Hey guys! This week, our main focus has been on beauty. On Wednesday, I shared with y’all some basic tips on cleansing your skin. Today, I’m sharing some extra devices I use, that enhance my beauty/self-care routine. I use these during different times of the week, and they all serve a different purpose.
Through what I share, I hope you can learn something and it may inspire you to go ahead and invest into an item for self-care just for you. Inasmuch as you pour into others, pour into yourself as well.
Let’s get into it.
Oil diffuser and essential oils
An oil diffuser is a device that disperses essential oils into the air, and fills the area with the oils’ fragrance.
An oil diffuser is used with essential oils, and this is my little stash.
I got some eucalyptus, lavender, white camphor and frankincense. I honestly can’t remember where I got each of them, but you can find essential oils in beauty shops, health shops or pharmacies.
How do you use oil diffusers and essential oils?
Well, first off it depends on the design of the diffuser but typically you’d find, a section to put in some water, add a few drops of your essential oil, close and connect to the power. The oil will diffuse while infused with the water and eventually turns off by itself after all the water has been used up, again that depends on the design of the diffuser.
What are the benefits?
-Aromatherapy. This is the use of essential oils to medicinally to improve health. Body, mind and spirit. Some essential oils have medicinal properties. For example, eucalyptus oil is really good for opening up and cleansing your airways. At times, my chest gets congested and diffusing or even steaming with eucalyptus oil helps to clear my chest. Lavender oil can also help to improve sleep quality. Just put a few drops on your pillow before you sleep. It helps :)
-simply makes your room smell nice, and who doesn't like a nice-smelling room? :)
I got that one more than a year ago from Jumia.
Dry brush
Dry brushing is a method of gently exfoliating your skin with a gentle, firm-bristled brush. I got this one from Carrefour.
So, why dry brush? Well, some of the benefits/reasons for dry brushing include;
-it helps to exfoliate your skin i.e remove dead skin cells
-it boosts lymphatic drainage. All blood carries lymph fluid, which filters through the lymph nodes. Dry brushing speeds up the rate of blood pumping, which helps get the lymph through the body, therefore removing toxins and pathogens more quickly.
-it boosts circulation
-it plumps the skin, which may reduce the appearance of cellulite
-due to the exfoliating effect, your skin becomes softer, so your clothes feel nice against your skin (this is what I have personally observed :))
So, how do you dry brush?
-well, get yourself a gentle but firm-bristled body brush
-begin brushing with upward strokes from your ankles going in an upward direction toward the heart
-when brushing your tummy, do it in a clockwise direction (from right to left, just like a clock)
Some extra tips;
-use a gentle brush and use gentle pressure to prevent skin irritation or injury
-the recommended frequency of dry brushing is two times a week, but this depends on how much your skin is able to handle
-dry brush right before showering
-make sure you moisturize your skin afterwards
Exfoliating gloves
Basically, these are gloves you wear, that help to exfoliate your skin. I got these from Jumia a while back.
These are used in the shower and some of the benefits include;
-skin exfoliation to remove dead skin’ especially hard-to-reach areas like your back
-due to its exfoliation properties, it gives your skin a nice glow, especially after moisturizing, since your skin is able to absorb moisture better
-they can be used right before shaving to prevent razor bumps and your skin from darkening due to shaving e.g. armpits
So, how do you use them?
-put the gloves on.
-wet them and put soap (bar soap or shower gel; either works fine)
-rub both hands together to lather, then massage all over your body and rinse yourself
I usually use them about once a week, mostly right before I shave, or when I feel like my body needs some extra exfoliation :)
Facial steamer
This is basically a device that puts steam on your face.
I’ve been using steaming ever since I was young, but back then it was hot water in a basin and put a towel over your head.
Fast forward, we now have devices specialized in steaming. I got this one as a birthday gift :)
So, what are the benefits of steaming?
-it opens up your pores to help loosen any trapped dirt for a deeper cleanse
-opening up your pores softens blackheads, making it easier for them to be removed
-also, the steam causing your skin to perspire which dilates your blood vessels. Thus improving circulation.
How to use this steamer?
-each steamer is different, but basically, pour water in the reservoir until the maximum amount level
-turn it on and soon the water will begin to heat up and generate steam
-place your face as near but safely on the steamer and let it do its magic
-after steaming, make sure your rinse your face with cold water to close the pores
I try to steam once a week, unless I forget or I’m lazy. I usually cleanse my face, use the steamer, and then put on a mask, so that the mask ingredients, helpful for my skin, can work more effectively. Then I rinse with cold water, tone with rosewater and moisturize with almond oil.
Shampoo hair massager/ Scalp massager
The last device is what I got most recently.
I had been eyeing this product for ages and finally found it. I got it from Jumia.
Its benefits include;
-scalp exfoliation
-removal of dandruff and loose debris
-increases follicle circulation, which leads to hair growth
As someone who takes care of hair at home mostly, this little device has helped to keep my scalp clean, while getting a good massage.
How to use it?
-apply shampoo to wet hair and massage it all through or in that particular section, from the ends all the way to the scalp.
-take the scalp massager, wet it and simply massage it in your scalp to your hearts content and rinse off.
Okay guys, those are just a few extra devices that I use occasionally to enhance my self-care routine. I like to include these practices in my routine from time to time, as it helps me to pour into myself, so I can pour into others and better serve them. I know how it feels to overextend oneself, to the point of abandoning yourself, and at times I still feel guilty/weird to spend money on something just for me. But, slowly by slowly I am being freed from such thoughts. No one is productive, effective, and excellent or at their best when burnt out or when not taking time off to take care of themselves. I realized that having experienced it myself.
You may not invest in some of the things I mentioned but, make an effort to take some time to take care of yourself. It may be going to the gym, reading a book, taking a nap, going on a solo date or whatever, don’t forget to take care of you. You’ll feel much better and serve others even better.
Alright, that’s all I have for today’s post. I hope it’s been a nice, inspiring read for you and you’ve learnt a thing or two.
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Thank you so much for reading!
Xoxo
BK.
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