How to Self Care in Cincinnati
With a new year, comes new goals in every area of my life. When it comes to self care, there are certain areas I prioritized and others not so much. When I think of New Year’s Resolutions, I usually start with the areas that I lacked in or I knew would improve my life.
Here is a list of self care improvements I am implementing in 2019, and I help they encourage you to improve your self care routines as well! I can’t do this alone though, there are a few local businesses in Cincinnati that are going to help me make it happen!
Moisturize Daily
Moisturizing has always been the easiest self care routine for me. Partly because my body naturally reminds me when I need to moisturize. Especially during the winter, my skin will just feel dry and irritated within minutes of getting out of the shower.
The reason is because hot water naturally strips your body of oils leaving it parched and eager for moisture. Not just after you shower, but specifically after your exfoliate or shave as well.
It is important to moisturize because moisturizing keeps your skin healthy, young, and reduces skin problems or blemishes. In 2018, I was very successful when it came to moisturizing my face, but the rest of my body didn’t get very much love.
When I think about moisturizing, I think about my high school english teacher. I know it’s weird, but she used to tell the class that the best thing you can do for yourself is moisturize. This cracks me up because it always seemed so random, but now I understand why. I learned a lot of english in her class, but by six years later, the only thing I can specifically remember is to moisturize! (so I guess it worked).
Facial (starting at home)
Moisturizing is a key step in skincare, but there is so much more you can do to help your skin and it’s so worth it. I’ve been super fortunate to have healthy and clear skin, which I am so grateful for. However, because my skin is so clear, I have a hard time giving it the love and attention it deserves.
If I wash my face, or if I don’t wash my face, there isn’t much of a difference in my skin. Im lucky, I know! But if I want to be wrinkle free and still have great skin twenty years from now, there is much more than a cleanse that I should be doing.
Although this should be a daily practice, I am trying to make this a weekly practice. One time per week I just want to go all out when it comes to skincare. What I mean by this is face wash, exfoliator, mask, toner, serum, moisturizer, rose water, like everything!
My skin deserves to be treated this way and if I want it looking good in the long run, I better take care of it.
Not only am I making a commitment to complete at home facials, it is important for me to get the real deal done occasionally. Professional derma-planing and infusions can do way more for my skin than just at home facials.
I am planning on teaming up with 21C Museum Hotel & Spa to bring you all something fabulous in 2019. Keep an eye out for this announcement!
Manicures
I moved into a new apartment in August of 2018 and shortly after moving in with one of my new roommates, we went and got a manicure together. As I was sitting next to her, the nail technician asked her what nail shape she wanted.
This made me think, because never in my life had anyone asked me what shape I wanted. In fact, they typically just made comments the entire appointment about how short my nails were. In that moment, I was jealous of all of the options she was able to choose from and how much better her nails looked when we were finished. After that moment I decided I wanted to challenge myself to grow out my nails (and this time I was going to be forreal).
I have had this goal in the past, but had always given up eventually. Biting my nails was just a habit and I couldn’t break it. However, this time I had a game plan, I was going to keep getting gel manicures, and instead of taking a couple weeks off in between appointments, I was going to get them done immediately. The moment I felt an urge to bite them because they were grown out, I scheduled another appointment.
Yes, this was definitely a more expensive goal but it was a self care goal that was important to me and something I’ve wanted to accomplish all of my life.
My favorite gel manicure of the year was from Spruce! Spruce offers a safer alternative to the average nail polish brands found at most nail salons. This is great because although these services are helping my nails grow, typically the gel product isn’t the healthiest for your nails.
I received a manicure plus tier three nail art. Besides the stunning aesthetics, the nail art offered at Spruce is truly what sets them apart among other nail salons. This was the first time I’ve ever done nail art, but it won’t be the my last.
Brazilian
Like I said, a new year is the perfect opportunity to try new things. A brazilian was one thing I wasn’t expecting to try, but I’m glad I did!
I visited Pure Beauty Bar, where I met the amazing owner, Sylvia! Just like Spruce, Sylvia’s spa is extremely gorgeous and makes you feel comfortable no matter what you’re getting done that day.
To be honest, I was pretty nervous about getting this done because I’ve heard it can be pretty painful. And yes, it was just as painful, as I was expecting, if not more. But, temporary pain doesn’t outweigh the results for me.
I’ve always been a long term thinker, so I would rather take any short term pain if it will be beneficial in the long run. This takes me to my next self care goal, again something that is definitely painful, but definitely worth it, laser hair removal.
https://purebeautybarcincy.com
Laser Hair Removal
Let’s just say I’m not a fan of hair and if I can get rid of it, I’m definitely going to! I’ve decided to use laser hair removal to permanently get rid of my armpit hair. Nothing sounds more fabulous than never having to shave them again!
Christie at Dr. Donna Krummen’s Plastic Surgery Office has hooked me up! So far I have completed two treatments of laser hair removal and have already seen great results. Most people have to complete 4-6 treatments depending on how your body responds.
I never thought a beauty treatment could be as life changing as this, literally and figuratively. Never having to shave my arm pits again is going to save me so much time, and I’ll never have to worry about whether I forgot to do it or not ever again.
Laser hair removal to me is the definition of no pain, no gain. Yes, laser hair removal is painful during the treatment, but for a couple sessions of 30 min pain periods, it is totally worth a lifetime of being hair free.