Thursday

Welcome to Thursday! Today, we're taking a look at:

• If you need to moisturize right after a shower

• Tips to ease facial puffiness

• Our favorite online shopping hack

• Can you use makeup wipes instead of cleanser?

Do You Need To Apply Body Lotion Right After a Shower?

Especially as we head into the colder months, moisturizer becomes an extra-important step in our skincare routines. While we often are diligent about facial moisturizers, body lotion may not be as much of a priority for some of us.

However, experts say that it’s something you might not want to skip — especially post-shower.

"When you emerge from the shower, you have a higher concentration of moisture compared to the air — especially in the drier months with heaters. So water evaporates off the skin quickly, leaving the skin dry,” dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, told Refinery29.

The especially dry air in the winter can exasperate this effect.

Dry skin can cause itchiness, inflammation, discomfort, and compromise our barrier.

For soft skin, it’s best to lotion up right after you step out of the shower — your skin will thank you!

How To Ease Facial Puffiness

Allergies, sleeping in makeup, crying, drinking alcohol, and many other things can cause our faces to swell up a bit. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a little puffiness! However, it can be uncomfortable.

Luckily, there are a few quick tips that can help ease puffiness:

• Cold water: Splashing cold water on your face can help ease inflammation by restricting the blood vessels.

• Ice and ice rollers: Similar to cold water, ice can help constrict blood vessels in your face. It’s also said to help drain excess fluids, further reducing inflammation.

• Facial massage: A facial massage is a great way to practice physical self-care. Plus, it can help ease swelling.

Specific eye creams and facial products may also help reduce puffiness. Regardless if puffiness is a concern or not, these steps are still great ways to spend a few extra minutes in your self-care routine!

Our Online Shopping Superhero

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Thank you to Brad’s Deals for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Is It Okay To Use Makeup Wipes Instead of a Cleanser?

After a late night, you may reach for a makeup wipe to clean the product off your face. Sometimes, it’s followed by a soap cleanser — but on those nights you’re super tired, a makeup wipe might be considered a win.

For others, makeup wipes might act as their regular cleanser. But are they okay to use as a cleanser on the regular?

Experts agree that while makeup wipes can be a helpful first step in your cleansing routine, they generally won’t be as effective as a traditional cleanser and water.

"Makeup wipes might leave behind residue and fail to thoroughly cleanse the pores, which can contribute to various skin concerns,” Marie Jhin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the chief medical officer of Musely, told Byrdie.

Not only can makeup wipes cause irritation from the material and the chemicals in them — they may also trigger breakouts due to leftover products on your skin or the irritating chemicals in the wipes.

Experts agree if you do use a makeup wipe, it’s best to follow it up with a traditional cleanser and water.

It’s not the end of the world if, on occasion, you use a makeup wipe and that’s the extent of your skincare for the night, experts say. It’s definitely better than sleeping in a face full of makeup! However, it’s probably a good idea to still wash your face in the morning to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean!

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: False! While you technically don't need to exfoliate, it has more benefits than helping slough off visibly dry skin. It can help products work more effectively!

• 🎁 Our Holiday Self-Care Picks: Don’t forget to check out our 2024 gift guide, a collection of thoughtful, wellness-focused products that help you feel your best, inside and out. Shop our gift guide here!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: While it's not the worst to use makeup wipes in a pinch (and it's still better than sleeping in a face of makeup), spend a few extra minutes cleaning your face to show your skin some love!

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]!