Skincare is self-love

Loving Your Skin, Loving Yourself: How Skincare Became My Self-Love Ritual

I’ll be honest with you—my skincare routine used to be as basic as instant noodles. Quick splash of soap and water, any old cream slapped on after, and off I went. No frills. No feelings. Just functionality. Back then, skincare wasn’t self-care—it was a chore. Like brushing your teeth, but less minty.

But oh, how things have changed.

Somewhere along the way, between the chaos of everyday life and a growing desire to actually feel good in my skin, I found something deeper. Something kind of magical. I realised skincare isn’t just about treating your face—it’s about meeting your face. Looking in the mirror, really seeing yourself, and saying: “Hey you. You matter.”

For me, that transformation started with education. I took skincare and product formulation courses (nerdy and proud) and it was like my whole relationship with my skin hit puberty—again, but better this time. I learned about my skin type, how to properly care for it, and why chucking any old cream on wasn’t cutting it.

Then came Earth Beauty. Creating products that are kind to both skin and soul helped me connect the dots. These weren't just lotions and oils—they were little bottles of intention. And suddenly, my skincare routine turned into my favorite part of the day.

Rise, Rinse, Reflect

That morning routine? It’s not just about waking up your face—it’s about waking up your mind. It’s five (maybe ten if you’re fancy) sacred minutes to breathe, prep for the day, and get grounded before the world starts flinging emails and to-do lists at you.

And in the evening? That little window of calm before bed, where you’re alone in front of the mirror—it’s pure magic. It’s when the noise dies down and the affirmations can rise up. I started using this time to speak kindly to myself. To say things like “I am enough,” “I deserve rest,” or my personal favourite, “Wow, look at you glow!” (corny but effective).

There’s something beautifully meditative about that moment. It’s quiet. It’s personal. It’s yours. No emails, no kids asking what’s for dinner, no partners asking where their other sock is. Just you, your reflection, and a bit of shea butter.

More Than Skin Deep

Skincare, I’ve come to learn, is like a gateway drug to bigger self-care practices. It opens the door to things like yoga, journaling, growing food on your allotment (hi, yes, guilty), or even just sitting down with a cuppa and doing absolutely nothing for a full ten minutes without guilt.

Because the truth is, when you start showing up for your skin, you start showing up for yourself. You realise you’re worth the time, the care, and the lovely products that make you feel like a goddess—even if you’re rocking a dressing gown and fluffy socks.

So no, skincare won’t solve all your problems. But it’s a pretty lovely place to start.

And if you ask me? If the act of smoothing cream into your skin can help you smooth out some of life’s rough edges too—well, then pass me the cleanser, darling. We’ve got healing to do.