5 Quick Ways to Practice Self-Care That Also Benefit Your Skin

Self-care is supposed to be relaxing, but actually practicing it can sometimes feel like yet another item to cross off of your never-ending to-do list. But it’s important to remember that self-care doesn’t have to be an elaborate, hours-long activity. Taking care of yourself looks different for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it; the goal is simply to be a happier and healthier you. Here, we’re sharing some of our favorite simple ways to practice self-care that also happen to benefit our skin (like masking and facial rolling), depending on how much time we have. 

If you have two minutes … try double cleansing.

If cleansing at the end of your day typically involves swiping on a micellar water-soaked cotton pad, double cleansing will feel like a real treat. The method involves massaging an oil-based cleanser like a cleansing balm (we love the Farmacy Cleary Clean Cleansing Balm) to remove makeup, sunscreen and excess oil. Then, follow up with a water-based face wash, like a foam formula, to get rid of dirt, sweat and other impurities for a thorough cleanse.

If you have five minutes … use a facial roller or a gua sha tool.

Facial rolling can help promote lymphatic drainage, make your serums and treatment products absorb more effectively and give you a glow, not to mention it just feels relaxing. We’re fans of rolling the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Face & Neck Citrine Roller atop the Vichy Mineral 89 Prebiotic serum. Check out these guides for using a gua sha and a roller. 

If you have 30 minutes … give yourself a facial. 

Have a little bit more time? Bring the spa to your bathroom by giving yourself an at-home facial. All you need is a cleanser, a scrub or peel, a serum, an eye cream and a nourishing moisturizer.

If you have an hour or more … take a bath and apply a hair mask.

For the ultimate self-care activity, create a zen vibe complete with a candle (like the Maison Margiela REPLICA Bubble Bath candle) and take a long bath. While you soak, treat your locks to a replenishing mask, like the Kerastase Masque Réhydratant Hair Mask. When you’re done, lather your body in a nourishing moisturizer like the Lifetherapy Loved Hydrating Body Lotion.

  

Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn

Read More:

This DIY Spa Day Is the Ultimate Self-Care Activity

How Bath Salts Work and How to Use Them for a Spa-Like Experience

Are Bath Bombs Good for Your Skin?