Thursday

Sponsored By:

"Long-term care begins with today’s choices."

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

• Top skincare ingredients explained

• This quiz reveals a path to your happiest skin ever

• How your skincare can support longevity

• Turning your routine into a sensory experience

What Skincare Ingredients Really Do For Your Skin

When it comes to skincare, certain ingredients have earned their place in the spotlight for their powerful benefits. From fighting wrinkles to calming inflammation, let’s break down the magic of some of the most popular skincare ingredients.

• Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is popular for its ability to calm redness and regulate oil production. It boosts your skin’s elasticity and helps restore moisture, making it a must-have for sensitive or acne-prone skin

• Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid, a powerful exfoliant, is perfect for tackling blackheads, whiteheads, and even helping to reduce redness.

• Hyaluronic Acid: This moisture-magnet draws hydration deep into your skin, giving it a plump, youthful glow. It’s perfect for all skin types.

• Vitamin C: This antioxidant helps prevent aging and pigmentation. Regular use can reduce wrinkles, fade dark spots, and even improve overall texture.

• Panthenol: Known for its ability to moisturize and repair, it helps promote wound healing and restore your skin’s moisture barrier. It’s especially effective for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin.

The right skincare ingredients can transform your routine. It’s important to find what suits your skin and enjoy the results!

Feel-Good Skincare That Works + Wastes Less

Washing your face — and the steps that follow — should feel good.

That’s why Activist Skincare’s formulas aren’t just effective, they’re a joy to use.

• 4 quick, easy steps

• Bright, colorful formulas with subtle natural scents

• Skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C to brighten, niacinamide to calm, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and panthenol to regenerate

• Gentle enough for sensitive skin, strong enough for results

Even better, Activist is friendly to the planet, with luxe glass bottles and refill pouches that cut down on waste.

Ready for simple, joyful skincare?

Take Activist’s 2-minute Skin Quiz to discover your personalized ritual.

Plus, as a Note To Self reader, get an exclusive 20% off for a limited time.

Thank you to Activist Skincare for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Key to Long-Term Skin Health

True skincare results don’t come from the latest trends or product overload. They come from a steady, consistent approach. Focusing on proven ingredients, like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, can help build stronger skin with long-term benefits. These ingredients support your skin’s barrier and hydration, working with your skin’s natural processes for a healthier, more resilient complexion over time.

Another secret to lasting skin health? Simplicity and consistency. Studies show that using just four core products over a year can significantly improve hydration, texture, and pigmentation without irritation.

While it's tempting to exfoliate frequently or pile on actives, over-exfoliating can strip your skin’s barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. A little goes a long way. Exfoliating just 1–3 times a week is enough to maintain healthy skin without compromising its integrity.

Longevity in skincare means avoiding the quick fixes. Stick to tried-and-true ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, which deliver lasting improvements over 8–12 weeks. True skin health takes time, but the rewards are worth it.

Skincare As a Sensory Experience

Your skin is more than just a barrier—it’s a sensory powerhouse. Engaging with your senses during your skincare routine can do wonders for your skin and mental well-being. By incorporating touch, scent, and texture into your regimen, you can create small, grounding moments that help relieve stress and restore balance.

Start with the sense of touch. The feel of creamy, pliable products on your skin activates feel-good neurochemicals like oxytocin, which help to reduce stress. Gentle massaging while applying products can further enhance this calming effect, helping to lower cortisol levels.

Texture is another key factor. Products that feel good to use encourage consistency. The tactile experience of your skincare routine can make a world of difference in how engaged you feel, leading to better results and a more relaxed state.

Scent also plays a significant role. Our sense of smell is deeply linked to memory and emotion, so choosing skincare with natural, pleasant aromas can elevate your mood and trigger positive feelings. The right scent can transport you to a calm state of mind, making skincare feel like a restorative ritual.

By creating a sensory-rich skincare routine, you’re reconnecting with yourself. It’s these small moments of self-care that, over time, help to lower stress and cultivate mindfulness.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin through clouds.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Longevity in skincare isn’t about overnight fixes. It’s about consistency, quality, and choosing products that care for your skin’s future.

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]!