4 Ways to Care for Your Skin During the Month of Love

By now, your newsfeeds, inboxes and shopping excursions are probably flooded with reminders that Valentine’s Day is on the horizon. ‘Tis the season of love. But around here, we’re only interested in one type of love—self-love. You are your longest relationship and that’s why we want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself first and foremost. There are many forms that self-love can take, but we bet you already know our favorite: skincare.   

Your skin is your largest organ. It’s main function is to protect all of your other very important organs from external elements like bacteria, extreme temperatures and chemicals. The skin is the body’s first line of defense, just one of many reasons why we’re so passionate about taking care of it. When you care for your skin, you care for your entire body. This month, we challenge you to try these four ways to love your skin—and yourself.

Crush on plant-based skincare

Free from harsh and synthetic fragrances, dyes, chemicals and parabens, plant-based skincare is one of the most nurturing things you can opt for to care for your skin. Ingredients are scientifically-proven to be safe, effective and stable in skincare formulations. Many ingredients are naturally found in the skin already, making plant-based formulas highly biocompatible with the body’s functions. Synthetic ingredients often lead to unnecessary irritation, breakouts and can cause skin damage. Plant-based ingredients work with your skin. The visible results are a glowing, healthy complexion, while the benefits you can’t see are a healthy barrier function and a proper microbiome.

Get smitten with water

This is one of those rules that is easiest to ignore and most discounted for the effect it actually has on your skin. Proper hydration can literally change your skin. You can see a difference. You’ll notice less dryness, flakiness, redness and fewer breakouts. Topical skincare is very important to maintain long-term healthy skin. But what you put in your body every day is just as important. Getting enough water every day is one piece of the puzzle. How much you need is influenced by a variety of factors including your age, diet, activity level and body weight. Research the right amount for you and make a goal this month to get your water intake in for at least 22 days. Start and end your day with a full glass. Trust us, you’ll never go back.

Find the sunscreen of your dreams

We know, we’re a broken record. No matter what your skin concern, skin type, age or gender, our number one recommendation is always going to be to wear sunscreen. It’s often forgotten when it’s not peak summertime, but it’s just as important in the winter. Find a sunscreen you love, that works with your skin type, doesn’t flare up any skin concerns you have, and (most importantly) that you love to wear every single day. Consistency is key and sunscreen is essential whether you’re enjoying a pool day or sitting inside on a gloomy day.  

Devote yourself to beauty sleep

Sleep is the first ingredient in just about any skin healthy, self-love lifestyle. Overnight, your skin repairs itself (along with many other important and restorative functions that happen throughout the body). Specifically, new collagen is created while you sleep. Collagen prevents laxity and sagging, fighting the premature signs of aging while you sleep. Additionally, a full night of rest reduces puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. Aim for eight hours and pair this goal with your water intake goal. 

Fall in love with your morning and evening routine 

Consistency in your skincare routine has a few benefits. You’ll get the most out of your products when you use them on a routine basis as instructed. For some products that’s every morning. For others, it’s morning and night. Maybe it’s once a week for at-home treatment products and masks. What “routine” means is dependent on your skin, your regimen and your lifestyle. Another benefit of consistency is the formation of habit so you’re less likely to skip a step…or your regimen altogether. A basic skincare routine should consist of cleansing and applying broad spectrum SPF in the morning, and cleansing then applying a moisturizer in the evening. Consistency ensures you’re never falling asleep with your makeup on at night, and that’s definitely loving your skin.