Wednesday

Sponsored By:

"My body knows when it’s time to slow down."

Welcome to Wednesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Getting to the root of healthy hair

• Skincare ingredients simplified

• This anti-aging ingredient won’t leave your skin dry

• Sunset of the Day: Summer Boardwalk

Why Great Hair Starts With a Healthy Scalp

It turns out the secret to better hair isn’t in your ends, it’s in your scalp. Many of us focus on shampooing, styling, and masking our hair, but the foundation of healthy growth starts with what’s happening at the root.

According to trichologists, most people make the same mistake: washing their hair instead of their scalp. Product buildup, oil, and dead skin collect at the surface, which can clog follicles and dull even the best strands. The fix? Treat your scalp like skin, double cleanse gently, use sulfate-free products, and skip harsh scrubs that can cause micro-tears.

Mindful hair care starts with balance, not perfection. When your scalp is clean, hydrated, and nourished, the rest of your hair follows. Think of it as self-care that starts from the top, literally.

The Smart Way To Simplify Your Skin Routine

If your bathroom shelf looks like a chemistry lab, you’re not alone. Between “clean,” “natural,” and “anti-aging” claims, it’s easy to get lost in skin care products. But dermatologists say you can ignore most of the noise and focus on just a few proven ingredients.

Retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid top the list. Retinol boosts collagen and smooths texture; niacinamide helps calm inflammation and even tone; and hyaluronic acid locks in moisture for plumper, more hydrated skin. On the flip side, experts recommend skipping products with synthetic fragrances, dyes, or propylene glycol, which are common irritants.

If reading ingredient lists feels overwhelming, start small. Find one or two dermatologist-approved actives that match your goals and give them time to work. The best routines aren’t the trendiest, they’re the ones your skin can actually handle.

Retinol That’s Kind to Your Skin

Have retinols ever left your skin red, dry, or flaky? Some retinols promise transformation but come with irritation and downtime. Clark’s Botanicals Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream takes a different approach. Its time-released system allows retinol and vitamin C to absorb gradually overnight, encouraging renewal without disrupting the skin’s natural balance.

Hyaluronic acid and colloidal oatmeal work with the actives, to help support the skin barrier and reveal a smooth, even texture by morning.

Created by Francesco Clark after a spinal cord injury left his skin hypersensitive, each Clark’s Botanicals formula carries the same purpose, to deliver visible results through balance, not intensity. The result is retinol that restores as it refines: gentle, consistent, and quietly powerful.

Enjoy 20% off all single products with code REVEL20. Offer valid on one-time purchases through 12/31.

See what makes this retinol different.

Thank you to Clark’s Botanicals for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Sunset of the Day

Shared by Note To Self reader Diana, this photo captures a summer evening washed in pink and gold. The light hits the boardwalk just right with people walking and biking. All of it is framed in that fleeting glow that makes you want to stay a little longer.

Diana says photography has become her favorite way to hold onto beauty from her summer adventures, and we’re so glad she shared a glimpse of it here.

Have a sunset or sunrise worth sharing? Tell us where it’s from and what makes it special for your chance to be featured. We’d love to see it.

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Cooler, drier air scatters light more dramatically, enhancing color.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Your skin might feel different this season, and that’s okay. Tune in, slow down, and let your routine reflect what you actually need right now.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!