Here are some tips for transforming your everyday skincare routine into a beautiful ritual

The importance of a skincare ritual (and why it’s different from a routine)

When you hear the words “skin care ritual”, what comes to mind?

For some of us, skin care is just a matter of slapping on some product while scrolling through Instagram and chugging our morning coffee – possibly between running after kids and trying to eat breakfast! 

That might be your routine, but there’s a big difference between a routine and between a ritual. 

The difference is mindfulness. 

A routine is a set of steps you follow to achieve an outcome – like, washing your face before bedtime to remove your makeup. It’s just one of those “have to do” things, and you’re conscious of each step. 

A ritual, on the other hand, is about the meaning attached to each step. Instead of just going through the motions, you’re being present in the moment. You’re thinking mindfully about what you’re doing and why, and the spiritual benefits it serves you. 

Why create a skincare ritual?

Our crazy-busy lives mean that we often forget about how important it is to nourish our mind and body – which can leave us feeling alienated and more stressed. 

Starting and ending the day with a skincare ritual can have amazing benefits for your mood and sense of wellbeing. It’s about taking time out to relax, unwind, and connect with yourself. In fact, studies show that spending a little time each day in “present-moment awareness” helps you to cope better with stress and feel more positive.

You don’t have to be either spiritual or religious to have a ritual. Anyone can create mindfulness out of an otherwise mundane activity. Skincare is a great place to start because it’s something you do every morning and evening anyway, and adding a little mindfulness to each step can really change the way you feel about yourself. 

Here are some tips for transforming your everyday skincare routine into a beautiful ritual. 

Morning:

You’ve just opened your eyes. But instead of reaching for your phone, give yourself a few minutes to just be in the present moment. Let your brain awaken fully, and think about what you hope to achieve today. 

Hop out of bed, and start the new day with either short meditation, yoga, or some deep belly breathing. These practices help to oxygenate your brain and bring on a feeling of calm. You might also like to light a candle or an oil diffuser to get those good vibes flowing! Rosemary, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are great for boosting energy. 

Make sure that your bathroom is clean and free from clutter. Start by running lukewarm water into the sink and dampening your skin. Carefully massage your face cleanser into your face and neck. Move your fingers in circular motions around your face, focusing on the creamy texture and lathe. Rinse off with cold water and pat dry with a fluffy towel. Cold water is great for boosting circulation, tightening pores, and refreshing your whole being. 

Now, take your moisturiser and inhale its uplifting aromas. Smooth the product over your face with your fingers. Practise a little face yoga by pressing gently into the centre of your forehead and massaging outwards. Press into the inner corners of your eyes and then run your fingers gently out to your ears. These exercises can help stimulate your facial muscles and lymphatic system while alleviating tension. A gua sha is also a wonderful tool to incorporate into your ritual: it’s known for stimulating collagen production and reducing puffiness in the face. 

You might like to finish your morning ritual by making a positive affirmation for the day ahead, such as “Today I choose to be happy.” Offer your skin (and yourself!) love and care.

Evening:

Your evening skincare ritual isn’t just about scrubbing off makeup. It’s a wonderful way to care for your skin while letting the stress of the day melt away. 

Start by adding a few drops of relaxing essential oils to your oil burner to help you unwind and set the mood for peaceful sleep. Lavender or frankincense are great for their calming properties. 

Take a hot bath with therapeutic bath salts. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which helps to relieve cramped muscles and promote relaxation. 

As you apply your cleanser, imagine that you’re washing away the impurities and worries of the day. Now, run a facecloth under hot water and squeeze out the excess. Place the damp cloth over your face while keeping your head tilted back so that it stays in place. Breathe deeply through your nose for a few minutes. When you’re ready, gently remove the cloth and pat your skin dry with a towel.

Slowly massage your moisturiser into your skin with long, slow strokes. Close your eyes and focus on how the product feels and smells. Stimulate the acupressure points around your eyes by pressing just under the brow bone below your eyebrows. Count to three, press your temples lightly, and count to three again. These pressure points stimulate different regions of your facial muscles, soothing away strain caused by stress or staring at a computer. 

For extra hydration and nourishment, try adding our Face Oil into the process it’s perfect for massaging into freshly-cleansed skin, and the extra antioxidants help protect against cell damage. 

Complete your evening ritual with a cup of herbal tea (chamomile or lemon balm are renowned for helping you to nod off!) Ensure that your bedroom is quiet and free from distraction, and that your bed linen is clean and fresh. Before you tuck yourself in, spend a few minutes in Child’s Pose. This is an easy yoga stretch that can promote digestion, ease tension in your spine, and help you reconnect with your inner self. 

Of course, you may not have time to indulge in a complete ritual every morning and night, but little and often is fine, too. You can also incorporate different elements where you need to. The point is that you’re taking some time to think deeply about your skin and allowing every step to make you feel good. You’re worth it!

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