We are reaching the end of 2018 and some of you in southern part of the world are already in 2019. Since I last blogged in 2014, I went through a few changes in a few aspects of my life and so did my skin. Along with that, my perception and action as a beauty blogger is redefined. I am still as passionate about ethical and naturally derived beauty products, but hopefully I can give myself, and ultimately you, a fresh perspective.
Here is a few lessons I have learnt along the way:
1) Follow your intuition, sensibly 👀
There is no magic in a bottle. I already said it many years ago, but the sentence finally sets in stone in my heart. Over the years especially in 2018, I have learnt how to create a realistic expectation that I ask from my skin. I have also learnt to consider the factors (i.e: ingredient, cost, saving) before trying anything new because what works for some, may not work for me. I deter from ambitiously wanting glowing skin which could result in looking everywhere for solutions and trying everything possible. We are made out of different factors: genetics, environment, skin resistance, etc. I just want my skin to feel calm, balanced and nourished, free of blemish and irritation which my skin is prone to.
To follow intuition smartly, do not be bought by product claims. I choose to gain knowledge first from experts whose vision aligns with mine. Jordan Samuel and Dr. Sam Bunting have youtube channels that give straight-up advice which have helped me a lot. I may not use each one of their product, but their advice is very sensible.
2) Leave it when it does not feel right 👋
Circa 2015 -16, I visited a couple of different skin clinic with skin that was thrown out of balance. I had over-stimulated my skin due to using a lot of products and changing environment which weakened my own skin barrier. I had already moved back to my home country and lived in the metropolitan city that is Jakarta (high temperature, humidity and pollution). Whilst I fully respect dermatologists, the two whom I visited only made me feel worse about my skin and their practice and recommended products did not fit my skin goals. It is important to have a good relationship with your derm in order to trust the process. I contemplated whether I should keep at it or leave it, but the experience made me dread going to another derm. At the end, I chose to take my own charge, do not force what is not meant to be which finally lead me to the act of gentle care.
Do not be afraid to walk away if it does not benefit you. It can be super intimidating to refuse advice especially from someone or something credible and it has costed you money, but know that this skin journey is not one size fits all.
PS: here is a photo of my skin then.
3) Adopt a gentle care practice 🌾
For me, the act of gentle care is a practice that resonates with me more than on a superficial level. To do it, I first need to get rid of things and thoughts that will not be beneficial in the process. This helps to clarify the mind and maintain skin goal. Since I began with skin that is sensitized, I cleansed with only water and moisturize with grapeseed oil when needed. I did this for a few days before I used a gentle non-stripping gel cleanser again. I then introduced sunscreen at the last, only because I find hard time with sunscreens in general. I keep in mind that everybody's priority is different. Once my skin re-gained its momentum, I tried jojoba oil and avocado oil, rotated them at night for more dense moisture. With this, I recovered from sensitized skin in a fair period of time. At the end of two months, I was happy. What is important to remember why I was happy is that it is not only about the products, but the mindset towards the practice and ourselves. To be kind.
The practice of gentle care is often overlooked especially when skin is already in balance, because it could make you feel like you want to try more and put you back to where you started. A great reminder for all of us, happy healthy skin will be the result of our own consistency and discipline. When wanting to incorporate an active / new product, start slow and one at a time.
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This is about how much my skincare routine has given me: more patience. Skin is an organ, it already has a system and what we can do is to support its health. The three major lessons above have not only taught me to practice gentle care for the skin, but they are equally important lessons for when when my emotional well-being feels compromised. My skincare routine acts like a catapult sending me to blissful state, even if it is for a mere second. The magic words are knowledge, intuition, gentleness. Consistency as well as discipline. Truly, it can be challenging with so many products multiplying almost every season, new innovation, new formulation, new promises. Well, sometimes you just gotta close your eyes and breathe 😊 give what's already existing a chance to prove itself and finish. Then, you may consider after.
I am sure you can take away many meaningful lessons from 2018, about skin and beyond. Here is to 2019 and many more to come.
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Helpful videos:
Building a Solid Skincare Regimen, Sensitive vs Sensitized Skin by Jordan Samuel
Skincare Rules for Sensitive Skin by Dr. Sam Bunting
Breathe to Work by Max Strom, Guided Breathwork Meditation
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