When it comes to skincare, there's a lot of noise out there. Countless products promise to solve all your skin woes, but the truth is, there's no magic bullet. That's why we believe in intentional skincare: the practice of taking a holistic approach to your skin and nurturing it with love and care.
Intentional skincare is about more than just using the right products (although that certainly helps). It's about understanding your skin's unique needs and making choices that support its health and vitality. Here are some key principles to keep in mind:
1.Know thyself (and thy skin).
The first step in intentional skincare is getting to know your skin on a deep level. What type of skin do you have? What are your skin concerns? What ingredients work best for you? By understanding your skin's unique needs, you can make informed decisions about the products and practices that will benefit it most.
knowing yourself is not limited to your skin; knowing your behaviour and schedule is also important: how much do I care about skin aspect? How important is it, truly, to have a certain type of skin? How much time do I truly have for my skincare routine? What is my budget? Knowing this will help you establish realistic goals and expectations from your skincare rituals.
2.Simplify your routine.
It's tempting to try every new product that comes on the market, but a simpler approach is often more effective. Focus on the basics: cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect. Choose products that are gentle and nourishing, and avoid anything that irritates your skin.
A common trap skin enthusiasts fall for is hoarding on products, thinking the more products they buy, the better the skin. We know enough about skin science to know that the secret to good skin is rooted in genes, environment and good quality, skin-respecting products - not a 12 step skincare routine. Most of the time, the superfluous products pile up and go bad - and so does their cost!
3.Nourish from the inside out.
Beautiful skin starts with a healthy body. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating a balanced diet, with minimal inflammatory foods. Foods that are high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, can help protect your skin from damage. Make sure you are not deficient in key nutrients and minerals. Remember, your skin is the mirror of your inner and outer environment.
4.Practice self-care.
Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your skin, so it's important to take time for self-care. Whether it's a relaxing bath, a yoga class, or a quiet moment with a book, find ways to nurture your mind and body.
Self-care for you will look different than for other people. As for our skin, we all have different needs; some people need to sweat it out, others need to talk it out, some need to slow down, some need the beach and some need the mountains. Assess what is missing in your life, visualise yourself offering it to yourself, and see how that makes you feel. When it is right for you, you will know.
5.Embrace the power of touch.
Massaging your skin can improve circulation, boost collagen production, and promote lymphatic drainage. Take a few minutes each day to gently massage your face and neck with your fingertips. Not only will it feel amazing, but it will also give your skin a healthy glow.
You can pair your skin massage with kind, positive affirmations or try tapping (aka emotional freedom technique) to stimulate your skin and healing.
Physical touch can be done alone or with someone else. Humans love touch, and connection to others is also an important factor to wellbeing.
By practicing intentional skincare, you can cultivate a deeper connection with your skin and support its health and beauty from the inside out. So go ahead, indulge in some self-love and give your skin the care it deserves.