Seasons come and go, but my skincare routine stays consistent.
My list is nothing fancy; I don’t follow an intricate 15-step routine and I definitely cannot memorize one. My skin is quite sensitive and is constantly adjusting to even the smallest differences, so I rarely add something new into the mix. As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
But what does skincare have to do with self-empowerment or happiness?
In my own experience, I have come to learn and embrace that skincare is a starting point on the long road of self-love, happiness, and self-empowerment.
As children, my aunt taught my sister and me the importance of daily moisturizer and lip balm. Up to my 20s, I regularly washed my face, applied moisturizer and lip balm, and wore sunscreen on those rough band camp days. Life was simple then, and my routine reflected that. It wasn’t until I reached my 20s that, looking back on it now, my skincare routine really went on a rollercoaster and it directly correlated to how I felt and how I loved (or lack thereof) myself.
In my high times, I vividly recall using all sorts of masks (both homemade and store-bought), regularly massaging my face with my handy Gua Sha I bought in Hong Kong, and using washes and creams from various Korean and Japanese brands. I used to get dressed up and take myself on dates, treated myself to little gifts, and chased after my dreams. My love language was a mix of telling my loved ones they were so worthy of everything good and what products to try, spending time together (cue pizza, movies, and wine), and finding little things to gift them. With the love I had for myself and the ambition I had, I would pour as much as I could onto my friends and family. I was a strong advocate for self-love, and it really showed. This empowerment is what got me to live abroad a couple of times, and now it is the fearlessness that holds my hand during my career change.
My low times looked like this: minimal effort in washing my face, no moisturizer, staying in bed almost all day on most days. My [mal]nutrition was ordering Mcdonald’s daily and sleeping most of the time. In simple terms, I didn’t care if I woke up or died because I had completely given up on myself. I couldn’t recognize myself in the mirror and as a consequence, I lived most of 2017 with any and all mirrors/reflective items covered in towels and newspapers… that is until I woke up one day and decided I needed to find and fall in love with myself again.
On good and bad days alike, especially on the bad days, we must take the time to respect and love ourselves by pampering our minds and bodies. This means that even if you take a while between each step of your routine, you owe it to yourself to be good to yourself. I truly believe that when you look and feel good, you become more motivated to do and be better. Personally, I take a multivitamin in the mornings and do my skincare in the evenings to show myself love and kindness when I wake up and go to sleep. A little goes a long way, and the way to start that is through baby steps.
After much trial and error, I found that these products help me look and feel my best so they may not work for everyone. Allow me to introduce my best friends, in order of use:
- Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser – This daily cleanser doesn’t dry out my face and the bubbles are always a plus. I’ve loved this brand for almost a decade.
- Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask – I use this once a week to really deep clean my face; the difference can immediately be felt after washing it off!
- Aloe Vera 99% Soothing Gel – This has been the foundation of my skincare for years! Sometimes I’ll use a different brand, but I always make sure it says 99% on it. The next best thing would be to use Aloe Vera straight from the plant itself.
- Innisfree Jeju Orchid Eye Cream – More of a cold/dry months staple for me, this beauty keeps my under eyes feeling and looking their best.
- Innisfree Jeju Orchid Enriched Cream – Another cold/dry months staple, this moisturizer adds hydration without feeling heavy or sticky.
- Bio-Oil Skincare Oil – I use this on my neck and other areas that are the dryest. During the warm/hot months, I use this under my eyes as a lighter replacement for eye cream.
- Vaseline Petroleum Jelly – Although this is not a moisturizer at all, I love Vaseline as a lip mask while I sleep. During Winter, I also use it under my eyes and on dry areas after moisturizing to lock it all into my skin. If you’re curious to learn more, give this healthline article on slugging a read or look up “vaseline slugging”!
You are worthy of all things good and you are always enough.
xoxo