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I recently read an AAAAHmazing book by Emily Ley, titled The Simplified Life, where I found practical tips to simplifying many aspects of life from all of our “stuff” to our schedules, marriage, and kids, among other things. Seriously great, go check it out (after you read this, of course!). I read it in about two days and really resonated with its message. And after reading each chapter, I was SO motivated. Seriously it took all I had not to go to the basement at midnight and have it out with all the junk we had collected down there! I have been on a path to simplification ever since I began this blogging/work from/stay at home journey that began almost a year ago, and even still find myself with more stuff, more to do, more to think about, more, more, more. Why can’t things just be SIMPLE?
I have an answer, even though you may not like it. IT’S BECAUSE WE MAKE EVERYTHING SO. DARN. COMPLICATED!!! Amiright? Can I get an Amen, Hallelujah, head nod?
For months, I’ve been trying to find a way to share in this simplistic journey with you, so I will be writing a series of Simple Life Guides to uncomplicate (apparently that’s not a word because the red line won’t go away, but I’m going with it) the areas in our life where WE seem to be getting in the way in 5 steps or less. Trust me when I say by “we”, I mean “I”!! I realize where one finger is pointing at you, three are pointing right back at me.
Let me be real honest, though. This is not a journey to a “simplistic lifestyle”. If you are looking for ways to rid yourself of almost everything you own, pack a tiny house or a house on wheels, and journey this Earth with just what you have on your back, this is NOT it. I find that life intriguing, but that’s not where I’m going here. Power to you wayfarers, you are much stronger than I. Just to be clear.
So with this great idea, I’m starting with washing your face. I know what you’re thinking. “What?!? You’ve had this epiphany and you’re going with washing our face? What are you thinking?!?” Thanks for asking! I wanted to start with something I knew was simple to do. Everyone, well almost everyone, washes their face, right? And if you don’t wash your face, you must start! Get in the habit today. Our faces are directly affected by our environment, and our environment is NOT GOOD, people! It just isn’t. So at the end of the day, wash it off!!
That being said, here is the SIMPLE LIFE GUIDE for Washing Your Face in 5 steps or less. For those of you that like the whole ten piece routine, more power to you! You join the wayfarers in my appreciation, but these are for the simple minded, aintnobodygottimeforthat people who just need to simplify their nighttime routine. So here goes…
1. First and foremost, choose a cleanser that is SAFE, and works for you and your skin type! Just because the bottle says it’s “safe” or “all natural” and it has green or what I like to call “recycled brown” packaging (thank you, greenwashing), it is mostly regulated by the company that created it, not the government. Always check the ingredient label and never use product that has “fragrance” in the ingredients. That tiny word can harbor up to 14,000 undisclosed ingredients. Yikes! If you aren’t sure about a product you’re currently using, use the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Healthy Living App to check your product, or at least the ingredients in question. Choose the cleanser that best suits you and your skin type! This could be a cream cleanser, an exfoliator, or even a face wipe.
2. Second, use a CLEAN washcloth when wiping off your cleanser and makeup, dirt, etc. Otherwise, you’re just swishing it around, causing most of it to build up on the exterior of your face (think hairline, cheeks, and underneath your chin)- a wasted effort!
3. Use an eye cream. (Again, make sure it’s safe.) I know this doesn’t sound very “simple”, but eye creams are really important to that sensitive skin under and beside your eyes. The more we tug and pull at that skin, the more prominent our wrinkles are. I didn’t start using eye cream until my early 30s, but I wish I had started in my 20s, when exhaustion set in with my first child. There are creams that exist for nourishing under eye areas, not just wrinkle control, prevention, and reversal if those aren’t areas of concern for you (yet).
4. Follow up with a moisturizer. If you want to go a little beyond “simple”, use a nighttime and daytime moisturizer. Their benefits are attributed to when they are used, so it’s ideal. But regardless, use a SAFE (there’s that word again) moisturizer to add that moisture back in that you just stripped off along with the oils, dirt and makeup.
5. OCCASSIONALLY use a mask to treat your face (and yourself!) Even one time a week will benefit you. As with the cleanser, use a mask that best suits what your face needs. Are you preventing or controlling wrinkles? Do you need a good detox? More moisture? Consider those things when choosing a mask. There are TONS of DIY masks online to consider, and most of the items that you need can be found in your cabinet or with a quick trip to a local grocery store!
Well, that’s the SIMPLE LIFE Guide for Washing Your Face in 5 steps or less. Even if you choose just one step, cleanse, cleanse, cleanse. It’s such a GOOD habit to get into! I know it may not seem easier in the short run, but your aging skin will thank you! Please don’t take offense to that word! We are all aging with every passing moment. I aged just by writing this post, so there ya go!
One SL Guide done and MANY more to go! I can’t wait to share with you what I have in store. Check back next month or Sign up for my monthly newsletter *coming soon* full of updates and fun stuff!
I’d love to know…what SIMPLE face washing habits have you gotten into? Have a suggestion about another Simple Life Guide to share? Comment below!
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