Skin. It’s the largest organ of the body that is subjected to every day harshness such as the sun and dust. I recently watched a French lady’s skincare routine on youtube. I was shocked to see that in the winter mornings, she applied a few different moisturisers. Shocked is probably not the right word. France is home to some of the world’s best skincare brands so it is no surprise that French women generally have a great relationship with skincare. It’s not about trying to look young, just looking after what you have. It was no surprise to me that so many products were being used and I think I was more shocked at myself this year for having let me skincare routine go sideways. I don’t even think I’ve put on lip balm at all this year.
After recovering from this realisation, I zipped around the bathroom to do a stocktake of what I have. I’m also quite good at not using the face masks and oils that I have. Time to change that.

I find attending to my skin a little therapeutic and I like massaging my face. I’m not sure if there are any medical benefits but I guess improving blood flow and massaging muscles never hurt anyone. I also find peace in the routine. I don’t even have to think that much- just cleanse, wipe and pat as I always do. There’s nothing more relaxing than lying down with a face mask on as you wait for it to dry.
We are now well underway in getting into summer. Growing up, I had it drilled into my head that I must wear sunscreen every day. I still mostly do if I am going to be outside when the sun is at it’s strongest. In Sydney, the UV radiation index is usually above 11 (extreme) by lunch time in the summer. I wonder to myself how I use to go to the beach with my friends for the whole day when I was younger when now, I’m actively avoiding being in the sun in the middle of the day. Skincare is actually a topic my friends and I rarely discuss which is interesting considering so much of the market is targeted at women and I know we all cleanse and cream.
What is your relationship with skincare like? Do you discuss skincare with your friends?
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