Use a cleansing balm with a beautiful texture and scent for your first cleanse, not a basic, unscented oil.
The Sensory Cleanse
I used to use a basic, unscented mineral oil for my first cleanse. It worked, but it was a joyless process. I switched to a cleansing balm with a beautiful, sorbet-like texture and a calming herbal scent. The experience was transformed. The simple act of massaging the luxurious balm into my skin and inhaling the gentle fragrance turned a mundane chore into a beautiful, spa-like ritual. It reminded me that the process of cleansing can be just as important as the result. It’s a moment of sensory pleasure at the end of a long day.
Stop rushing through your skincare routine; create a mindful, sensory ritual instead.
The Mindful Moment
My skincare routine used to be a frantic, 60-second race before bed. I was just slapping on products without any thought. I decided to change my approach. I put my phone away, played some calming music, and focused on the experience. I paid attention to the silky texture of my serum, the cool feel of my eye cream, and the gentle scent of my moisturizer. By turning my routine into a mindful, sensory ritual, I created a precious, five-minute sanctuary of calm that has become my favorite part of the day.
Stop applying your face cream with your fingertips; use a cool ceramic or metal spatula for a sensorial treat instead.
The Cool Scoop
I always just used my fingers to scoop my moisturizer out of the jar. It was fine, but a little messy. Then I started using a small, ceramic cosmetic spatula that I kept in the fridge. The simple act of scooping out the cream with the cool, heavy spatula and applying it to my face felt incredibly luxurious and calming. It’s not just more hygienic; the cooling sensation is a wonderful, sensorial treat that helps to soothe my skin and elevate the entire experience of my routine from basic to beautiful.
The #1 secret for making your routine feel luxurious that spas don’t want you to know is to warm your facial oil in your hands before pressing it into your skin.
The Warmth of the Ritual
I used to apply my facial oil by just dotting the cold oil directly onto my face. The secret I learned that completely changed the experience is to warm it up first. I now dispense a few drops into the palm of my hand, and then I gently rub my hands together to warm the oil. Then, I press my warm, oiled palms onto my face. The warmth not only feels incredibly comforting and luxurious, like a spa treatment, but it also helps the oil to absorb more readily into the skin.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about skincare is that it’s only about the visual results.
The Feeling is the Point
I used to be obsessed with the visual results of my skincare. I would scrutinize my face in the mirror, looking for any change in my pores or fine lines. The lie is that it’s only about what you can see. A huge part of the benefit of a skincare routine is how it makes you feel. The feeling of being clean, the calm from a gentle massage, the confidence from having taken a moment to care for yourself—these psychological and emotional benefits are just as real and just as important as the visible changes.
I wish I knew this about the connection between calming scents like lavender and lower cortisol levels when I was stressed.
The Scent of Calm
When I was going through a stressful period, my skin was a mess. I was trying to fix it with harsh treatments. I wish I had known about the powerful connection between scent and our stress hormones. I started using a cleansing balm and a face mist with a natural lavender scent. Studies have shown that the scent of lavender can actually help to lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. The simple act of incorporating these calming scents into my routine helped to soothe my nervous system, which in turn helped to calm my stressed-out skin.
I’m just going to say it: The way a product feels on your skin is just as important as what it does.
The Texture Truth
I used to force myself to use products with amazing active ingredients, even if I hated the texture. I thought the results were all that mattered. I’m just going to say it: the “skin-feel” of a product is just as important. If a product feels sticky, greasy, or unpleasant, you are going to dread using it, and you won’t be consistent. The pleasure and joy that you get from using a product with a beautiful, elegant texture is what will keep you coming back to it day after day. And consistency is the key to results.
99% of people make this one mistake when applying their body lotion.
The Rushed Rub-Down
My body lotion routine used to be a frantic, thoughtless rub-down after my shower. I was just trying to get it done as quickly as possible. The mistake almost everyone makes is rushing through it. I learned to turn it into a mindful moment. I now apply my lotion with slow, deliberate, massaging strokes. I focus on the feeling of my hands on my skin and the sensation of the lotion absorbing. This not only helps the product to perform better, but it also turns a mundane task into a grounding, five-minute practice of connecting with my own body.
This one small habit of playing calming music during your evening routine will change it from a chore to a sanctuary forever.
The Skincare Soundtrack
My evening skincare routine used to be a silent, boring chore that I would rush through. The small habit that completely transformed the experience was to create a dedicated “skincare playlist.” I filled it with soft, calming, instrumental music. The moment I press play, my brain knows that it’s time to slow down and transition into a state of relaxation. The music creates a beautiful, spa-like atmosphere in my bathroom and has turned my routine from a task I have to do into a sanctuary I get to enjoy.
If you’re still using products with textures you hate, you’re losing the powerful psychological benefit of your daily ritual.
The Texture Test
I once bought a serum that was incredibly effective, but it had a sticky, tacky texture that I hated feeling on my skin. I forced myself to use it for the results. But if you are using a product with a texture you can’t stand, you are completely missing out on the psychological benefits of your routine. The joy, the calm, and the pleasure that come from the sensory experience are a huge part of what makes a skincare routine a powerful act of self-care. If you hate the feeling, it’s not the right product for you, no matter how good the reviews are.
Use a facial mist with a super-fine atomizer, not one that feels like a spray bottle.
The Atomizer’s Art
I used to think all facial mists were the same. But some of them would just feel like I was spritzing my face with a Windex bottle, leaving big, wet droplets all over my skin. The key to a truly luxurious and effective mist is the quality of the atomizer. A high-quality mist will have a super-fine, almost cloud-like atomizer that envelops your face in a gentle, even veil of hydration. It’s a small detail, but the sensory experience of a fine mist is so much more pleasant and refreshing.
Stop thinking of your routine as steps to be completed; think of it as moments to be experienced.
The Moment Mindset
My skincare routine used to be a checklist in my head. Step one: cleanse. Step two: tone. Step three: serum. I was just trying to get through the steps. A huge mental shift for me was to stop thinking of them as steps and to start thinking of them as moments. The moment of cleansing, the moment of hydrating, the moment of nourishing. This simple change in language helped me to slow down and to be more present, transforming a rigid, results-driven routine into a series of beautiful, sensory experiences.
Stop applying your products in a brightly lit bathroom; dim the lights and light a candle instead.
The Ambient Advantage
I used to do my evening skincare routine under the harsh, bright, overhead lights of my bathroom. The atmosphere was clinical and stressful. I learned to change the environment to match the intention. Now, before I start my evening routine, I turn off the overhead light and turn on a small, dim lamp or light a candle. This simple change in ambiance creates a soft, calming, spa-like atmosphere. It signals to my brain that it’s time to wind down and helps to turn my routine into a truly relaxing and restorative ritual.
The #1 secret for an elevated shower experience is hanging a bundle of fresh eucalyptus from your showerhead.
The Shower Spa
My daily shower used to be a purely functional, in-and-out experience. The number one secret that has transformed it into a daily spa-like ritual is so simple: fresh eucalyptus. I buy a bundle of fresh eucalyptus from the grocery store and I tie it with a bit of twine to my showerhead, just out of the direct stream of water. The steam from the shower releases the natural, aromatic oils from the eucalyptus leaves, filling the space with an incredible, invigorating, and clarifying scent. It’s a simple, affordable touch of luxury.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about functional fragrance is that it’s a gimmick.
The Scent with a Purpose
I used to think that “functional fragrances”—perfumes designed to have an effect on your mood—were just a marketing gimmick. The lie is that they don’t work. Our sense of smell has a direct and powerful connection to the emotional centers of our brain. A fragrance that is formulated with specific scent notes known to be calming, like lavender and sandalwood, or uplifting, like citrus and mint, can have a real, measurable impact on your psychological state. It’s not a gimmick; it’s just harnessing the power of aromatherapy in a beautiful, sophisticated way.
I wish I knew this about the satisfying sensory feedback of a “gummy” textured serum when I was using thin, watery ones.
The Gummy Grip
I was so used to serums that were very thin and watery. They would just disappear into my skin. Then I tried a serum with a thicker, almost “gummy” or tacky texture. I was hesitant at first, but I came to love the sensory experience. As I would press it into my skin, I could feel a satisfying, gentle grip. This unique texture not only felt great to apply, but it also seemed to create a beautiful, smooth, and slightly plumped canvas for my moisturizer to go on top of. It was a texture I didn’t know I was missing.
I’m just going to say it: The sound a jar makes when you open it is a deliberately designed part of the user experience.
The Sound of Luxury
I have a favorite face cream that comes in a heavy glass jar. Every time I unscrew the lid, it makes a specific, satisfying, low-pitched sound. I’m just going to say it: that is not an accident. Luxury brands spend a huge amount of time and money on the “user experience,” and that includes the auditory details. The weight of the jar, the click of a lid, the sound of a pump—all of these are deliberately designed to create a feeling of quality, substance, and luxury. Your brain is being influenced by the sound design.
99% of people make this one mistake when they apply a face mask.
The Multitasking Mask
When I would apply a face mask, I would immediately go and do something else. I’d answer emails, do the dishes, or scroll on my phone. The mistake I was making was not taking the time to actually relax. A face mask is a built-in excuse to pause. Now, when I put on a mask, I force myself to lie down for those 15 minutes. I put on some calming music or a podcast and I just rest. This not only allows me to de-stress, but it also allows my skin to be in a calm, receptive state.
This one small action of taking three deep breaths before you begin your routine will change your entire state of mind forever.
The First Breath
I used to bring all the stress of my day with me into my evening skincare routine. I would be rushing and my mind would be racing. The one small action that has completely changed this is to take three deep, intentional breaths before I even pick up my cleanser. I close my eyes, I inhale slowly through my nose, and I exhale completely through my mouth. This simple, 15-second act of punctuation signals a transition. It helps me to leave the day behind and to enter my routine with a sense of calm and presence.
If you’re still just slapping your products on in 30 seconds, you’re losing the de-stressing benefits of a mindful application.
The Mindful Massage
My skincare routine used to be a frantic race. I would just slap the products on my face as fast as I could. If you are still doing this, you are missing out on one of the biggest benefits of a routine: the power of touch. I started to slow down and to mindfully massage each product into my skin, using gentle, upward strokes. This not only helps with product absorption and circulation, but the physical act of gentle self-touch is also incredibly calming and can help to lower stress levels.
Use a body oil with a grounding, earthy scent after your evening shower, not a stimulating citrus one.
The Grounding Oil
I used to use the same bright, citrus-scented body lotion morning and night. But I realized that the energizing scent was not helping me to wind down for sleep. I switched to using a body oil with a deep, grounding, earthy scent—like vetiver, sandalwood, or cedarwood—as part of my evening ritual. The physical act of massaging the oil into my skin, combined with the calming, grounding aroma, has become a powerful signal to my nervous system that it’s time to relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
Stop focusing only on the “after”; pay attention to the “during.”
The “During”
I used to be completely obsessed with the “after” picture of my skincare. I was only focused on the end result. I was enduring the process in order to get the outcome. I learned to stop and to pay attention to the “during.” The real joy is not just in the final result, but in the process itself. The feeling of the warm water, the smell of the cleanser, the texture of the cream—these are all moments to be savored. By focusing on the “during,” my entire routine has become a source of pleasure, not just a means to an end.
Stop storing your eye cream at room temperature; keep it in the fridge for a cooling, de-puffing sensory experience.
The Chilled Cream
I used to just keep my eye cream in my bathroom cabinet with everything else. It was fine, but I learned a simple trick that completely elevated the experience. I started storing my eye cream in the refrigerator. In the morning, applying the chilled cream to my tired, puffy under-eye area feels absolutely incredible. The cold temperature helps to constrict the blood vessels, which provides an instant, visible de-puffing effect. It’s a simple, free hack that turns my eye cream into a powerful, sensorial tool.
The #1 secret for making any moisturizer feel more luxurious is applying it with a gentle facial massage.
The Luxe Massage
You don’t need an expensive cream to have a luxurious experience. The number one secret for making any moisturizer feel more high-end is to change how you apply it. Instead of just rubbing it in quickly, take an extra two minutes to give yourself a gentle facial massage. Use your fingertips to apply the cream in slow, upward, lifting strokes. Focus on relieving tension in your jaw and forehead. This not only helps the product to absorb better and boosts circulation, but it also transforms a basic step into a deeply relaxing, spa-like ritual.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about beauty is that it has to be fast and efficient.
The Slow Beauty
Our modern world is obsessed with speed and efficiency. The beauty industry reflects this, with products that promise “instant results” and “5-minute routines.” The lie is that your beauty routine needs to be another task to be optimized and rushed through. The real magic happens when you embrace “slow beauty.” When you take the time to enjoy the process, to connect with your senses, and to be present in the ritual, it stops being a race and becomes a restorative act of self-care.
I wish I knew this about the comforting feeling of a heavy, whipped body butter when I needed to feel grounded.
The Comforting Cream
When I would feel anxious or ungrounded, I never thought that a beauty product could help. I wish I had known about the psychological power of texture. There is something incredibly comforting and grounding about a thick, heavy, whipped body butter. The physical sensation of scooping out the rich butter and massaging it into my skin feels so substantial and nourishing. The weight and richness of the texture helps to bring me back into my body and provides a sense of security and comfort that a lightweight lotion just can’t match.
I’m just going to say it: The texture of a product can tell you a lot about its formulation and purpose.
The Textural Clue
I used to just think of a product’s texture as being about personal preference. I’m just going to say it: the texture is a huge clue about the product’s formulation and its intended purpose. A lightweight, watery gel is likely formulated with humectants to provide oil-free hydration. A rich, thick, waxy balm is likely formulated with occlusives to create a protective barrier. By learning to “read” the texture of a product, you can gain a much deeper understanding of how it will perform on your skin before you even look at the ingredient list.
99% of people make this one mistake when choosing a scented product.
The Scent Story
When I would choose a scented lotion or a body wash, I would only think about whether I liked the smell. The mistake I was making was not thinking about how that scent would fit into the story of my day. I was using an energizing citrus scent right before bed, which was not helping me to wind down. I learned to be more intentional. I now choose stimulating, fresh scents for my morning routine to help me wake up, and I choose calming, grounding scents for my evening routine to help me relax.
This one small habit of applying your hand cream mindfully, massaging each finger, will change it from a task to a treat forever.
The Mindful Hand
Applying hand cream used to be a quick, thoughtless task. I would just slap it on and rub it in. I started a new, small habit. Now, when I apply my hand cream, I do it mindfully. I take an extra 30 seconds to slowly massage the cream into each finger, from the cuticle to the tip. I pay attention to the feeling of the cream and the sensation of the massage. This simple act of presence has transformed a mundane task into a lovely, grounding little ritual that I look forward to throughout the day.
If you’re still using a face wash that makes your skin feel “squeaky clean,” you’re losing your skin barrier and a comfortable sensory experience.
The Squeaky Clean Myth
I used to love that “squeaky clean” feeling from a high-foaming face wash. I thought it meant my skin was truly clean. But that tight, stripped feeling was actually the sound of my skin’s protective barrier crying out for help. If you are still using a cleanser like this, you are not only damaging your skin, but you are also choosing an uncomfortable sensory experience. A gentle, milky, or oil-based cleanser will get your skin just as clean but will leave it feeling soft, supple, and comfortable, which is a much more luxurious feeling.
Use a soft, plush cleansing cloth, not a rough washcloth.
The Cloth of Comfort
I used to just use my regular, rough bath washcloth to remove my cleanser. It was abrasive and would often leave my skin feeling a little bit red and sensitive. I switched to using a dedicated facial cleansing cloth—one that is made from a super-soft, plush microfiber material. The difference in the sensory experience is huge. It feels so much more gentle and luxurious on the skin, and it removes my cleanser just as effectively without any of the harsh friction. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference.
Stop thinking that a product’s performance is all that matters; the joy of using it leads to consistency.
The Joy Factor
I used to be a skincare pragmatist. I would choose products based solely on their purported performance, regardless of whether I enjoyed the experience of using them. But I found that if I dreaded using a product because of its texture or smell, I would start to skip it. I learned that the joy factor is crucial. If you genuinely love the sensory experience of using a product, you are so much more likely to use it consistently. And in skincare, consistency is the true key to getting results.
Stop ignoring the color of your products; beautiful, naturally-derived colors can enhance the experience.
The Color of Care
Most of my skincare products were either white or clear. I never thought much about the color. But then I discovered products that had beautiful, naturally-derived colors—a deep blue oil from blue tansy, a vibrant orange from sea buckthorn, or a green mask from chlorophyll. The visual pleasure of using a product with a beautiful, rich color adds another wonderful sensory layer to the experience. It makes the routine feel more vibrant, more special, and more connected to the natural world.
The #1 secret for a spa-like experience at home is a towel warmer.
The Warm Embrace
I always wondered what made a professional spa facial feel so much more luxurious than my at-home routine. One of the biggest secrets is the constant presence of warm towels. I decided to bring that experience home and invested in a small, inexpensive towel warmer. The simple act of having a perfectly warm, steamy towel ready to remove my face mask or to just press against my skin for a moment of calm has completely elevated my routine. It’s a touch of affordable luxury that makes me feel incredibly pampered.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about unscented products is that they have no smell.
The Unscented Untruth
When I would see a product labeled “unscented,” I used to assume it would have no smell at all. The lie is that “unscented” means “odor-free.” All cosmetic ingredients have their own natural, inherent smell. Some of them do not smell very pleasant. “Unscented” simply means that no masking fragrance has been added to cover up that base smell. So, don’t be surprised if your unscented product has a slightly waxy, chemical, or unusual odor. It’s just the natural smell of the raw ingredients.
I wish I knew this about the satisfying “slip” of a good cleansing oil when I was using stripping foams.
The Silky Slip
My cleansing routine used to be about harsh, stripping foams that left my skin feeling tight. I wish I had known about the beautiful, satisfying sensory experience of a good cleansing oil. The feeling of massaging a silky, luxurious oil onto my dry skin and feeling my makeup just melt away is incredibly gratifying. It provides the perfect amount of “slip” for a gentle facial massage, and it feels so much more nourishing and kind to the skin than an aggressive, sudsy foam. It turned my cleansing step from a punishment into a pleasure.
I’m just going to say it: Your beauty routine is a powerful opportunity for daily sensory meditation.
The Sensory Meditation
We often think of meditation as something that requires a special cushion and complete silence. I’m just going to say it: your daily beauty routine can be one of the most accessible forms of meditation available to you. By simply slowing down and paying attention to your five senses—the sound of the water, the scent of your cleanser, the feeling of the cream on your skin—you can turn a mundane task into a powerful, grounding practice of mindfulness. It’s a built-in opportunity to be present in your own body every single day.
99% of people make this one mistake when they test a product on their hand.
The Hand vs. Face
When I’m at a store, my first instinct is to test a face cream or a serum on the back of my hand. The mistake is thinking that this will tell me how it will feel on my face. The skin on the back of your hand is completely different from the skin on your face. It’s thicker, less sensitive, and has a different texture. While a hand test can give you a basic idea of the scent and the texture, it will not tell you how the product will truly feel or perform on your much more delicate facial skin.
This one small action of focusing on the sound of your facial mist will change the way you experience a moment of calm forever.
The Sound of the Spritz
A facial mist can be a great hydrating tool, but it can also be a tool for mindfulness. The small action that transformed how I use my mists was to focus on the sound. When I need a moment of reset during a stressful day, I close my eyes and I listen intently to the “psssshhhh” sound of the fine mist as I spray it. That gentle, consistent sound is a form of white noise that can help to instantly quiet the chatter in my brain and bring me into the present moment.
If you’re still buying products purely based on reviews, you’re losing the chance to find a product that you personally love to use.
The Personal Pleasure
I used to be a slave to online reviews. I would only buy products that had a five-star rating, even if the description didn’t really appeal to me. If you are only buying based on reviews, you are losing the personal, subjective joy of beauty. A product might be clinically effective, but if you hate the smell or the texture, you will not enjoy using it. It’s so important to find products that not only work, but that also bring you a sense of personal pleasure. Your own sensory experience is a valid and important part of the equation.
Use a body brush with natural bristles for an invigorating sensory experience, not a plastic one.
The Natural Bristle
I started dry brushing to help with my circulation and skin texture. My first brush was a cheap one with plastic bristles. It felt scratchy and unpleasant. I almost gave up on the practice. I decided to invest in a brush with natural bristles, like sisal or boar bristles. The difference in the sensory experience was huge. The natural bristles have a firmness that is invigorating without being harsh. It feels so much more stimulating and pleasant on the skin. It turned the practice from a chore into a truly enjoyable ritual.
Stop thinking of your routine in terms of “fixing flaws”; reframe it as “showing kindness” to your skin.
The Kindness Routine
My skincare routine used to be a battle. I was fighting my acne, fighting my wrinkles, fighting my pores. My mindset was one of conflict. A huge mental shift for me was to reframe my routine as an act of kindness. I am no longer “fixing” my flaws; I am “nourishing” my skin. I am not “fighting” wrinkles; I am “softening” my skin with a gentle massage. This change in language has transformed my routine from a battle against myself into a loving, compassionate conversation with my own body.
Stop multitasking while doing your skincare; that email can wait five minutes.
The Five-Minute Pause
My evening routine used to be a frenzy of multitasking. I’d be slathering on my serum with one hand while scrolling through work emails with the other. I was not present for any of it. I had to make a firm rule for myself: my skincare time is a no-phone, no-multitasking zone. For those five or ten minutes, the world can wait. This small act of carving out a dedicated, single-tasking moment of peace has been so beneficial for my stress levels. It’s a daily, enforced pause in my chaotic life.
The #1 secret for an amazing face mask session is applying it with a soft, fan-shaped brush.
The Fan Brush Facial
I used to apply my clay and gel face masks with my fingers. It was always a messy, uneven application. The tool that completely transformed my at-home masking experience was a simple, fan-shaped brush. The soft, wide bristles allow me to paint on the mask in a thin, even, perfectly smooth layer, just like an esthetician would. It feels incredibly professional and spa-like, and it keeps my hands completely clean. It’s a small, affordable tool that makes my weekly mask feel like a true, luxurious facial.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about beauty rituals is that they are frivolous.
The Ritual’s Power
I used to think that spending time on a beauty ritual was a “frivolous,” non-essential activity. The lie is that these practices are just about vanity. A ritual, by its very nature, is a mindful, intentional act. It’s a way of creating a small pocket of order and peace in a chaotic world. Whether it’s your morning skincare routine or a weekly bath, these rituals are powerful tools for grounding yourself, reducing stress, and connecting with your own body. They are essential for our mental and emotional well-being.
I wish I knew this about the luxurious feel of a “sorbet” or “gel-cream” texture in the summer when I was using heavy creams.
The Summer Sorbet
In the hot, humid summer months, my rich, heavy winter face cream would feel like a greasy, suffocating blanket on my skin. I wish I had known sooner about the beautiful, lightweight textures that are perfect for summer. A “sorbet” or “gel-cream” moisturizer has a unique, bouncy, water-light feel. It provides all the hydration my skin needs but absorbs instantly and leaves a fresh, non-greasy finish. The cooling sensation of applying a sorbet-textured cream on a hot day is one of summer’s great, simple pleasures.
I’m just going to say it: The experience of using a product is a key factor in its perceived efficacy.
The Placebo of Pleasure
We know about the placebo effect in medicine. I’m just going to say it: it’s incredibly real in skincare too. If you use a product that you absolutely love—one that has a beautiful texture, a gorgeous scent, and comes in a luxurious package—your brain is going to have a powerful, positive response. This pleasure and belief can actually influence how you perceive the product’s results. You are more likely to think it’s “working” because the experience itself is so positive. The joy of the ritual is part of the result.
99% of people make this one mistake when applying facial oil.
The Press, Don’t Rub
I used to apply my facial oil by just rubbing it all over my face like it was a regular moisturizer. This would often just move the oil around and could feel a bit greasy. The mistake was rubbing, not pressing. The correct, more effective technique is to dispense a few drops into your palms, warm the oil between your hands, and then gently press your oiled palms onto your face. This pressing motion helps the oil to absorb more readily and evenly into the skin, giving you a beautiful glow without a greasy film.
This one small habit of saying “thank you” to your body during your routine will change your relationship with yourself forever.
The Thank You
My inner monologue during my beauty routine used to be a stream of criticism about my flaws. I started a new, simple habit. As I am applying my products, I take a moment to say “thank you” to my body. I thank my skin for protecting me, I thank my hands for all the work they do, I thank my eyes for allowing me to see the world. This small act of gratitude has completely shifted my mindset from one of criticism to one of appreciation. It has been a powerful step in healing my relationship with my own body.
If you’re still forcing yourself to use a product you hate, you’re losing the joy that leads to long-term consistency.
The Forced Function
I had a serum that was supposed to be a “miracle” product, but I hated its medicinal smell and sticky texture. I forced myself to use it every day, because I thought I should. But the routine became a joyless chore. If you are forcing yourself to use a product you genuinely dislike, you will not stick with it in the long run. The pleasure and joy you get from your routine is the secret ingredient that ensures consistency. And consistency is what ultimately delivers results. Life is too short to use skincare you hate.
Use a scalp massager in the shower, not just your fingers, for a tension-releasing experience.
The Scalp Sanctuary
I used to just quickly lather my shampoo with my fingertips. I invested in a simple, silicone scalp massager, and it has completely changed my shower experience. Using the massager to work in my shampoo feels incredible. The soft bristles provide a stimulating massage that is so much more effective than my fingers at relieving tension in my scalp. It turns a mundane daily task into a spa-like, tension-releasing ritual that I look forward to every morning. It feels so good to give my often-neglected scalp some loving attention.
Stop rushing the “emulsification” step of your oil cleanse; it’s the most satisfying part.
The Emulsifying Moment
When I first started double cleansing, I would massage the oil on my face and then immediately splash it off with water. I was missing the most satisfying and crucial step: emulsification. After you have massaged the oil in, you should wet your fingertips with a little warm water and then continue to massage your face. The oil will turn into a milky, white liquid. This is the magic moment where the oil binds with the water so it can be rinsed away cleanly, taking all the makeup and grime with it. It’s a truly satisfying sensory signal that your skin is getting clean.
Stop thinking that results are the only goal; the process is just as important.
The Process over the Prize
Our culture is so focused on the end result, the “after” picture. I used to bring this mindset to my beauty routine. I was just trying to get to the “prize” of better skin. I learned that this was making me miss the whole point. The process of caring for yourself, the five minutes of peace, the gentle touch, the beautiful scents—these things are just as important and beneficial as the final result. When you learn to love the process, the prize just becomes a happy side effect.
The #1 secret for enhancing your routine is to engage all five senses.
The Five Senses
I wanted to make my simple skincare routine feel more like a special ritual. The secret was to intentionally engage all five of my senses. I would light a scented candle (smell), play some calming music (sound), enjoy the beautiful texture of the cream (touch), look at my calm reflection in a softly lit mirror (sight), and end my routine with a sip of herbal tea (taste). By consciously involving all my senses, I transformed a basic routine into a rich, immersive, and deeply restorative experience.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about luxury beauty is that it’s just about the brand name.
The Luxe Experience
People often say that with luxury beauty, you are just paying for the brand name. The lie is that that’s the only thing you’re paying for. What you are truly paying for is the experience. Luxury brands invest a huge amount of money into the sensory details: the weight of the jar, the unique texture of the cream, the sophisticated, custom-designed fragrance. While the formula may not always be superior, the meticulous attention to the user’s sensory experience is a huge part of what defines the luxury category.
I wish I knew this about the velvety, “cushion” feeling of a good silicone-based primer when I was using sticky ones.
The Cushion and the Comfort
My early experiences with primers were not great. I used some that felt sticky or tacky, and I just didn’t like the feeling on my skin. I wish I had known about the beautiful, velvety feel of a high-quality silicone-based primer. A good primer, like the Smashbox Photo Finish, has a unique “cushion” and slip that feels incredibly soft and smooth on the skin. It creates a beautiful, blurring canvas for makeup. The sensory experience of that velvety texture is a form of luxury in itself.
I’m just going to say it: Your skincare routine should be the most peaceful five minutes of your day.
The Five Minutes of Peace
Our days are so often filled with chaos, stress, and noise. We are constantly rushing and multitasking. I’m just going to say it: your skincare routine should be a non-negotiable sanctuary. It is a built-in opportunity to have five minutes of complete peace, just for you. It’s a time to be quiet, to be present, to connect with your own body, and to do something kind for yourself. Protecting this small pocket of peace in my day has had a disproportionately large, positive impact on my overall well-being.
99% of people make this one mistake when they use an exfoliating scrub.
The Scrubbing Scour
When I used to use a physical exfoliating scrub, my mindset was to scrub as hard as I could. I thought that more pressure and more friction meant a deeper clean and smoother skin. This is the mistake almost everyone makes. They are too aggressive. An exfoliating scrub should be used with a very light touch. The particles in the scrub are what do the work, not the pressure of your hands. A gentle, circular motion is all you need to slough off the dead skin without irritating and damaging your skin’s barrier.
This one small action of gently patting in your eye cream will change it from a rushed step to a delicate ritual forever.
The Pat, Not the Pull
I used to just smear my eye cream on, often pulling and tugging at the delicate skin around my eyes. The small action that changed this from a thoughtless step into a mindful ritual was to switch to a gentle, patting motion. I now take a tiny amount on my ring finger (which has the lightest touch) and gently tap or pat the cream onto my orbital bone. This is not only much gentler on the fragile skin, but it also turns the application into a delicate, caring gesture.
If you’re still thinking of beauty as a battle, you’re losing the opportunity to see it as a peace treaty with yourself.
The Beauty Peace Treaty
I spent so many years at war with my appearance. I was fighting my acne, battling my wrinkles, and combating my frizz. My entire mindset was one of conflict. If you are still in this headspace, you are missing out on a much more peaceful way of being. I decided to sign a peace treaty with myself. My beauty routine is no longer a battle plan; it’s a series of peace offerings. It’s about nourishing, supporting, and caring for my body, not fighting against it.
Use a body lotion with a “cooling” sensation in the summer, not just a standard one.
The Summer Chill
In the middle of a hot, sticky summer, the last thing I wanted to do was to slather on a heavy body lotion. I discovered the joy of moisturizers with a “cooling” effect. These lotions often contain ingredients like mint or aloe that provide a beautiful, refreshing, cooling sensation on the skin. Applying a cool, lightweight lotion after a shower on a hot day is an incredible sensory experience that not only moisturizes your skin but also helps you to feel cool, refreshed, and comfortable in the heat.
Stop thinking that a routine needs to be the same every day; tailor it to what your senses need in the moment.
The Intuitive Routine
I used to be very rigid with my routine. I would use the same products in the same order, every single day, no matter what. But I learned that my skin, and my soul, have different needs on different days. Now, I practice a more intuitive routine. Some nights, I need a simple, quick cleanse. Other nights, I crave a long, luxurious massage with a fragrant oil. Some mornings I need a bright, citrusy cleanser to wake me up. By listening to what my senses are craving in the moment, my routine has become so much more responsive and enjoyable.
Stop using your phone as your timer for your face mask; just relax and feel when it’s ready.
The Mask Meditation
I used to set a timer on my phone for my face mask and then spend the 15 minutes scrolling through social media. I was completely disengaged from the experience. I decided to stop. Now, when I put on a mask, I put my phone away. I lie down, I listen to some music, and I just try to be present. I can feel when a clay mask starts to dry and tighten, or when a hydrating mask has absorbed. It has turned my masking time into a true, meditative break, not just another timed task.
The #1 secret for a truly relaxing bath is turning off the bright overhead light.
The Light’s Out
I would run a beautiful bath with salts and bubbles, but I would leave the harsh, bright overhead bathroom light on. It completely ruined the relaxing ambiance. The number one secret for a truly transportive bath is to control the lighting. I turn off all the main lights and instead light a few candles around the tub. The soft, flickering, warm light instantly transforms the space from a functional bathroom into a peaceful, serene sanctuary. It’s a simple change that has a massive impact on the quality of the relaxation.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about beauty is that it’s about how others see you.
The Inward Gaze
From a very young age, we are taught that beauty is an external performance. It’s about being seen and approved of by others. The biggest lie is that it’s for them. The most profound and joyful relationship with beauty comes when you realize it is for you. It is about the pleasure of the process, the creativity of the act, and the confidence it instills. It is a deeply personal and sensory experience. The only gaze that truly matters is your own.
I wish I knew this about the grounding effect of a woody, vetiver-scented body wash when I felt anxious.
The Grounding Scent
When I would feel anxious or my thoughts would be racing, I never thought that my shower could be a tool to help. I wish I had known about the grounding power of certain scents. I switched my regular body wash for one with a deep, earthy, woody scent, like vetiver or cedarwood. The simple act of lathering up and inhaling that grounding aroma in the warm, steamy shower had a noticeable, calming effect on my nervous system. It helped to bring me out of my head and back into my body.
I’m just going to say it: The sound of a new lipstick twisting up for the first time is pure satisfaction.
The Lipstick’s Click
We often focus on the visual and textural aspects of beauty products. But the auditory experience is powerful too. I’m just going to say it: there are few things more satisfying than the soft, smooth, clicking sound of a brand new lipstick twisting up out of its tube for the very first time. It’s a sound that is full of promise, potential, and a little bit of luxury. It’s a small, fleeting, but incredibly satisfying sensory detail that is a part of the magic of a new makeup purchase.
99% of people make this one mistake when applying a toner or essence.
The Cotton Pad Crime
I used to pour my expensive hydrating toner onto a disposable cotton pad and then swipe it over my face. The mistake I was making was wasting so much of the product. The cotton pad was absorbing more of the precious liquid than my face was. The traditional Asian method of application is so much better. I now pour a small amount directly into the clean palms of my hands and then gently press and pat the product into my skin. It’s less wasteful, and the gentle pressing motion feels so much more nourishing.
This one small habit of warming a clean towel in the microwave for a mini “spa towel” will change your cleansing ritual forever.
The Warm Towel Trick
I wanted to replicate the feeling of a professional facial at home. The small habit that has made the biggest difference is the spa towel. After I apply my cleansing oil or balm, I take a clean, damp washcloth, and I pop it in the microwave for about 20 seconds. The result is a perfectly hot, steamy towel. Placing this over my face for a moment before I wipe away the cleanser feels incredibly luxurious and helps to soften my skin. It’s a simple trick that elevates my entire cleansing ritual.
If you’re still not enjoying your beauty routine, you’re doing it wrong.
The Joyful Duty
I used to see my beauty routine as a list of obligations. I had to wash my face. I had to put on sunscreen. It was a joyless duty. I finally realized that if I’m not finding any pleasure in the process, then I am doing it wrong. A beauty routine should be a source of joy, a moment of peace, and an act of self-care. If you are not enjoying it, you need to change it. Find products with textures and scents that you love. Create a calming atmosphere. The joy is the point.
Use a lip scrub with a delicious flavor, not just a functional one.
The Tasty Treat
I knew that a lip scrub was a good way to get rid of dry, flaky skin on my lips. I used to use a simple, functional one. But then I discovered lip scrubs that came in delicious flavors, like brown sugar, vanilla, or mint. The simple act of scrubbing my lips turned from a boring maintenance task into a fun, tasty treat. The delicious flavor makes the experience so much more enjoyable and makes me much more likely to be consistent with it.
Stop thinking of application as just a delivery system for ingredients.
The Application as Art
I used to think of the application of my skincare as just being a way to get the ingredients from the bottle onto my face. I was completely focused on the destination. But I learned to see the application itself as an important part of the process. The gentle massage as I apply my oil, the cool glide of my facial roller, the soft patting motion of my eye cream—these are not just delivery systems. They are moments of connection, of stimulating circulation, and of calming the nervous system. The application is an art in itself.
Stop ignoring the temperature of your products; some are best experienced cool, others warm.
The Temperature Tactic
I used to just use all my products at whatever the ambient room temperature was. I was missing out on a huge sensory opportunity. I learned that temperature can completely change the experience of a product. I now keep my eye creams, my face mists, and my gel masks in the fridge for a cooling, de-puffing effect. And I warm my facial oils and thick creams in my hands before I apply them for a comforting, relaxing feeling. Using temperature as a tool has made my routine so much more dynamic and enjoyable.
The #1 secret for elevating your shower is dropping a few drops of essential oil onto the shower floor.
The Shower Steamer
I wanted to make my quick morning shower feel a little more special. The number one secret I learned was to use it as a giant essential oil diffuser. I take a few drops of an essential oil—like eucalyptus for congestion or grapefruit for energy—and I just drop it onto the floor of my shower, away from the direct stream of water. The hot water and the steam will heat up the oil and release its aromatic vapor, filling my entire shower with a beautiful, therapeutic scent. It’s an instant mood-booster.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about consistency is that it has to be boring.
The Consistent Creativity
I used to think that a consistent skincare routine had to be the exact same thing, day in and day out. I thought it had to be boring. The lie is that consistency and creativity are mutually exclusive. You can be consistent with the types of steps you are doing, while still having fun and variety within them. I am consistent with my double cleanse every night, but some nights I might use a balm, and other nights I might use an oil. You can have a stable, consistent framework while still allowing for daily intuitive choices.
I wish I knew this about the unique, bouncy texture of “jelly” cleansers when I was stuck in a rut.
The Jelly Jam
I was so bored with my usual cream and gel cleansers. I felt like I was in a texture rut. I wish I had known about the existence of “jelly” cleansers sooner. These cleansers have a unique, bouncy, jelly-like texture that is so fun to use. They often start as a thick jelly, and then they transform into a light oil or a milk as you massage them into your skin. They are effective cleansers, but more importantly, their unique and playful texture brought a sense of novelty and joy back into my cleansing routine.
I’m just going to say it: A beautiful, heavy glass jar can make an ordinary cream feel like a special treat.
The Jar’s Gravitas
I know that from a purely functional standpoint, a tube or a pump is often more hygienic for a face cream. But I’m just going to say it: there is something special about a beautiful, heavy glass jar. The weight of it in your hand, the satisfying sound of the lid unscrewing—these small, tactile details can elevate the entire experience. They can make a simple, ordinary cream feel like a precious, luxurious potion. Sometimes, the beauty of the object itself is a valid and important part of the ritual.
99% of people make this one mistake when their skin feels irritated.
The Calming Cream
When my skin barrier is compromised and my face feels red and irritated, my first instinct used to be to just slather on my regular moisturizer. The mistake was not focusing on the sensory experience of calming my skin down. Now, when my skin is irritated, I reach for a product that is not only fragrance-free, but also has a very simple, cooling, gel-cream texture. The physical sensation of the cool, lightweight gel is just as important for soothing my angry skin as the calming ingredients within it.
This one small action of applying body lotion in slow, mindful strokes will change your connection to your body forever.
The Body Connection
My body lotion application used to be a frantic, two-minute affair. I was just trying to get the job done. The small action that has completely changed my relationship with my body is to apply my lotion slowly and mindfully. I use long, gentle, massaging strokes, and I pay attention to the feeling of my own hands on my own skin. This turns a simple moisturizing task into a powerful, five-minute practice of gratitude, acceptance, and a loving connection with the body that carries me through the world.
If you’re still buying products without considering the sensory experience, you’re losing half the benefit.
The Sensory Half
I used to be a very logical skincare consumer. I would only buy products based on their active ingredients and their clinical data. I completely ignored the sensory aspect. If you are still shopping this way, you are missing out on at least half of the benefit of a beauty routine. The psychological and emotional benefits that come from the joy of the ritual—the beautiful texture, the calming scent, the feeling of self-care—are just as important for your overall well-being as the physical results. It’s a full-package experience.
Use a foot scrub with peppermint for a refreshing, tingling sensation, not just a plain sugar scrub.
The Peppermint Pedi
A regular sugar scrub is great for exfoliating my feet. But to truly elevate the experience, I now use a scrub that is infused with peppermint oil. The peppermint not only has a wonderfully refreshing and clean scent, but it also provides a beautiful, cooling, tingling sensation on the skin. This turns a simple exfoliation step into an invigorating, spa-like treat for my tired feet. The sensory experience is what makes a home pedicure feel so much more special.
Stop thinking of your beauty routine as separate from your mental wellness routine.
The Wellness Routine
I used to have my “beauty routine” and my “mental wellness routine” (like meditation or journaling) as two separate categories in my life. I finally realized that they are, and should be, the same thing. My skincare routine is a powerful opportunity for mindfulness. My bath time is a chance to de-stress. The act of caring for my physical self is a direct way of caring for my mental and emotional self. When you merge these two concepts, your daily habits become so much more powerful and meaningful.
Stop rushing your masking step; it’s a designated pause in your day.
The Mask Mandate
I used to put on a face mask and then immediately try to be productive—I’d clean the kitchen or answer emails. I was treating the 15-minute waiting time as a problem to be solved. I had to create a new rule for myself: my masking time is a mandated pause. For those 15 minutes, I am not allowed to be productive. I have to lie down, close my eyes, and just be still. It has become a built-in, non-negotiable break in my busy week that my mind and my body desperately need.
The #1 secret for a better makeup application is starting with a face that feels calm and hydrated from a sensorial skincare routine.
The Calm Canvas
I used to rush through my skincare and then wonder why my makeup application was a struggle. My foundation would look patchy and my concealer would crease. The secret to a better makeup look has nothing to do with the makeup itself. It’s about the canvas you start with. When you take the time to do a mindful, sensorial skincare routine first, your skin is left calm, plump, and deeply hydrated. Makeup glides on so much more smoothly and evenly over a happy, well-prepped canvas.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about skincare is that it’s a science experiment.
The Skincare Sanctuary
The “skintellectual” movement has turned many of our bathrooms into laboratories. We are obsessed with percentages, pH levels, and layering rules. And while the science is important, the lie is that that’s all it is. Skincare is not just a science experiment; it is a sensory experience. It’s about touch, scent, and ritual. It’s a form of self-care and meditation. By only focusing on the clinical aspects, we can lose sight of the profound psychological and emotional benefits of the practice itself.
I wish I knew this about the mood-boosting power of a brightly colored cleansing balm when I was feeling down.
The Chromatherapy Cleanse
When I was feeling a bit down or sluggish, my evening routine would feel like a huge effort. I wish I had known about the simple, mood-boosting power of color. I discovered a cleansing balm that was a beautiful, vibrant, sunny yellow color. The simple act of scooping out that cheerful, bright balm at the end of a gloomy day would provide a small but noticeable lift to my spirits. It was a little dose of chromatherapy that made my routine feel so much more joyful.
I’m just going to say it: The ritual is the therapy.
The Ritual as Therapy
We often think that the goal of our skincare routine is the final result—the clearer skin, the faded lines. But I’m just going to say it: the therapy is not in the result; it’s in the ritual itself. The act of setting aside time, of being present with your own body, of gentle touch, of engaging your senses—this is where the true, deep, stress-reducing, and confidence-boosting benefits lie. The improved skin is just a happy side effect of a daily practice of self-administered therapy.
99% of people make this one mistake when they find a product that works but they don’t enjoy using.
The Forced Functionality
I once had a serum that was very effective, but I hated the smell and the texture. The mistake I made was forcing myself to use it every day because I thought I should prioritize the results over my own pleasure. But this made my routine feel like a punishment. If you don’t enjoy using a product, you will not be consistent with it in the long run. It is so much better to find a product that is slightly less “effective” but that you absolutely love using. The joy will lead to consistency, which is the real key to results.
This one small habit of a “digital sunset” (no screens before bed) will change the way your skin rests and repairs forever.
The Digital Sunset
My phone was the last thing I looked at before I went to sleep and the first thing I looked at when I woke up. The blue light from the screen was signaling “daytime” to my brain, suppressing melatonin and making it harder to fall asleep. The small habit I adopted was the “digital sunset.” An hour before my bedtime, all screens—my phone, my laptop, my TV—get turned off. This gives my brain the time it needs to naturally wind down and prepare for a night of deep, restorative sleep, which is the ultimate skin treatment.
If you’re still ignoring your body’s sleepy cues, you’re losing your optimal window for skin regeneration to begin.
The Sleepy Signal
I would often feel a wave of sleepiness around 10:30 PM, but I would push through it to watch one more episode of a show or to finish some work. I was ignoring my body’s own signals. That feeling of sleepiness is your body telling you that it’s entering its optimal window for restorative sleep. If you push past it, you often get a “second wind,” but you’ve missed your best chance to easily fall into the deep sleep that is so crucial for your skin’s regeneration. Learning to listen to and honor those sleepy cues is key.
Use a gentle, milky cleanser in the morning, not the heavy-duty makeup-removing one you use at night.
The AM Cleanse
My morning cleansing routine used to be the same as my evening one, using a deep-cleaning, foaming cleanser. But our skin’s needs are different in the morning. It has been resting all night, and its protective barrier is at its most vulnerable. It doesn’t need a deep clean; it needs a gentle refresh. I switched to using a very gentle, non-foaming milky or cream cleanser in the morning. This respects the skin’s delicate morning state and helps to preserve the natural lipids that are essential for its barrier function throughout the day.
Stop seeing your skincare as a chore; view it as a signal to your body to wind up or wind down.
The Skincare Signal
My AM and PM skincare routines used to feel like a list of tasks I had to check off. I changed my perspective and started to see them as powerful signals to my body. My morning routine, with its bright citrus scents and cool water, became a ritual to signal “wake up” to my brain and body. My evening routine, with its calming scents and gentle massage, became a signal to “wind down” and prepare for rest. This mindset transformed my routine from a chore into a meaningful, biological conversation with my own body.
Stop having caffeine in the afternoon; it disrupts the quality of your skin-repairing deep sleep.
The Caffeine Curfew
I used to love an afternoon coffee to get me through the 3 PM slump. I didn’t think it was affecting my sleep, because I could still fall asleep at night. But caffeine has a very long half-life, meaning it stays in your system for hours. While I could fall asleep, the caffeine was disrupting the quality of my sleep, preventing me from getting as much of the deep, restorative sleep that is so crucial for skin repair. I implemented a strict “caffeine curfew”—no caffeine after 2 PM. My sleep quality improved dramatically.
The #1 tip for harnessing your skin’s natural rhythm is consistency above all else.
The Consistent Clock
I used to have a very erratic schedule. My bedtime, my wake-up time, and my meal times were different every day. My skin was always unpredictable. The number one tip for working with your skin’s natural rhythm is to be consistent. Your body’s internal clock thrives on routine. A consistent sleep-wake cycle, consistent meal times, and a consistent skincare schedule help to keep your master clock and all your skin’s clocks in sync. This stability is the foundation upon which all your other skincare efforts are built. Consistency is the ultimate chronobeauty secret.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about genetics is that they are the only thing that matters for your skin.
The Gene Game
I used to look at my parents’ skin and think that my fate was sealed. I thought my genetics were the only thing that determined how my skin would age. The lie is that your genes are your destiny. While genetics certainly play a role, the science of epigenetics has shown us that our lifestyle and environment can influence how our genes are expressed. A healthy lifestyle—with a good diet, stress management, and, most importantly, diligent sun protection—can have a massive impact on your skin’s health, regardless of the hand you were dealt.
I wish I knew this about the link between my menstrual cycle’s clock and my skin’s behavior.
The Hormonal Clock
I could never figure out why my skin would be glowing one week and a broken-out, oily mess the next. I wish I had known that my skin’s behavior was directly linked to the “clock” of my monthly menstrual cycle. The hormonal fluctuations of my cycle have a huge impact on my skin. During ovulation, my skin is at its best. In the week before my period, the drop in estrogen and rise in testosterone leads to increased oil production and breakouts. Understanding this hormonal clock has helped me to adapt my routine throughout the month.
I’m just going to say it: Your phone is the biggest enemy of your skin’s natural clock.
The Phone’s Phantom Sun
We worry about so many things when it comes to our skin. But I’m just going to say it: for many of us, our smartphone is the biggest villain when it comes to our skin’s health. The bright, blue light that it emits is a powerful signal to our brain that it’s daytime. Using it late at night disrupts our melatonin production, ruins our sleep quality, and throws our entire circadian rhythm out of whack. This, in turn, disrupts all of our skin’s essential repair and protection processes. It’s a phantom sun in your bedroom.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to “fix” their sleep schedule over a weekend.
The Weekend Reversal
When my sleep schedule gets off track, my first instinct used to be to sleep in as late as possible on the weekend to “catch up.” This is the mistake almost everyone makes. It feels good in the moment, but it just pushes your internal clock even later, making it that much harder to wake up on Monday morning. The best way to fix your schedule is to force yourself to wake up at your normal weekday time, even on the weekend. It might be painful for a day or two, but it will reset your clock so much faster.
This one small action of stepping outside for five minutes upon waking will change the way your entire body and skin clock is set for the day forever.
The Sunrise Signal
I used to wake up and stay inside in my relatively dim apartment for hours. The small habit that has had the most profound impact on my energy and sleep cycle is to step outside for just five minutes as soon as I can after waking up. You don’t even need direct sunlight. The specific wavelengths of natural morning light are the most powerful signal to your brain to shut down sleep hormones and to set your master circadian clock for the entire day. It’s a simple, free action with incredible biological benefits.
If you’re still fighting your natural chronotype, you’re losing a daily war that is written all over your face.
The Chronotype War
I am a natural night owl. My brain and body are at their best late at night. For years, I tried to force myself to be a morning person, to wake up at 5 AM and be productive. It was a constant, exhausting battle that I was always losing. I felt tired all the time, my stress levels were high, and my skin showed it. If you are fighting your genetically determined chronotype, you are creating a state of chronic stress for your body. Learning to work with my natural rhythm, not against it, has been so much better for my health and my appearance.