If you’re anything like me, your first instinct on waking in the morning is to roll out of bed bleary-eyed and reach for the coffee plunger. If we want to put the best face on the day, both literally and figuratively, we need to strive for a more mindful approach to greeting the day.
The morning is a special time, a opportunity for a fresh start to a brand-new day. It's the perfect opportunity to set a positive tone for the hours ahead, and this extends to your skincare routine. By incorporating mindful morning rituals into your skincare regimen, you can enhance not only the health of your skin but also your overall well-being. Let's explore some nurturing practices that promote radiant, healthy skin.
1. The Gentle Awakening
Begin your morning routine with a gentle awakening of the senses. Instead of jumping out of bed in a rush, take a moment to savor the tranquility of the morning.
- Deep Breathing: Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise. Exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple breathing exercise can reduce morning stress and increase oxygen flow to your skin.
2. Hydration from Within
Before reaching for your skincare products, it's important to rehydrate your body after a night's sleep. Resist the urge to caffeinate first thing! There’s time for that, later.
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Warm Lemon Water: Sip on a cup of warm water with a squeeze of fresh lemon. This refreshing elixir helps kickstart your metabolism, flush out toxins, and hydrate your skin from within.
3. A Refreshing Splash
Your morning skincare ritual should begin with cleansing your face, but there's no need for anything harsh.
- Cold Water Bath: Instead of a soapy, intense clean, opt for a splash of cold water to wake up your skin. This helps reduce morning puffiness and invigorates your complexion. Even better, explore a cold water bath for the skin: fill your basin, or a large bowl, with cold water and immerse your face for as long as you can comfortable hold your breath. You can even build up to adding ice to the water for maximum benefit. The effects of this practice are two-fold. Plunging your face into cold water triggers the ‘dive reflex’ which resets your vagus nerve and reduces anxiety (in fact - you can use this practice any time you’re feeling anxious or upset. It really works!). The cold water also has the effect of pulling fresh blood to the surface, improving circulating and oxygenation of the skin.
4. Mindful Cleansing
Following your cold-water face bath, gently remove any overnight build up of sebum with a warm face cloth or gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. Don’t over-do it! Evening is the time for deep cleansing. Excessive cleansing can compromise the skin barrier, and lead to a host of undesirable knock-on effects.
5. Gua Sha or Facial Roller
For an added boost, consider incorporating gua sha or a facial roller into your morning routine. This will make the most of that increased blood flow and have the added benefit of promoting healthy lymph flow, reducing morning puffiness.
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Gua Sha: This ancient Chinese practice involves using a smooth-edged tool to gently massage and sculpt the face. It can improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and enhance product absorption. Gua sha should be used with a little light facial oil or a serum - just enough to prevent the tool from dragging on the skin.
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Facial Roller: A facial roller made of jade or rose quartz can have a calming effect while promoting lymphatic drainage. Roll it in an upward motion across your face and neck. Use a little serum while you roll - the action of the tool will help to press this into your skin, increasing absorption.
6. Nourish with a Light Oil
Rather than heavy creams in the morning, opt for a lightweight facial oil or day-time serum.
- Moisturising Oil: Apply a few drops of a nourishing oil to lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier for your skin. Choose oils rich in antioxidants and actives such as vitamin C. Our phytonutrient glow potions are perfect for the task. Add a few drops of Distilled Rose Serum to your glow potion if you need an extra hydration boost.
7. SPF
Arguably your most important step in your morning skincare routine - apply a good broad-spectrum SPF. Every. Single. Day. It is truly the best gift you can give to your skin, especially if you live under the Australasian sun.
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Sunscreen: Don't forget the most crucial step—sun protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. UV rays can cause premature aging and skin damage.
8. Mindful Mindset
As you go about your morning skincare routine, try to maintain a mindful mindset.
- Positive Affirmations: While massaging your face or applying products, repeat positive affirmations to boost your mood and set a positive intention for the day.
9. Sip Your Morning Brew Mindfully
If you're a coffee or tea drinker, take the time to enjoy your morning brew mindfully. Sip it slowly, savouring the flavors and aromas.
10. Breakfast with Intention
Fuel your body with a nourishing breakfast. Incorporate fruits, whole grains, and protein into your meal to provide essential nutrients for your skin.
By incorporating these mindful morning rituals into your skincare routine, even some of the time, you can elevate your self-care game and promote healthy, radiant skin. Remember that your skincare should be an act of self-love, a moment to connect with yourself, and an opportunity to start your day with a positive mindset. Your skin and your soul will thank you for it.
