Photo by Sarina Mesfin
Hey there, beautiful souls!
Today, I'm going to share with you my 30 self-care secrets, a journey I took starting a few years ago. So join me as I show you my favorite self-love & self-care rituals, and who knows, you might find your next must-haves too! (I've shared some links for you, if you are interested)*
Skin Care Bliss
This foaming wash is what I use for maintaining a clear and acne free complexion. It has powerful ingredients and it removes my blemishes and leaves me with an oil free skin. If you are interested, I suggest that you start with 4% to see if it works with your skin. (This is not for everyone, use with caution or consult with your doctor first)
2. Acretin (Tretinoin) 0.025: (This was prescribed by my dermatologist)
Acretin's potent formula helps me remove the signs of aging like wrinkles and frownies. It has properties to help promote skin cell turnover, giving me a complexion that with out blemish or marks. Always moisturize and wear SPF cream when using this.(If interested to try, please start slow and with low dose and consult with your doctor)
Either of the serums have a hydrating texture that covers my skin in a blanket of moisture, leaving me with a dewy and plump skin. Love to slap this on my face...lol
4. Rilastil Dclar – Depigmenting Concentrate Drops: (This was prescribed by my dermatologist)
This helped me achieve an even skin tone. Every time I applied this, the dark spots faded away more and more, giving me an even skin tone and definitely confidence to wear my skin without makeup. After I apply the drops, I always apply SPF cream as advised by my doctor.
This scrub has gentle exfoliating beads that help me remove all my excess oiliness and impurities.
6. Comfort Zone – Absolute Pearl Corrector Gel (Dark Spot Intensive Treatment Gel): (This was prescribed by my dermatologist)
This gel faded my dark spots and hyperpigmentation, but I advise putting SPF cream whenever you apply these creams.
7. Derma Roller:
This device helps me stimulate my collagen production and promote product absorption, when I apply creams, serums etc.
This SPF moisturizer provides me a broad-spectrum protection, from harmful UV rays etc. as well as moisturizing my skin. So, it is basically two in one for me and it is light wear and doesn't leave me with a white cast, which i face with other SPFs.
9. Cosmelan 2 Mesoestetic – Pigment Control Solution Cream: (This was prescribed by my dermatologist)
This pigment control solution cream targets my dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Also I was advised to wear SPF cream.
10. Comfort Zone – Active Pureness Cleansing Face Wash: (This was prescribed by a dermatologist)
This cleansing face wash helps me remove impurities and excess oil. It is gentle and great for my skin because of the strong creams I'm using for my pigments and acne scar.
This shower head not only gives me a refreshing shower but also comes with a built-in filter. The filter works by helping to remove impurities from the water, leaving my skin and hair feeling super clean and hydrated. Plus, it's easy to install and can make a noticeable difference in the quality of your shower. Trust me, once you try it, you won't want to go back to a regular shower head! When I change the filters, I'm amazed at the amount of dirt and salts I find in the water.
A Smile that Sparkles
This mouthwash was created by dentists, so I knew to get it right away. This helps me to keep my breath stays fresh, I definitely don't need any embarrassment. It also makes one confident.
It works by using science to solve the teeth discoloration issue. Think of it like this: when you apply purple to cancel out yellow stains, your teeth ends up looking whiter. Plus, it's got ingredients that not only make your teeth stronger but also keep them nourished. This helps me to achieve results with one application.
It's not just about keeping my pearly white teeth looking great but also about protecting my enamel that keeps them strong. Every time I use this, it helps strengthen my enamel, making my teeth more stronger against everyday wear and tear. And, it leaves my mouth feeling fresh and clean!
Copper actually has natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. And using one of these scrapers helps me get rid of all the gross bacteria on my tongue that can cause bad breath and even contribute to cavities. So, scraping it off leaves me with a much fresher breath.
Hair Love Affair
16. Batana Oil:
Communities and well known figures like Dr. Sebi praised its healing capabilities for hair loss and even Elon Musk reportedly used it for his hair. You can find videos online where both have discussed its effectiveness firsthand. This life saver is a nutty smelling butter/oil that has helped me nourish and moisturize my hair and scalp, as well as grow my bald spot.
This product is a true powerhouse and a life saver when it comes to nourishing my hair and scalp. Infused with the refreshing scents of rosemary and mint, it not only smells amazing but also works wonders in promoting hair health. This oil is formulated with a blend of natural oils that penetrates deeply into my hair and scalp, helping to strengthen from the roots to the tips. I just massage it into my scalp and distribute it through my hair, and let its nourishing properties work their magic.
This product is like magic in a bottle for my hair. Packed with nourishing oils, it's transforms my dry, damaged hair into soft, silky hair. Also helps me against frizz, split ends, or just want to add some extra shine. It's lightweight and non-greasy, so it doesn't weigh my hair down or leave it feeling oily. I just put a few drops on my damp or dry hair.
This product is also a life saver and one of my best investments. It helps me achieve sleek, frizz-free hair. This saves me sooooo much during humidity, rain, or just everyday frizz, this is my secret weapon for a smooth, glossy finish that lasts. So the Extra Strength formula provides me even more protection against frizz and humidity, so my hair stays sleek and shiny all day long. What I do is, simply apply it to my damp hair, blow-dry, and style as usual and it can last through any weather. (Please follow the instructions for it to work)
20. IKT Wax Stick:
This product is a styling tool that works wonders for anyone's hair. If I want sleek, polished look or want to tame frizz and flyaway, this wax stick has got me covered. Just a few swipes, I smooth down untamed strands, with a touch of shine for a polished finish. It's perfect for creating sleek ponytails or smoothing down my baby hairs.
This gel helps me lay down my edges and keeping my hair looking sleek and polished. Of course, it is infused with the scents of rosemary and mint, it not only holds my edges in place but also provides a refreshing sensation. It's formulated with nourishing ingredients to help promote healthy hair growth and strengthen the edges over time. It also doesn't leave behind any residue or flakiness.
Let me start with the scent, it smell sooooo tropical! The tropical scent is like a mini vacation for my hair, leaving it smelling fresh. When I have those days when I need a quick hair refresh without the hassle of a full hair wash, this spray saves me. Simply I spray it onto my roots, massage it in, and brush it out for instantly revived hair that looks and feels clean and volumized. This is perfect for extending the time between washes, absorbing excess oil, and adding texture and body to your hair. Plus, it's lightweight and doesn't leave any residue, so my hair looks and feels naturally refreshed.
This hair spray gives me extra firm control, keeps my hair in place all day long without feeling stiff or crunchy. It helps also resist humidity, I for one definitely need this, because where I live is sooooo humid.
This leave-in conditioner has shea butter and other nourishing ingredients, and I slather it on my hair after I've washed it. It hydrates and softens my hair. It helps to detangle, reduce frizz, and leave my hair feeling incredibly soft and manageable. It is lightweight, so it doesn't weigh my hair down or leave it feeling greasy. I just apply a small amount to my damp hair and style as usual. Did I mention that it smells amazing??
This masque is packed with nourishing ingredients like rosemary and mint, it works wonders. When I feel my hair is dry, damaged, or in need of a little extra love, I use this masque after I shampooed my hair. It moisturizes and strengthens your hair, leaving it feeling soft, smooth. The scent of rosemary and mint is an added bonus, if you know me I love scents, perfumes and aromas that smell nice.
26. K18 Leave-in Hair Mask Repair:
This product is truly a lifesaver! It completely transformed my hair, which had been damaged by over-processing, heat, and chemicals, from the very first time I used it. Here's the magic: it penetrates deeply into each strand, revitalizing my curls from the inside out. After just one application, my hair felt stronger, smoother, and looked more radiant than ever before. It's hands down the best product I've come across in the market, and it's definitely rescued my hair! Yes, it might seem pricey for the amount you get, but trust me, it's worth it. Consider it an investment in your hair's health. My advice? Follow the instructions to the letter. The key is to use it precisely as directed.
Lymphatic Drainage
Before I take my shower, I use the brush on my skin when it's dry, and move it it in little circles. (I usually do this once a week or twice a week. Even though, I want to incorporate it into my daily routine.) When I do this, it helps me get rid of all those dead skin cells, gets my blood flowing, helps my lymph and body detox and also, makes my skin feel so smooth and nice. I also have a small brush I use on my face too. It helps me get rid of dead skin, makes my face look brighter, and reduce puffiness as well as drain my lymph found in my head and neck. (If you have acne scar or are prone to irritation, I suggest you don't do it.)
28. Gua Sha:
This ancient Chinese healing technique uses a smooth-edged tool, usually made of jade or rose quartz and involves in gentle scraping motions on the skin to promote circulation, lymphatic drainage, and reduces puffiness. It's believed to reduce inflammation, and promotes stimulating blood flow throughout the body. This smooth stone can be used on various parts of the body, but I use it mostly for my face & neck and often use it into my facial massage routines to help the absorption of my skincare products and also sculpt facial contours.
Moisturizing my Skin
29. Nivea Crème:
This cream has been there forever and is indeed timeless. Its rich, velvety texture nourishes and hydrates my skin, leaving it soft and plump. I do this before I go to sleep, I just slather it in on my face and skin. My face loves this!
This moisturizing cream is rich with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and it wraps my skin in a blanket of moisture and plump. My face loves this as well!
Holistic Wellness Habits and Self-Care
One of the things I've started this year is as routine is setting up reminders on my mobile to make sure I drink 8 cups of water spaced throughout the day. Hydration is key to health I think. As for my daily steps, I aim for 10,000 steps per day, some days I hit around 5,000 or more. But the goal is to move and gradually increase those steps to shed a few Kgs. It's progress, not perfection!
Herbal Supplements
Since COVID - I've started taking herbal supplements, vitamins, and minerals to make sure I'm giving my body what it needs. Plus, I do take detox supplements once a week and anything that helps boost my immunity. Probiotics—they're a must for keeping my gut in check. L-glutamine powder- It's great for making sure my gut is strong and absorbing all those nutrients, while also keeping viruses, bacteria, and yeast away.
Beauty Sleep and Digital Detox
Let's not forget the importance of a good night's sleep! I've started the habit of sleeping early, aiming to hit my bed around 10 PM and waking up at 7:45 AM. Plus, I've made a conscious effort to steer clear of my phone before bedtime. I include having good amount of sleep as a form of mental self-care.
I hope this was helpful and motivated you to start your own self-care level up journey in beauty, health and wellness. Share what products you are using, maybe I can test some of them as well.
Love,
Sarina x
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Hyaluronic acid serums are the bomb! I peek some good products in there!!! Thanks for sharing 👍 😊 😀