I’m writing this in the midst of COVID-19, hoping that the future is better. But what better time than now to look through all of those masks that you’ve only used half of?
With all of the extra handwashing, I’m going through my hand soap much faster than usual, but I’m also struggling to keep my hands hydrated. So I’ve got a little list of stuff for all of us to do when it’s 2am and we’re panic cleaning our bathrooms (…or is that just me?).
Hydrate inside and out
First things first, please tell me that you’re washing your hands properly. There are a million memes using the CDC infographic, but just remember to sing the chorus of a pop song while washing up. My favorite go-tos are 500 Miles by The Proclaimers, the Steven Universe theme song, and literally anything by Lizzo. But once I’ve washed my hands for the 15th time today, I’ve noticed how dang dry they are. Grab a glass of water and some lotion, because it’s time to double hydrate! Lotion the heck out of your hands (heck, go off and do your elbows too), then drink your water while it sinks in.
I think this is great because I have a million bottles of lotion. It’s one of those gifts that people who either barely know me give, or people who really know me give. So basically, everyone gives me lotion as a gift, which is great for right now! I’m currently working my way through a bottle that I received in a book box (it’s Aquaman themed, so I can knock out a couple types of thirst all at once), but I also have a bottle at work and in my back pack. I also use body conditioner from Lush, which is lotion for while you’re showering. It’s basically a thicker soap that you leave on your skin for a bit before washing out (much like hair conditioner)! Here’s one on their site now; they’ve got both solid & liquid (if you’re looking to buy, grab the solid to reduce packaging).
Mask it up
Much like bottles of lotion, I have too many masks. I’ve got charcoal, exfoliating, and sheet masks, all over the place! When I went through my bathroom at 2am the other day (not an exageration; I organized my bobby pin placement), I gathered my masks together. I have been trying to do an exfoliating mask every other day before I shower. This is great because I feel like I have a bunch of stale air just sitting on my face from not leaving my apartment. Depending on how my skin is doing, I try to do clay masks on the non-exfoliating days, and when I’m feeling dry, a hydrating mask.
I’ve also been using a little sponge in the shower for me face. I ran out of non-exfoliating cleanser a while ago, and don’t really think it’s where my attention needs to be right now, so I figured I’d try out this sponge that my mum got me ages ago! It’s nice and smoothing, and not abrasive at all, which I need some times (and you do too).
Maybe it seems obvious, but shower
Hi, my name is Emily and I have severe depression and anxiety. Sometimes,when I’m stressed (like now), I find it difficult to have the will to get out of bed in the morning, and that often goes hand-in-hand with showering. My brain says that since I’m not going anywhere other than on walks with my dog, so I don’t need to shower, so I don’t want to. If you have that same urge, know that you’re not alone. But also know that you can fight it! I’ve found that showering on my lunch break is what works best for me; I can be a depression burrito for the first half of my work-from-home day, but then it’s time to clean up!
One of the biggest ways I convince my burrito brain to shower is with having fun soaps. If you’re like me and a hoarder of bath products, your time has come! Grab one of your favorite (or most exciting smelling) soaps, and put that in the shower. It will make your shower time a bit more appealing, and be productive about your project panning goals. I’ve currently got a massive bottle of Lord of Misrule in my shower; it’s my absolute favorite scent from Lush, and since I don’t currently have access to a tub, it’s the next best thing!
Don’t eat exclusively garbage
Again, this might seems obvious, but as someone who ate all of her quarantine snacks immediately after buying them, hear me out. What you eat directly affects your skin. Of course, everyone’s skin reacts to things differently, so take note of things that trigger acne; chocolate and greasy food typically, while fruit and veggies don’t. Drink your water and remember to get as many servings of fruits and veggies as you can. I bought myself a big bag of clementines the other day, and I’ve been trying to reach for those instead of the jar of Nutella I’ve hidden on the highest shelf.
I know this maybe isn’t “classic” skin care, but it really does affect your skin. Also, with social distancing, closed shops, and a general push to not be outside, the last thing I want to do is give you a bunch of products that you “need” to buy. Be aware of what you put into your body, as best as you can, but also, cope how you need to.
Learn about Project Panning
I’ve written several articles about Project Panning, because it’s probably my favorite thing about the beauty community. Project Panning is when you focus your efforts on hitting pan and finishing products in your cosmetics and skincare collection. Now is a really good time to get into it, because you can feel accomplishment when you finish a bottle of lotion or a face mask. I find this isolation time very difficult (for so many reasons, but partially) because I am struggling to concentrate on things. I can’t read, writing is tough, and I don’t care about movies or TV shows. Project Panning is something that I do a little of each day, just by putting on my makeup and washing my body.
During isolation, I’ve finished a couple soaps, a conditioner, and I’m working on my makeup daily. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s a bit of normalcy in this dystopian novel that we’ve fallen into.
Do something for you
If you like to wear makeup, put on a full face and take cute photos. If you like baths and have access to a tub, drop some fancy products in (or don’t!) and lay back. Heck, sometimes a long hot shower changes the game. There is so much happening right now, but also a whole lot of nothing. Take a minute to assess what you need, and do what you can to get that done.
I’m face-timing friends, inviting people to my Animal Crossing Island, and having virtual game nights (Jackbox Party games are now your best friend). Do what feels good to you, for your skin, body, and mind.
You can check out my thoughts on staying friends while staying distant here. I know right now things are wild. Share love in the ways that you can, be kind to yourself and wash your damn hands. Support each other, and we’ll make it through this.
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