I am in a stage of transition and transformation. No, I don’t want to elaborate on that. But, I will say I have been doing a lot of soul searching, a lot of self-reflection, a lot of wanting. I’ve had this knot in my stomach, for years if I’m being honest, and it just wouldn’t go away. I didn’t know unraveling that knot would include so much loss and hurt and confusion, but life is funny that way. And so here I am, finding myself presented with an opportunity for incredible change and growth. And with change and growth comes a required shift in mindset. I’ve found my mindset surrounding every aspect of my life is changing, in a profound and ambitious way. It’s terrifying but really exciting. I don’t want to delve too deep into all of my feelings at this time; I like to keep some things close to the heart until the right time. But, while seemingly facetious, I’ve noticed a huge shift in my mindset about skincare.
My skincare journey really started in my 20s. I didn’t grow up watching my mom apply makeup or go through her skincare routine. But I was introduced to the importance of good skincare in college and held onto it fervently. Like most of us youngin’s, I got the bulk of my information from the internet and magazines. I learned all of product categories, ingredients to tackle my skin’s issues and keep my skin healthy, and what was considered “good” and “bad.” Honestly, I put my skin through some hell.
But lately, I noticed, like most things in my life, I lost the enthusiasm for it. And that needed to change. 1) Because it’s something I used to enjoy, and depression wasn’t going to take that from me, too. 2) My skincare is part of my overall wellness routine. It’s a necessary step in keeping my body happy and healthy. So I needed to snap out of it. And I have, or am on my way. And I’ve started to shift my mindset about skincare to make it more pleasurable for me again. I think it’s been helping, and it might help you, too.
no. 1 | My skincare isn’t a chore.
Honestly, a lot of what’s good for us kind of feels like a chore. Doesn’t it? I think it’s because wellness really is about self-discipline and building and maintaining good habits. It’s not a one and done kind of things; it’s ongoing. Skincare is the same. It’s a twice a day, every day deal. And, for me, it was starting to feel like it. So my first change in mindset surrounded this.
Realistically, and as kitschy as it sounds, my skin does a lot for me, every day. And it’s the least I can do to give it a little TLC. My morning routine varies. Sometimes I have plenty of time, and sometimes I’m running behind. So sometimes I take my time with masks and jade rollers, and other mornings it’s splash with water, moisturize, sunscreen, and go. But my evening skincare is my favorite time of the day. It winds me down, and I am very conscious of the good things the products are doing for my skin. It also gives me a chance to really thank my skin and body for all the hard work it puts in for me.
And besides, having the mindset that something is enjoyable, not inconvenient, truly makes a difference.
no. 2 | Acne doesn’t mean my skin is unhealthy.
My skin has been relatively unproblematic over the years. It wasn’t until the past 2 years that I’ve started dealing with acne and blemishes, after coming off The Pill. But even know, I get tons of compliments on my skin and the health of my skin. I always smile and say “thank you,” but I’m also always left, figuratively, scratching my head. Because, especially lately, I have been dealing with annoying breakouts and texture along my chin and, sometimes, cheeks. That’s my because blemishes doesn’t mean your skin is unhealthy.
Acne doesn’t mean your skin is unhealthy. I used to think acne meant my overall skin health was bad. I wasn’t using the right skincare or I wasn’t cleaning my skin well enough. But acne is caused a multitude of things, and mine, in particular, is caused from my hormones. My face wash might clean my skin until it’s squeaky clean, but it’s not going to shift any hormone imbalances. All things considered, my skin is incredibly healthy and in good shape.
It’s all about working with your skin instead of against it.
I typically have a skincare schedule. I’ll exfoliate one night, use retinol and an acne medication the next, and on the third day, I’ll focus on hydration and replenishing my moisture barrier. But I have learned to not follow this schedule religiously. Because if an active breakout crops up on a day I’m supposed to exfoliate, what I’m going to do is irritate that breakout and pay for it later. So I’m learning to pivot and listen to what my skin is telling me and revolving my treatment around that.
And that goes for makeup, too.
I’ve found that I instinctively want to cover spots with loads of foundation and concealer, but I hate how that looks. I find it makes my skin look cakey and, honestly, just bad. Full coverage foundation just isn’t my favorite. So I’ve started to continue using my light coverage* products, even with breakouts, and spot conceal the problematic areas. It makes my complexion look much more natural. And I’ve never minded a little redness or imperfection showing through.
no. 3 | A good skincare routine is one you’ll actually commit to.
A few years ago, I went to a wine tasting at The Biltmore. It was a really pleasurable experience, for a lot of reasons, but the thing that stuck out to me most wasn’t which wines go well with pink peppercorn chocolate. It was one comment the sommelier said: “Good wine is wine you’ll drink.” He went on further to say if a $5,000 bottle of wine is your favorite, then that is good wine. If a bottle of Yellowtail is your favorite, then that is good wine. And I have applied that concept to a lot of things in my life. Because there are a lot of people who will tell you what’s good. But is it good for you if you’re never going to drink it? Eat it? Use it? I don’t think so.
You’re going to read a lot of articles about what a good skincare routine looks like. And you may be inclined to purchase a cabinet full of lotions and potions to better you skin. In truth, a lot of those products will work and will be considered good. But don’t take too much stock on an online article. If you aren’t going to use 10 products daily, then a 10-product skincare routine is not a good routine for you.
An effective skincare routine should consist of 3-4 core products. You want a cleanser, a moisturizer, a treatment, and an SPF. I think it’s more about listening to your skin and using products that cater directly to it.
What’s your relationship with skincare? Hopefully these few mindset shifts I’m going through in regard to skincare can help you reform your own feelings about your skincare habits.
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