The ability to tend to oneself was once seen as a luxury, but as the hustle and bustle of the daily grind continues to add stressors to our lives, attending to our self-care has become more important than ever before. According to The Black Dog Institute, an act of self-care refers to the ‘activities and practices that we deliberately choose to engage in on a regular basis, to maintain and enhance our health and wellbeing.’
And while it might be unrealistic to put aside hours within each day for just ourselves, a few short minutes dedicated to your skincare routine could work wonders for not only your skin itself but also act as a much-needed mood-booster. Whether you choose to do this first thing in the morning or just before bed, transforming your daily skin practice into a self-care ritual is easy with the right tools.
So, if it’s about time you started treating yourself to a little self-love, below you’ll find curated wellness products thanks to Sportsgirl, that will be sure to elevate your beauty regimen at the same time.
Let’s face it
Gua sha
The gua sha (pronounced gwa-shah), is a handy little tool with origins in traditional Chinese medicine. Made from various crystals such as rose quartz, jade and moonstone, the technique involves lubricating your skin with an oil or moisturiser before gently moving the gua sha along your face. This repetitive motion works to stimulate your lymphatic fluids to help increase blood circulation and skin elasticity. Continued use will also see the added benefit of increasing your skin’s tone, hydration and radiance, as well as protecting against breakouts and signs of ageing.
Facial rollers & massagers
A face roller works similarly to a gua sha in that it stimulates the lymphatic system, providing a natural glow to your skin by eliminating toxins, reducing redness and improving blood circulation. Amethyst, rose quartz, jade and moonstone can all be used to craft this must-have self-care beauty tool. By placing it in the fridge for a few hours before it is used, your skin may see the added benefit of reduced inflammation and puffiness. It is recommended you use this product in your nightly skincare routine by simply rolling it along the contours of your face, working your way outwards from the centre, to help work skincare products more deeply into the skin.
Keep calm with crystals
If you’re unsure which stone to choose when it comes to your gua sha or face roller, have a read of some of the spiritual connotations each crystal may possess to see which one resonates with you the most.
Rose quartz – Is said to imbue its owner with a sense of love due to being the universal stone of love. It is spiritually believed to assist with inner healing and is good for blood circulation and heart health. It is said that it is best for acne-prone skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, so choose this stone to help relieve tension and promote feelings of self-love.
Jade – This stone has long been associated with prosperity and luck. It is also believed that using a jade roller on your third eye (in the middle of your forehead), may assist with enhancing one’s intuition. It is said that this stone is best for contouring and lifting. Select jade to help protect yourself from negative energy and to promote positivity.
Moonstone – The crystal of inner growth and strength, it is a wonderful stone to have in your toolkit to help you stay balanced. If being introspective is important to you, choose this stone and listen to a guided meditation while completing your skincare routine.
Amethyst – If you are going through a period of stress and anxiety, amethyst is associated with clearing the mind of negative thoughts. It is said to work best for balancing inflamed complexions and to soothe breakouts, so go for this one to calm irritated skin and to inspire an intuitive mind.
Adding a gua sha or facial roller to your skin routine is the perfect way to show yourself some TLC. Not only is it an affordable addition to your self-care kit, but these tools will also aid in your skin’s health and appearance. This, coupled with the possible energetic healing properties of the crystals themselves could provide a holistic benefit to your overall wellbeing.
For more information, head to Sportsgirl’s website.
