A Wren Says

I write about skincare pretty frequently. But if you were to ask me about what products I use in person, I would probably shy away from telling you. For one, it may not work as well for you, but also because I don’t want to be judged for investing so much in it. As I think more about it, I could say I worry it would be perceived as just a vain pursuit. Yes, I believe that skincare is a great way to take care of the largest organ in your body, and thus take care of your total health. But if I’m honest I believe there is more to it.

When I was in school, I learned about a philosopher Levin. Without diving back into my notes or researching for a citation, I will paraphrase what stuck out most to me from that reading- We can only know ourselves when we are seen by others. Every encounter you have with another is really an opportunity where you get to know them better. But more importantly, you can better understand who you are after every interaction you have with another person.

Taking care of our skin helps us take control of that encounter by managing how we look; it also forces us to see ourselves, literally as we apply products and analyze what it is that we might need. There is something to recognizing that you are not alone in this world. That you will interact with other people. We all know we will be seen. I mean, we also want to be seen. For better or worse, how you see me, what you reflect back to me affects how I view myself in some way. I don’t believe you can fault anyone for taking that seriously.

But at the personal level, I think that engaging in skincare shapes how I view myself. I believe skincare is a ritual of care. It is a part of a daily set of actions that gives a sense of rhythm to life. It is the final step before I need to wind down for bed. It is the step prior to me walking out the door in the morning. It can signal how I might want to proceed with the rest of my day. Apply sunscreen, going outside. A face mask, it is time to relax.

But truly, I find it is a way for me to show that I matter. Taking the steps, even if it is just quickly washing my face and applying a simple moisturizer, reminds me that I am worth the effort. In fact, sometimes when I want to just go right to bed with out washing my face, I will say, “You are worth the effort.” I engage in the practice of taking care of my skin because I matter. All of me matters, inside and out.

Just a thought. Let me know what you think about the subject