2024 Self-Care Checklist: An Esthetician's Guide to Healthy Skin from Within

Beauty trends come and go, but committing to a self-care routine that prioritizes your health and well-being will always be in. Whether it's a New Year’s resolution or just a step up on your self-care journey, consider this blog your personal self-care checklist you can always come back to.

At The Essence we understand that everyone's priorities are unique and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care. So we put together an esthetician’s guide to help you reach the best version of yourself this year.

Daily

1. AM/PM Skincare Routine: Whether you like to keep it simple or you’re a devotee to a 9-step skincare routine, stay consistent. If you're unsure what routine is best for you, book your complimentary skin consultation with a skin expert to create a ritual based on your lifestyle and your skin's unique needs.
2. Sunscreen: Shield your skin from harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Reapply if you're out in the sun.
3. Journaling and Meditation: Daily reflection and mindfulness. Always take the time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, visions and ambitions. Practise gratitude and an abundance mindset every day.
4. Exercise: Commit to at least 20 minutes of physical activity to boost your mood and overall health.
5. Lymphatic Activation and Facial Massage: Incorporate lymphatic drainage techniques and facial massages to reduce puffiness and promote circulation.
6. Dry Brushing: Stimulate your skin and circulation with dry brushing before your daily shower. Always in upward movements towards your heart to aid in lymphatic activation and keep your skin glowing and free of ingrowns. 
7. Vitamins and Supplements: Ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs with a well-rounded supplement routine. Always consult your health care provider prior to ensure you're only taking what you need. Read more on nutrition and skin health here.

Weekly

1. Face Masking: Treat your skin to a targeted face mask up to 4 times a week for a radiant complexion. Face masking can truly be what takes your skin to the next level! Find out all about our favourite masks and how to use them here.
2. Deep Moisture Hair Mask: Keep your hair nourished with a weekly deep moisture hair mask for silky smooth, healthy locks.
3. Body Exfoliation: For a glowing skin opt for a weekly chemical exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells. You skin will not only be glowing, but feel much more nourished once moisturized.
4. LED Light Therapy: Experience the benefits of LED light therapy three to four times a week to address specific skin concerns. Dicover all the benefits of LED Light Therapy here

Monthly

1. Facials: Schedule monthly facials to target skin concerns and maintain a healthy complexion. The Essential Membership will help you keep that in ckeck.
2. Lymphatic Drainage Massages: Enhance your well-being with monthly lymphatic drainage massages. These type of massage help boost your immune system and naturally relieve water retention and bloating. For more on Lymphatic Drainage Massages, read here
3. Wash Makeup Brushes: Keep your makeup tools clean to prevent breakouts and keep your routine hygienic.
4. Laser Hair Removal Appointments: LHR is the best investment you could make to completely transform your self care. Treat ingrown hairs, razor bumps, stubborn hair growth forever, and have smooth skin year-round. For more about laser, read here. If you're still unsure if laser hair removal is right for you, book your complimentary laser consult here
5. Nail Care: Whether you use nail polish or not, keeping your nails clean and polished is essential.

Quarterly

1. Transitional Facials: Opt for deeper exfoliation with your season-transitional facials. This will help your skin adjust easier to the changing seasons.
2. Hair Trims: Maintain healthy hair by scheduling regular trims every quarter.

Yearly

1. Doctor Check-up: Don't forget your yearly check-up with your doctor and specialists.
2. Microneedling Sessions: 2-3 microneedling sessions a year ( ideally in the winter) can increase your collagen production by 400% and truly transform your skin. Not only does it work on fine lines and wrinkles but also helps with pore size, post-acne scars and overall skin texture. Microneedling is a natural way to prevent pre-mature aging. Consult with your esthetician to find out if microneedling is right for you.  
3. Deeper Peels: If microneedling is not for you, then consider getting a deep chemical peel to address specific concerns like hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne and more. Always consult with your esthetician and don't forget to wear your sunscreen.

Taking the time to care for yourself, your skin and your body is the essence of self-love. Whether you follow this checklist step by step or you pick and choose only what works for you, let this guide be a promise to make yourself a priority.

 

Happy New Year!