Reclaiming Self-Care

In the northern hemisphere, we are in the depths of winter. And that means dry AF skin, sinuses, vaginal tissue, and sometimes unquenchable thirst. (Though the summer sun also creates these experiences, so y’all in the southern hemisphere need this, too.)

HYDRATE YOURSELF.

Drink your water. Drink your herbal tea. Drink your electrolyte bevvies. And then drink some more water.

And for skin hydration and moisturizing, you may have multiple products you’re using, so I’m going to offer you a simple tip: water-based products go on first, THEN oil-based products.

Why? Because oil creates a barrier, which means water can’t penetrate it, which means those water-based products aren’t actually sinking into your skin. So you’re putting something on that’s doing absolutely nothing for you — wasting your time, wasting the product, and wasting your money.

When you layer your water-based products on first, not only can they actually get to your skin, but the oil-based products also help them to stay where they need to stay rather than evaporate off of your skin, making them work more effectively and giving you a bigger bang for your buck.

Caveat: sunscreen always goes on top of everything else, no matter what.

Second caveat: I mentioned dry vaginal tissue, but I don’t recommend oil in your vag. Use a water-based lube for daily hydration and moisture. (Also helpful for period product insertion.) It’s not just for sex.