Friday

"I am allowed to enjoy the present moment fully."

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

• Why your lip balm isn’t working

• Should you be letting your nails breathe?

• Your windows are making your house hot

• Double cleansing explained

• Making money off of gold

What’s Actually Drying Out Your Lips

Cold air, dry heat, and wind can leave lips cracked and desperate for relief. Swiping on balm feels like the easy fix, until you realize you’re reapplying every hour with little improvement. So what’s going on?

Many formulas include fragrances, flavors, menthol, or camphor. These can irritate lips, giving quick relief but leaving them even drier. Even humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can work against you if there isn’t something to lock in the moisture.

That’s where occlusives come in. Thick ingredients like petrolatum or dimethicone actually seal hydration into the skin barrier, so moisture doesn’t just evaporate. Products that pair humectants with occlusives often work best.

Derms recommend applying after brushing your teeth, before bed, and after meals. And if you’re outside, look for SPF. Your lips need sun protection just as much as the rest of your skin.

Do Your Nails Really Need to Breathe?

Nails don’t actually “breathe,” but dermatologists say giving them a break from polish, gels, or acrylics helps them rehydrate and recover.

If your nails feel thin, peel easily, or lose their natural shine, it’s a sign they need downtime. The pause may only take a few weeks, depending on how damaged they are.

All manicures can dry nails, but gels and acrylics are harder on them, especially during removal. The biggest culprit? Cuticle removal, which leaves nails vulnerable to infection.

Dermatologists recommend keeping nails short, using cuticle oil or a thick hand cream, and avoiding harsh removers until strength returns. And if you notice dark streaks or pain, that’s when it’s time to see a doctor.

Finally, Windows That Work as Hard as You Do

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Thank you to Renewal by Andersen for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Truth About Double Cleansing

Double cleansing might sound like a viral trend, but dermatologists say it’s a real routine worth considering. The idea is simple: cleanse once with an oil-based wash to melt makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to sweep away sweat, dirt, and leftover residue.

The method started in Japanese and Korean skincare traditions and has stuck around because it works. By fully clearing the skin at night, products like serums and moisturizers can sink in more effectively.

Not everyone needs to do it daily. If you have sensitive or very dry skin, it may cause irritation. But on days when you’ve worn SPF or heavier makeup, it can help prevent congestion.

The key is technique: start with dry skin, massage in the oil cleanser, rinse, then follow with your water-based cleanser before gently patting dry. Done in a few minutes, it’s a simple two-step way to reset your skin before bed.

Gold Can’t Stop Breaking Records

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Sunscreen should be worn even on cloudy days.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Unlearning takes time. But there’s power in letting go of myths, and making room for a version of beauty that feels honest, kind, and sustainable.

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]!