Despite what the media will have you believe, you DON’T need a fancy date on Valentine’s day. Actually time with yourself is just as important! If going out for a nice dinner isn’t in your Valentine’s Day cards this year (or even if it is) I thought I would break down a few of the ways I will be practicing a little self-care and giving my skin a little extra love this V-day.

First things first for any self care ritual I always brew myself some tea. Mint, lavender or chai are my personal favorites. (I’m actually drinking a lavendar/mint combo as I write this post). There’s something so comforting about cozying up with a warm cup of tea.

Once I have my tea and a good playlist playing, I like to start with some skin care. I have been loving eye masks lately and have been using these ones from SkinMedica. Because these eye gels contain humectants and lay over the skin like an occlusive, you might notice an immediate plumping and smoothing effect making them perfect for right before a special night out. The undereye area is notoriously hard to treat so anything that can give the eye area an appearance of smoother skin is a win in my book. Tip: I stick mine in the fridge beforehand for an extra soothing sensation. While I have the patches on, I usually sit and read for about 15 minutes before moving on.

Next, I like to use the ClarityRx Cold Compress mask which is rich in cucumber, chamomile and aloe vera. I love gel masks because they easily stay in place so I can enjoy a good book or get some work done while my skin is reaping the benefits. Tip: if you’re in a rush you can apply the face and eye masks at the same time. After about 15 minutes I’ll wash this off, gently pat dry, and immediately follow with the PCA Skin Silkcoat Balm. With cocoa butter, shea butter and plenty of lipids, this moisturizing balm will quench my thirsty skin and help lock in all the good stuff. It’s important to moisturize after removing a mask, especially a gel-based mask!

 And because we can’t just favor our faces, I’ll follow with a good body product as well. Right now I’m loving Revision Bodifirm. Although this one comes in at a higher price point, I’m trying my best over here to prevent that dreaded crepey skin around the knee area (I can already see it starting). So I use the Bodifirm twice daily and a retinoid at night on this area. It’s easy to forget about the skin on the rest of our bodies and just focus on our money-maker ;). But let me tell you, SO many times I see patients with beautiful, young-looking skin on the face who look yearssss older elsewhere. Don’t ignore the rest of the body! You’ll thank me in 20 years.

On February 14th you’ll catch me doing some version of this self care/ self love routine! Will you be taking a little time for yourself this V Day? Tag me @the_skinthusiast on instagram and tell me how you’re putting yourself first this year!