Self-Care Life Hacks: Face Value
Feeling anxious, stressed or stuck? It can seem impossible to get yourself out of an unpleasant headspace, but we’ve all been there - and we’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way. In this short series, we’ll explore a few self-care life hacks you can use when you’re feeling the need to unwind.
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As far as self-care rituals go, skin care is probably the one you’re most likely to already have some form of experience with. Even if it’s just as simple as washing your face in the shower, any time we take to take care of our face is valuable - and building on your skin care routine can transform it into a truly therapeutic process that will ensure you’re always feeling - and looking - your best.
Multitask (with a mask!)
Setting aside a bit of time to relax - even just ten minutes per day - can have a huge knock on effect on your health - but when your to-do list feels endless it can be difficult to convince yourself to step away from your computer. If you don’t have a lot of free time to play with, try multitasking with a brightening or revitalising mask. Let your skin recharge in ten minutes, while you focus on other things.
Double Take
During the day, bacteria and pollution can get attracted to your skin - and if you wear make-up or use SPF, you could be going to bed with all sorts of nasties on your face. If you aren’t washing properly before bed, these impurities can contribute to ageing, pigmentation and breakouts. Double cleansing, using a cleansing oil or micellar water to break down the makeup, SPF and sebum on the surface before following up with a deep, water-based cleanser. Cleansing twice will clean much deeper into your pores, removing any impurities and ensuring that any skin-care products you’re using will work much better.
Do the Dew
After a long day at your desk, your skin might feel parched, tired or even start to look a little grey. Give yourself a bit of pep using a beneficial face mist to restore moisture without clogging your pores. A lot of mists contain essential oils with aromatherapeutic benefits, which can be perfect for jolting you out of that afternoon slump. Face mists are great for preventing water loss throughout the day - and they play nicely with makeup - but the best time to give yourself a spritz would be just before you moisturise, to make sure everything absorbs nicely. With hot weather coming, try keeping your mist in the fridge for an ultra refreshing experience.
Screen Time
For so many reasons, sun protection should be a vital part of anybody’s skin care routine. SPF shouldn’t just be for sunny days - wearing it on a daily basis can reduce your risk of skin cancer, protect against sunburn, help you avoid inflammation and redness and even prevent the early onset of wrinkles and fine lines. Invest in a broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and say no to UVA and UVB rays today.
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When you’re ready to start bringing a self-care routine into your day, start with your face. Treat yourself to a revitalising face mask, give yourself a refreshing spritz, or stick to the basics with a thorough cleansing process and a good quality SPF. Once you’ve got a steady routine, you’ll find you’re all set to face the day with confidence.