Hygge Self Care is the Best Winter Skincare
6 skincare tips to get Hygge with it like the Danish!
We know, we know. Technically, it’s pronounced “HOO-gah.” But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t walk around humming vintage Will Smith tunes for the rest of the day—and for that, you’re welcome. After all, the Fresh Prince is basically the soundtrack of summer. And those are vibes we need BADLY this month, as we stare down the long dark hallway of winter.
Why? Because SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is a real thing, and it’s often triggered around this time of the year when we “fall back” into the misery of 4 PM sundown. So, while it’s NOT important, the benefits of self-care can be especially noticeable during the winter months. Here are our top winter self-care tips to help you maintain an even keel.
1. See the Light
Literally. Sunlight is rich in Vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones, a healthy heart, and a focused mind. During the winter months, it’s not uncommon for professionals in some latitudes to spend ALL of their sunlight hours behind a desk—which not only aggravates SAD but can also disrupt sleep patterns and stoke serious carb cravings. In order to maximize your Vitamin D intake, your winter self-care routine can entail tweaking your nightly bedtime and morning alarm...or even bundling up for a brisk walk at lunchtime.
2. Brush it Out
We’ve all got that one friend whose answer to every problem is celery juice. At the risk of rivaling your most woo-woo bestie, we’d like you to consider adding dry brushing to your daily self-care checklist. Sure, it sounds like hippie nonsense, but this ancient practice helps to improve circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system, both of which can help you feel warmer; many find it calming to the central nervous system, as well. And of course, it’s a great way to combat winter flakes (not the fun kind) by smoothing away dry, dead skin cells.
3. Get Hygge with It
Okay, we’ll say it: if you haven’t heard of hygge, the busy Danish “art of coziness,” you may not be living your best life. According to Meik Wiking, CEO of Copenhagen’s Happiness Research Institute (!) and author of “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living,” the concept of hygge combines togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence and comfort—and winter is the PERFECT time to tap into it.
Now here’s the really great thing about hygge, and why it’s part of our winter self-care routine: there are millions of ways to do it. Here’s one example: slip into your favorite cashmere joggers and pull on those fluffy socks. Light a clove-scented candle, put the sweet-cream butter out to soften, and take your time baking some ginger scones. Then curl up under your coziest blanket with a good book to enjoy a perfectly sweet afternoon.
4. Slather it On
If you read our winter skincare tips post, you know that bathing or cleansing with hot water can actually make your skin drier. But that doesn’t mean we want you to remove those bubble baths from your winter self-care routine—it just means you need to be mindful of replacing lost moisture...and making the most of your immersion therapy.
Start by choosing a deeply moisturizing bath bomb; we’re pretty into the Lush Butterball, which is peppered with flecks of fair-trade organic cocoa butter (and incidentally leaves your skin smelling like a goddamn cupcake). Then, while your heavenly body-broth is brewing, slather on Masktini's Metal Head Gold Brightening Mask. During your sweet-smelling soak, you’ll be workin’ your best “sexy C3PO” look while our exclusive formula is working to stimulate collagen production, brighten skin tone, heal redness and smooth roughness.
5. Nourish Your Body
Remember what we said up top about SAD causing carb cravings? That sh*t is real—and it can create a vicious cycle. So, while it’s important that your daily self-care checklist includes mindful indulgences here and there (see: buttery ginger scones), we must also remember that our bodies need a wide variety of nutrients to keep ticking.
Eating plenty of in-season fruits and veggies will not only help keep your winter grocery bill down while your heating bill is up—but they’re also exactly the kind of nutrient-dense fuel your body wants right now. Winter veggies include brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, and carrots; seasonal fruits include clementines, pomegranates, and winter pears.
6. Call Time Out
Here’s the thing about November and December: everything in our bodies is telling us to slow down and snuggle up—while everything in our lives is telling us to be social and fulfill all those family obligations. Not cool, universe. That’s why the final (and most important, IMHO) item in our daily self-care checklist is to SLOW. THE. HECK. DOWN.
This year, as you plan your social calendar and ponder your party lewks, all of us self-care advocates here at Masktini invite you to seek balance. It’s simple math, y’all: for every holiday office party or in-law gathering that depletes your energy, choose an activity or outing that fills your cup. Don’t feel guilty for demurring; don’t succumb to FOMO when you do. And remember: your dog is probably a better company than anyone in your contacts. You do you.
Getting ready to slay #selfcare Sunday with Masktini? Don’t forget to tag us @masktini / #masktini in your cute, cozy pics on Instagram!