care, which should complement other practices like exercise, nutrition, and emotional well-being, to promote your overall health and well-being.
So, if you're looking for a transformative self-care practice, why not embrace skin cycling? Your skin will thank you, and you'll discover the power of personalised self-love in every step of your routine.
Wow that was very informative and helpful! The product links made it easier for me to my skin care routine. Thanks!