Wednesday

"Where there is love, there is life"

-Mahatma Gandhi

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

• These moisturizing steps are key

• The most common breakout reasons

• Why you need to prioritize your mental health

• What is the “morning shed” trend?

• A gummy to reduce your stress

Why Two Moisturizers Might Be Better Than One

Not all moisturizers are created equal, and sometimes, one just isn’t enough. If your skin still feels tight or flaky after your usual routine, layering might be the missing step. But before you slather on everything in your bathroom cabinet, there's a right way to do it.

Start with the lightest formula first—think gel or water-based moisturizer. These sink in quickly, delivering hydration deep into the skin. Next, seal it in with a thicker cream that contains occlusives like shea butter or ceramides. This locks in moisture and prevents it from evaporating. If you use active ingredients like retinol, sandwiching them between two layers of moisturizer can also help reduce irritation.

Not everyone needs to double up but if your skin leans dry (or winter is making it feel that way), it might be worth trying. The key is choosing formulas that complement each other rather than piling on products at random. Hydrated skin is happy skin—just make sure you’re layering smart!

The Unexpected Reasons Behind Sudden Breakouts

Ever woken up to a surprise breakout and thought, "What did I do to deserve this?" Turns out those pesky pimples didn’t just appear overnight—they’ve likely been brewing under the surface for days. And while hormones and genetics play a role, everyday habits could be making things worse.

Take your phone for example. That little device you press against your cheek all day? It’s a bacteria magnet. The dirt and oil from your screen transfer directly to your skin, clogging pores and inviting breakouts. A simple fix? Regularly clean your phone with antibacterial wipes and use headphones for calls.

Another culprit? Your skincare routine—especially if you’re overdoing it. Harsh exfoliants, drying treatments, and too many active ingredients can strip your skin barrier. This can lead to inflammation and, ironically, more breakouts. Try "skin cycling": alternating intense treatments with hydration-focused nights to give your skin time to recover.

Small tweaks can make a big difference. Clean your phone, give your skin a break, and don’t forget to moisturize—even oily skin needs hydration. Your future self (and skin) will thank you.

Your Mental Health Matters - It’s Time to Prioritize It

If you’ve been putting your mental health on the back burner, you’re not alone. But taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. BetterHelp makes therapy easy to access, so you can get the support you deserve without the wait.

In just 48 hours, you’ll be matched with a licensed therapist who gets you. No waiting rooms, no long drives—just flexible, convenient support via phone, video, or text. You can even use your FSA or HSA funds to help cover the cost, and for a limited time, you’ll save 30% on your first three months.

The time to invest in yourself is now. Let’s get started.

Find Support

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The ‘Morning Shed’ Trend: Worth the Hype?

Social media loves a good beauty trend, and the latest? The "morning shed." It’s a routine where people layer on overnight beauty products—face masks, mouth tape, hair bonnets, and more—then dramatically remove them in the morning to reveal glowing skin. The idea? The more effort you put in before bed, the better you’ll look when you wake up.

Some swear by it, claiming it maximizes skincare benefits while they sleep. Proponents say it saves time and enhances hydration, but dermatologists caution that overloading skin with too many products can disrupt its natural barrier. Plus, mouth tape and chin straps, popular in these routines, lack strong medical backing and aren’t for everyone.

The truth? Skin naturally repairs itself overnight. A simpler routine—like washing with a gentle cleanser, moisturizing, and wearing sunscreen during the day—can do wonders without all the extras. While the ‘morning shed’ might be fun for TikTok, good skin doesn’t have to be a production.

Wellness Round-Up

Poll Results: Do you scroll before bed?

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False?: False – UV rays penetrate clouds, so sunscreen is needed 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: Your skin does a lot for you—so show it some love! Here’s your gentle reminder: progress over perfection, and a little glow comes from within, too.

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 care@readnotetoself.com!