As cooler, dryer weather approaches, you may be starting to feel the effects on your skin. Itchy, cracked, tight-feeling skin is an unfortunate hallmark of fall and winter, but there are steps you can take to provide yourself with full-body hydration — starting in the shower. Read on to learn how to build a nourishing bath and shower routine for glowing skin.
Setting a Relaxed Mindset
An effective skincare routine isn’t just about the products you use — it’s also about your mindset. Making relaxation a part of your shower or bath ritual helps you take your mind off your daily troubles and put yourself in self-care mode. Here are some tips to set the tone for your bath or shower routine.
Meditate
Stress can cause many skincare issues, including inflammation and redness. Meditation is a great way to calm the mind and reduce stress, so why not combine it with the soothing, steamy atmosphere of a bath? First, get comfortable and set the mood. You might do this with bath salts, candles, aromas or tranquil music.
Close your eyes, breathe deeply and clear your mind. Focus on being present in the moment. Note the feeling of the warm water, the scent of the bath products or candles you’re using and the music you’re listening to. This is known as mindfulness meditation.
Practice Daily Affirmations
Once your mind is clear, focus on thoughts of positivity and kindness towards yourself. Saying affirmations as part of your bath ritual allows you to prepare your mind for the day or end the night on a positive note. Focus on nurturing, self-healing and kind words about yourself and your progress.
Dry Brush
One valuable bath routine practice you might not have tried is mindfulness brushing. Using a dry body brush, like our Plant-Based Body Brush, will help bring awareness to your body and be fully present. Start from your feet and work your way up. Brush upwards using gentle circles or short strokes as you go. Imagine you’re brushing away your troubles and negative thoughts as you exfoliate dead skin cells and refresh your skin.
3 Steps for the Perfect Hydrating Bath Routine
Now that your body is ready to be rejuvenated, it’s time to make use of quality hydrating skincare products. Get ready for luxuriously smooth and healthy looking skin when you add these practices to your bath or shower routine.
1. Exfoliate
As we move into the winter months, skin can start to feel rougher and dryer with each passing day. During this time of year, exfoliating is more important than ever. Prepping the skin for cleansers and moisturizers ensures you have a clean, even surface for your product to sink in and work its magic.
For gentle yet thorough exfoliation, we recommend a dual-action physical and AHA exfoliant, like our Undaria Cleansing Body Polish. Formulated with pumice, nature’s own exfoliant, and Kiwi AHA Infused Rice Microparticles that dissolve dead skin cells, it’s the perfect first step towards softer, brighter looking skin. Carefully massage the product onto wet skin and rinse with warm water 2-3 times a week, or as needed.
2. Cleanse
When you’re ready to wash, cleanse with a hydrating formula that won’t dry out skin. Our new Undaria Algae™ Body Wash is backed with a daily pH-balanced formula that mineralizes without stripping skin. That means it helps balance the skin’s natural pH levels so your skin feels softer and smoother.
Our seaweed-boosted wash is packed with ultra hydrating ingredients like aloe, glycerin and a nourishing blend of coconut oil, jojoba oil and avocado oil. You’re sure to fall in love with the silky feel of this body wash on your skin.
3. Use a Bath Oil
If you like to soak in the bath every so often, consider adding an oil like our Vagus Nerve Bath Oil. After filling the bath with warm water, add a generous amount of oil and stir. This blissful bath oil allows you to leave the stress of the day behind while moisturizing your skin. With a carefully crafted blend of soothing essential oils for soaking away stress and a nourishing botanical blend of apricot, avocado, grapeseed, jojoba seed and meadowfoam seed oils to soften and hydrate skin, our Vagus Nerve Bath Oil serves to melt your troubles and treat your body and mind.
