Happy May! Self care is one of the most foolproof tools to boost both your physical and mental health. Whether indulging in a free, online trendy #SweatSession or a swift walk, even ten minutes of exercise gets your endorphins (happy hormones!) pumping. This May- spring into action and try downloading a self care app- you’re a click away from a calmer you with less tense and a wrinkle-free face.
Interestingly, cleaning the skin physically, and clarifying the mind mentally, have a lot in common- both need purifying, cleansing, stimulating, nourishing and protecting, to function well. These 5 stepping stones of self care and health are the cornerstone of Future Cosmetics- now rebranded as Future 5 Elements- philosophy toward looking and feeling good.
Stress Less, Self care more.
#Vogue magazine’s website covered PPSD, or Post Pandemic Stress Disorder, which can show itself in increased anxiety, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, and increasing irritation. Clients of all ages book facial appointments for various reasons, from skin-therapy sessions to de-stressing their minds. This is a positive first step toward self care.
It is understandable that getting back to “normal” can be a stressful process. Even going out with a friend you’ve missed, or heading back into the gym, can cause anxiety. As an anti-aging specialist and Seattle facialist, I will acknowledge that stress- whether stemming from chaotic “new normal” weather patterns or environmental changes- does take a sinful toll on skin.
Allowing yourself a short, relaxing facial massage can create beauty benefits like toning and natural face sculpting, with the added mental health benefits of a relaxed body and mind.
The Hurry Worry.
With most of us getting back to our usual schedules, the phenomenon of “Hurry Sickness” is back. That is, a mixture of anxiety, restlessness, worry, and feelings of urgency that you know as rushing, a need to do three tasks at a time.
Racing around is draining on the mind and body.
“Hurry sickness” means you simply have to make every moment count. But are they the important, memorable moments?
Rushing increases your chances of having a negative impact on the people around you and increasing your own stress.
This includes cherished family and important co-workers. You simply cannot devote attention to the people and things you truly care about in a huff!
Cat Naps are Purrfect.
Napping restores and resets the skin, body and mind. A light, short sleep helps ease stress and may even turn a sour mood around. At very least, naps reduce fatigue and prevent mental burnout- and they make you less cranky (daily naps reduce the amount of stress hormones in the body). Look forward to these additional benefits: increased alertness, improved mood and performance, quicker reaction time and better memory.
Power naps don’t usually cause drowsy feelings after waking up, because you don’t go into a deep sleep. Just a 15-30 minute nap has been shown to boost production of white blood cells, essential to helping your immune system tackle viruses and disease.
Rely on Mother Nature to Nourish.
Seek out nature! Stepping out for a walk or going for a short hike has shown in studies to help with depression. Boost your mood by walking in the hills, grass- even urban nature. Just listening to natural sounds of nature on an app – crickets chirping, waves crashing- can be soothing and induce healing sleep.
Give yourself- or someone else- some flowers. Flowers are universal symbols of beauty, and they symbolize comfort, love and affection. Flower Power has a long-term positive effect on moods, too. Flowers make intimate connections.
According to Vogue.com, “people are starved for beauty, and flowers are nature’s biggest show-offs.”
GREEN TEA N’ ME
#JenniferAniston (aka Rachel Green) has been called a Green Tea addict! She told Teabloom.com “It’s a really nice and healthy beverage that makes me slim and fit.” Green tea truly is an amazing skin-loving herb that is scientifically linked to reducing the risk of skin cancer, according to The Daily Mail. This powerful herb – that my grandmother always served me- promotes elasticity and skin tone, too. (China is the largest green tea-drinking nation, drinking more than 50% of the world’s total consumption!)
From fighting aging and skin cancer, to treating acne and dryness, Healthline.com recommends this following easy mixture for an at-home green tea masque to fight the blues. (If you opt for a store bought masque, be sure it contains 100% real green tea.)
1 tbsp. of green tea powder
1 tbsp. of granulated sugar
1 tbsp. honey (or use 1/2 tsp. of lemon juice)
Make a paste. Add a few drops of water to thin it out if desired. Apply to clean skin and gently massage it in. (Added benefit- a #Fassage!) Leave it on for ten minutes and use it twice a week. #NaturalFaceCare.
WATER WORKS.
Naturally-occuring alkalized water is made when H2O passes over rocks and picks up minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. This kind of water has a higher PH level than tap water, and, according to studies reviewed in Eatingwell.com, this can help neutralize painful stomach acids. #HealthTipsByGurudev recommends adding 4 small pieces of cucumber with 2 small pieces of lime to one liter of water to make your own hydrating, botanical brew.
According to a study by Business Insider, a solid sweat brought on by a hot bath can burn as many calories as taking a walk! Remember Julia Roberts unwinding in a bubble bath in Pretty Woman? Or Marilyn Monroe soaking up sexy suds in Some Like It Hot?! Soak in a bubble bath. Try Bathorium.com for bubbly, organic product choices.
Before getting ready for a busy day, or before a relaxing spa day, generously apply (my favorite) organic Australian oil that is made with pure plant botanicals: Saya’s plant-based Argan Body Oil restores very deep moisture to your skin. It’s lightly and naturally fragranced through a blend of Ylang Ylang, Mandarin Peel, Geranium Bourbon, Cedarwood and Patchouli essential oils. These essential oils bring us into our more “restorative self” before stepping into our busy day or a day of relaxation.
Step into a bright Future.
The beauty and healthcare model behind Future Cosmetic products – now updated as Future 5 Elements, really are matching ideals for self care, as I previously mentioned: to purify, or cleanse; to stimulate, or to renew; to hydrate, or stay healthy; to nourish or to thrive, and to protect skin- and self- from harm.
If you don’t want to whip up your own natural kitchen concoction, trick out your special spa day by treating yourself to one of Future 5 Elements’ masques. Go ahead- rebalance your skin and yourself- and have fun doing it.
Future 5 Elements’ line of products comes in limited quantities- produced in their family-owned lab- making for a truly organic, artisan brand and one of my very favs. Mask Heritage works on all skin types to help with aging, acne, seborrheic, rosacea, pigmentations, and sensitivity. The Phyto Mask No. 2 purifies, and hydrates using plant extracts and green clay from the south of France. Pure! Fancy!
Fantastic! Both offer wildly clean ingredients to show your #skin some #love. The herbal smell of their masques always calms my clients and myself.
Give yourself permission to rinse away the problems of the past, and move joyously toward a fantastic future. Keep visiting SeattleFacialist.com to keep in touch.
Be Kind to Yourself – feel cleansed- stay strong. To thyself be true!
XO Patty
