Making Room for "Me Time"

By Dorothy Andreas Tuel

December and mirrors….not a good pair. Our shoulders sag, our diets sink, and our skin wilts. The ‘take care of me’ mantra resounds in our head as we race through our daily tasks, ever more daunting as December comes near. A day at the spa may dance like Sugar Plum Fairies in our dreams, but finding the time, and especially this year, the funds, a spa visit can be the last thing on your own list.

The most important place to begin is with your skin care. Your reflection in the mirror can take you in a better direction if you like what you see. Try the following routine at home, on a monthly basis if possible.

The Facial Process

The procedure should begin with a thorough cleansing, followed by a steam bath, or hot towel draped over your face and neck, to allow the pores to open. Gently massage in an exfoliator. If you do not have a granular product, use a soft facial brush, or washcloth. Rinse thoroughly. Next, apply a masque from the bust area up to the hairline, except for the delicate eye and lip area. Even oily skin becomes dehydrated, masques with a high nutrient and moisture delivery are good, as are collagen. For oily or acneic skin, clay based masques work well. Rinse off thoroughly after the masque has set. Finish up with a rebalancing toner, and a light moisturizer. If you have Rosaceae, avoid the steam step.

A serene atmosphere, if possible, while the masque sets, does wonders. Play your favorite music, light your most pleasant candles, and indulge yourself! A facial is your time to focus on nothing but yourself, if even for a few minutes a month.

Between facials, nighttime is important for eye, lip and neck treatments. These products are often too heavy for daytime use. They should be patted on gently, never stretching the skin, with care not to get into the eyes. In the morning, a good cleanser, appropriate for your skin type, a rebalancing toner. and light moisturizer with sun screen, takes only minutes, and pays off for years to come. Find products with pump or flip tops whenever possible, or transfer what you like into pump top containers. We tend to use things which are easier to open when bent over a sink with wet hands.

A regular routine is most important. Expect to see results after two weeks of basic, consistent steps. If you have specific situations such as hyperpigmentation due to birth control pills, sun exposure, hormonal changes or heredity, seek a professional diagnosis before you begin any at-home treatments. If you develop hives or have any reaction to a product, stop using it immediately. Over the counter anti-histamines usually help if you do react negatively to a product.

People often ask which products I recommend. After thorough research, and personal favorites, I urge you, use what you like. There is no sense in buying something, only to find yourself dusting it until the guilt over the purchase no longer keeps you from throwing it away. Professional recommendations are suggested if you are new to skin care, but any steps you take to preserve your skin are a positive start.

Remember to drink as much plain water as you possibly can, every day. Take extra care to keep your lips protected and hands well lubricated, massaging your lotion into your cuticles after washings. Take care of yourself, even if in the smallest of ways, every day.

Dorothy Andreas Tuel has spent 28 years in the beauty industry. A teacher, speaker, writer and entrepreneur, she has dedicated her professional life to the pursuit of beauty and wellness for everyone.

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