leaning into routine
I have been cocooning. This time of year is hard. Throw some heartbreak into the mix and you have a perfect recipe for cozy nights spent at home eating bowls of cereal for dinner and binging crime docs. Between trying to sort through the day to day tasks of running a human centered business and taking care of my basic needs, I have had more days than not where I feel depleted. Working has been a savior and I am so grateful for what I do. When I am sad, being of service has been a beautiful way to redirect that sadness and turn it into a restorative experience for someone else.
I have been leaning heavily into my routines and rituals. In a time that feels confusing, I am craving feeling grounded and in control. My routine is not complicated - it is centered around making time to move slowly and give myself moments to quiet my mind. This concept of simplicity carries over into all facets of daily life including how I care for my skin.
Mornings are my favorite time of day. I wake up early with no alarm. I hate waking up to an alarm. I go to bed early. Sleep is my friend. I put my favorite cozy sweater on and make my way to the kitchen. First I feed my cat so he stops screaming at me, then I drink a big glass of warm lemon water to flush out the stagnation from the night. Drinking this slightly acidic, warm liquid just feels like I am doing something great for my body first thing. I then light some incense, and go sit or lay on the couch to meditate. Really this is just deep breathing and trying to clear my mind. If I don’t have an invasive thought for one minute I consider that a win. I then make a cup of frothy coffee. I put it in my favorite mug. I really am someone that needs beauty in my life. Whether that is a mug or flowers I don’t deny myself those things.
After that I have a small bite to eat - usually toast with almond butter and banana. Then I go work out. My work outs lately have been non negotiable. I am chasing endorphins. They are saving me from the late winter funk. My favorite work out right now is barre class. It’s hard every single time and I love the community. Plus I feel strong and I love feeling strong, like I could kick some ass if I needed to :)
After that it’s home to shower and get ready for work. I have been taking more time to do my skincare routine lately because it feels like a treat. I always incorporate a nice facial massage at least once a day while I am applying oil. I believe whole heartedly in facial massage for so many reasons - it reduces inflammation, promotes the flow of lymph, releases muscle tension, helps calm the nervous system, tones and tightens, helps clear congestion, and promotes circulation. Someday I will post a video of me doing facial massage on myself. You don’t have to follow any rules or do it a certain way, just put pressure on the places that feel tense (usually the jaw) and let your intuition guide you. It can look funny, that means you’re doing it right :)
Here is my current skincare routine:
MORNING
BOTNIA Gentle Cleanser
I can’t say enough great things about this cleanser. It is just the best. Hand-grown goldenseal leaf and chamomile soothe and balance the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid retains the skin’s natural moisture levels.
BOTNIA Rose Geranium Hydrosol
Our power plant. This universal hydrosol helps address the signs of breakouts, redness, and dehydration. Healing and hormone balancing rose geranium leaves offer you a hydrating and balancing hydrosol.
PARA Immortal Serum
With hyaluronic acid, resveratrol + vitamin B3. I pair this serum with the Haima balm.
PARA Haima Skin Dew
This balm is formulated to be the ultimate remedy for dry skin, and can also be used during the dry and cold seasons on normal to oily skin.
BOTNIA Balancing Oil Cleanser
This oil-based cleanser is filled with nurturing botanicals to balance skin tone and soothe irritation. Oil cleansing is a luxurious and effective way to dissolve excess sebum and impurities from your skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
BOTNIA Essential Enzymes
2x a week. This nutrient-rich, multitasking cream can be used as a brightening cleanser or a gently exfoliating mask. Powered by pomegranate, juniper, and calendula to regulate your skin’s lymphatic system and prevent the effects of environmental stress.
BOTNIA Hydrating Serum
This lightweight gel is your pre-moisturizer hydration boost, fueled by rose geranium and plant-derived hyaluronic acid. This large molecule hyaluronic acid is ideal for keeping skin hydrated and protected and forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface.
BOTNIA Restorative Face Cream
I like to use this deeply hydrating face cream in the winter when my skin is dryer. It has hyaluronic acid and squalane that help to lock in moisture without congesting pores. Plant peptides plump skin texture and leave a dewy finish that will have everyone asking about your routine.
I have also been adding a few drops of Remedy Oil to my moisturizer at night. I have been testing out a new Botnia product too and I am LOVING it. I can’t talk too much about it but it will be available very soon!
Thanks for reading! As always reach out with any questions or just to say hey anna@oilstudioskincare.com :)