Bedside Skincare Pick-Me-Up
I have anxiety that makes it hard to get out of bed some days.
It’s especially difficult when you know getting up, taking a shower and washing your face will make you feel better. But, sometimes it’s just easier to lie in your mountain of blankets ands scroll through social media. I’ve been through the lows, and doing any form of self care just isn’t the vibe. This is why I created a simple skincare routine you can do from your nightstand. I will also share some of my tips that help me get up and moving around.
Makeup Remover
Skip the micellar water or oil cleanser, let’s go back to the basics: makeup remover wipes. I myself have the Makeup Eraser, but let’s face it, that requires water to work and there’s no way I’m getting up. I keep a small pack of makeup remover wipes beside my bed for days like these. Clean off that running mascara and smudged eyeliner. Your skin renews itself while you sleep and it’s impossible to recharge with smudged makeup blocking your pores.
(Josie Maran Mini Bear Naked Wipes, $16)
Cleansing Pads
You can keep horizontal for this part. Give your face a quick cleanse! My go to is Pacifica Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads. These babies exfoliate, re-texturize and deep clean your pores. Now we both know this isn’t a replacement for washing your face, but for the time being it’ll suffice, right?
(Pacifica Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads 10% AHA + BHA, $14)
Eyes
If you’re like me, I imagine you’ve been crying a little… ok a lot! So it’s time to take care of your eyes. Another bedside treat I keep are eye masks. Pop a couple suckers under your eyes to reduce swelling and soothe the skin.
(Pacifica Eye Bright Undereye Vitamin C Spot Serum Mask, $5)
(Lush Cucumber Eye Pads, $4)
Serum/Moisturize
Whether you decide to use a serum AND moisturizer, or just a moisturizer is up to you and how you feel. But you need to at least moisturize because the salt in tears can throw off the fluid equilibrium of the skin, drawing moisture out and leading to dehydration. After laying in bed all day and crying like a baby, I like to use something that’s going to give me some hydration while also soothing my red and blotchy skin. For a serum I go for the hylarounic acid from The Ordinary. A small bottle costs less than $10 to keep on your nightstand. And for a moisturizer I use The Body Shop Aloe Vera Day Cream (use night cream if you’re going to skip a serum as it’s a little thicker).
*Bonus points if you have a jade roller or a ghusi. Giving your face a massage helps reduce tension and swelling. I tend to clench my jar when I’m anxious so I focus on that area more.
Tips and Tricks
Feet up on the wall
Laying on your bed with your feet parallel promotes lymph flow, increases blood flow and circulation, and relieves headaches. Doing this while using a jade roller on your face is the best. feeling. ever! You’re benefitting your body without getting out of bed!
Shower
This honestly can feel like Mount Everest, but we both know how good our body wash smells!! A quick, warm rinse off can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The body's reaction to being warm naturally relaxes your muscles and thoughts.
Ice Ice Baby
Ice packs are my saviour after a panic attack. The cold reduces inflammation and swelling; perfect for the under eyes and forehead!!
Call a friend or journal
Getting your thoughts and feelings out can make a world of a difference. Take some time off of Tik Tok and call a friend. One of my best friends, Madi, calls me on FaceTime and I watch her go about her night, talk to her when I feel like speaking and watch my favourite comfort show. It’s nice not to feel completely isolated when you’re going through it.
If you’re not up for a chat, write down how you’re feeling in a journal. Cry on those pages, write messy, write pretty, scribble! Whatever helps you release your emotions.
Whatever your feeling will eventually pass. Just know you are strong and you’re not alone. Lots of love.