Skincare as Self-care
October 18, 2023
Author: Samantha Luper
Editor: Lily Miro
Growing up, I hated washing my face. It always felt like a pointless chore that would inevitably end with water trickling down my arms and soaking through my t-shirt. However, when I reached my teenage years, I started to become more aware of the small, red bumps appearing on my face. A cycle quickly started after my first breakout: wake up, see a new pimple, stress about how it looked, cover it with concealer, and then wonder why the next day, the one red dot seemed to multiply into a cluster. After weeks of begging my mom to take me to a dermatologist to try and “fix” my acne, she finally gave in. This slowly led me down the path toward my obsession with skincare.
The dermatologist recommended some products to start with, and in the beginning, I definitely struggled with sticking to the routine. Why bother washing my face and applying creams before bed when I still woke up the next day with little red dots all over my forehead? Over time, I became so frustrated with my breakouts that I would do anything, even go through a skincare routine, despite not seeing immediate results. Eventually, I started to see small progress and focused on the smaller things that made me enjoy this ritual.
I began experimenting with new products, looking up skincare videos, researching ingredients, and incorporating a quick face massage with a gua sha. This new routine made me excited about skincare and I started focusing on building healthy habits instead of “fixing” what I saw as imperfections. Quickly, the chore of washing my face transformed into a love of my morning and nighttime skincare. It started to become less about clearing my acne and more about taking time away from my phone to be present and pamper myself. Today I appreciate that skincare is not just about achieving clear skin, it's about gaining a clearer understanding of myself.
Skincare routines are profoundly individualized, yet each step can teach us something important about life and loving ourselves—
Cleanser: Washing your face is almost always the first step of a skincare routine. As you wash off the makeup and dirt for the day, you can also remind yourself not to ruminate on imperfections. Reflecting on the past is important, but once you become stuck in the past, you forget to enjoy the small joys of the present.
Current favorite— La Roche Posay Purifying Foaming Face Wash
Serums and Treatments: This step is the most personalized to the needs and desires of a person. Whether the focus is acne, hyperpigmentation, dark circles, or dry skin, this step allows us to focus on self-improvement and set goals. Results don’t happen overnight, things take time. But the little day-to-day tasks help to move us closer to reaching goals and becoming better versions of ourselves.
Current Favorite— Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum, Differin Gel Acne Treatment
Moisturizer: Keeping the skin nourished is just as vital as nourishing your relationships and life aspirations. Moisturizer helps to rejuvenate dry skin, just as skincare and other forms of self-care help you to recharge when you're feeling anxious or emotionally drained.
Current Favorite— Vanicream Daily Moisturizer, Vaseline for lips
Sunscreen: I struggle to remember to wear sunscreen every day, but it is arguably the most important step. Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays helps your skin now and will aid in preserving it in the future. Taking time for yourself, setting boundaries, and surrounding yourself with positivity can help protect and shield your mental and emotional well-being just as sunscreen can shield your skin from the sun.
Current Favorite– Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
While transitioning to college, maintaining a consistent skincare routine is more difficult than ever. With communal bathrooms providing less-than-ideal conditions, it would be easy for me to throw my skincare routine away. But, during a time that can feel overwhelming, lonely, and even a bit hopeless, taking time for skincare is more important than ever. Similar to journaling or working out, this habit is a constant activity that allows me to be mindful and reminds me to take care of myself. Of course, I miss my skincare routine plenty of nights or mornings when I’m rushing out the door or feeling extra cozy in bed. Regardless, whenever I am struggling mentally on a busy day, my routine allows me to take five minutes to prioritize myself and work on my journey of self-love and self-improvement.
