Wednesday

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

• What to know about preventative botox

• Pumice stones for soft skin

• Toilet paper with a mission

• If sunscreen oils are effective

What to Know About Preventative Botox

Cosmetic procedures have become more widely accepted in recent years.

However, as they've become more popular, some people have felt increasing pressure to undergo procedures — including before they even feel like they have anything they specifically want to address.

Preventative Botox is one procedure that some people have chosen in an effort to proactively avoid wrinkles.

However, experts caution that there's not actually any evidence that this works!

Dr. Steven Harris told Refinery29: "You don't want to be taking [Botox] if it's not necessary, because there are side effects to it."

While social media may make it seem like everyone is having procedures done to appear as if they don't age, that's not the reality. Remember that people often edit pictures and curate parts of their lives on their feeds.

It's not fair to compare yourself to anyone else, as we are all individually unique!

It's also important to remember that aging is a normal part of life that should be celebrated! It's not something to run away from.

There is no shame in doing what makes you feel your best — however that may look for you!

Discover Pumice Stones and How They Can Help Keep Your Skin Soft

Pumice stones are a simple but incredibly effective tool that can help keep your skin soft.

These little rocks form from lava that cools suddenly during a volcanic eruption.

You can use pumice stones to treat warts, calluses, and dry skin, and prevent ingrown hairs.

Pumice stones are easy to use, however, it's important to be careful so you don’t damage your skin:

• Soak your skin for 5-10 minutes before using the stone to soften the areas.

• Always use a pumice stone with water and never use it with a sunburn, open wound, or cut to prevent irritation.

• Work the stone in light, short strokes against areas where you want to eliminate dead skin.

• Apply moisturizer to leave your skin feeling extra smooth.

As always, skincare is not one size fits all. Those with sensitive skin might want to skip the pumice stone and opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant.

This New Toilet Paper Just Might Save the Planet

Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down to make toilet paper. To us, that feels like way too many — and Honeycomb agrees. That’s why this small, female-founded brand created luxury, three-ply toilet tissue made from bamboo. It feels just like regular high-end toilet paper, but doesn’t harm trees.

So why bamboo? It’s the fastest-growing plant in the world — growing 100 times faster than the average tree — which means thousands of rolls can be produced in the time it takes for a single tree to grow back.

Even better? Code NTS30 will give new customers 30% off their first order for the next 24 hours.

Get started here.

Thank you to Honeycomb for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Are Sunscreen Oils Effective?

Sunscreen oils are chemical- and oil-based sunscreens that are easier to spread around your skin.

They can be lighter than traditional sunscreens and have more hydrating properties. It’s important to note than sunscreen oil and tanning oil are not the same - in fact they are total opposites.

Sunscreen oils protect your skin from the sun. Tanning oil, meanwhile, lowers your skin's refractive index so it can absorb more of the sun's UV rays, increasing your risk of sunburn.

If you have dry skin, sunscreen oils might be a great option for you. They still protect against the sun while hydrating the skin. Another pro to sunscreen oils is that you won’t have to worry about a white cast.

Those with oily skin may not prefer this SPF option, as they can clog pores and make skin look shinier.

Sunscreen oils have been deemed safe and effective. However, experts caution that it's harder to ensure proper coverage on your skin with an oil, so it may not be as effective.

If you do use a sunscreen oil, be sure to apply a thick, even layer, and wait 15-20 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun.

If you’re swimming or sweating, you’ll want to reapply frequently to maintain protection. Otherwise, every 2 hours while outside is a good standard practice.

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: True! Moving our bodies and getting sweaty can push toxins and dead skin out, leaving our skin with a glow!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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 you may feel pressure from social media or society, cosmetic procedures are simply that: cosmetic. If they boost your confidence, great! However, there's also beauty in embracing your natural self.

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]!