Mask Era Skincare

What a fun and sexy topic, right?

I am on a veritable crusade against maskne. (Such a cutesy name for the current bane of my existence.) Until recently, my epidermal situation was largely under control, so I'm unsure what changed. Warmer weather? More outings, i.e. prolonged mask-wearing? A combination of complacency and laziness -- to switch up my mask every hour, to wash my face when I get home? Probably all the above.

Whatever the reason, the reality is that I had clearer skin in high school. Points of contact (where mask and skin actually touch) are the worst: cheeks, jawline, under my chin. 

So, I've taken a stubbornly offensive approach to the problem since mid-March, and am finding seeing improvements to my complexion. Here's the routine, in case someone out there might find it helpful :)

  

1. A dime-sized amount of The Inkey List salicylic acid cleanser, used right after my regular face wash, (ideally) morning and night. 

2. Swiping my face with a cotton round soaked in Bioderma Sensibio H2O, both pre- and post- masking up.* The strategy is to prevent bacteria from (shudder) getting trapped inside the mask, thereby building up on your skin.

*Similarly, brushing your teeth before donning a face mask is helpful. 

3. Tea tree oil for spot-treating blemishes -- especially (more shuddering) those extra-painful, cystic-y bumps that lurk just below the surface of your skin in an angry, reddish way. I've used The Body Shop's oil for years, but suspect any generic version will work just as well.

4. Keep skin hydrated! Having a bold action plan for banishing maskne means you risk stripping your skin of necessary moisture, which would just cause a whole other dermatological headache. I'm still using my regular serums, moisturizers, and oils, depending on what my skin seems to be asking for.

5. DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE. Not only does it help stop Covid transmission (the pandemic isn't over just because you're over it), it also prevents zits!

Reminder: This quasi-compulsive routine works for me, but might not work for everyone. You know your skin best -- treat it accordingly... and lovingly :)

Image credit: Stylist

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Sleep + CBD Oil

Happy 4/20, folks!

Last year, I explored my affinity for cannabis-based skincare products.

In honor of today's holiday, I'm diving into another beloved weed-y product: CBD oil. I semi-regularly use the stuff as a sleep aid and, without sounding hyperbolic, IT IS MAGICAL. One dropper-full of oil gets me cozily sleepy. Two? I'm basically TKO until morning (in a good way). 

If anyone is concerned -- hi mom and dad lol -- I've discussed this self-prescribed sleep cure with my doctor, and he was comfortable with it.

For context: I am a TERRIBLE sleeper. Like, clinically and chronically bad. My disorderly sleep habits date back to sometime around 1996, after watching Leprechaun 2 at a friend's house. (Shout-out to childhood friends whose older siblings helped you rent age-inappropriate VHS tapes from Blockbuster.) I was immediately plagued with nightmares and general bedtime anxiety. It carried on for months. The problem was compounded a few years later, when I watched another scary movie that, frankly, still irks me to this day. My nervous system may never have fully recovered.

Fast-forward to Grown-Up Stef, who has a veritable arsenal of things keeping me up at night: a busy day ahead, bills, doctor's appointments, songs whose names escape me, work trips, replaying embarrassing moments on a loop, fucking CORONAVIRUS, etc. You get the idea. The practice of putting oneself to sleep (before you're collapsing from exhaustion) is foreign to me.

That changed when I starting shopping at the SQDC ;)

I've never felt stoned using CBD oil. Just very, very relaxed and pleasantly at-ease. It takes about an hour to kick-in -- perfect for reading in bed before your eyelids start feeling heavy and your mind gradually, blissfully slows down. Honestly, I can't remember a time when I slept so well. Even if I get up in the night, I fall back asleep effortlessly. For me, this is unbelievable.

  

If you live in Quebec, the SQDC has a TON of options in a variety of blends and potencies. I'm a big fan of this brand, but it seems like their line is being phased out of stores. I've also been trying out this one from Rmdy. (So far, so good.) Lastly, I just threw this little guy into my cart, based solely on its cute logo. 

Have you tried a good one? I'm all ears!

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Stress Relief: 4-7-8 Breathing

From time to time, I am super susceptible to an episode of roaring anxiety. Though the triggers are many, it always manifests the same way: Racing thoughts, stomach knots, quickened heartbeat, and omg the stress sweat. It all makes for a pretty crushing experience. (Mine often goes off at night, perfectly timed to strike juuust as I'm dozing off lol.)

I know I'm not alone. And if you ever feel the same way, then you aren't alone either. With that in mind, I wanted to share the only remedy (short of Ativan) that actually helps calm my nerves in moments of panic. Someone taught me the "4-7-8 trick" years ago and it has restored my sanity on MANY occasions.

The steps are easy: Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold that breath for 7 seconds, then exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat at least five times. By the tenth cycle, you should start feeling a physical difference. Slower, calmer, more manageable.

For me, the hard part is twofold. One, summoning the mental wherewithal to actually stop and do the breathing exercise. (You'd think that would be a no-brainer, but when said brain is spinning out, it's tough to rein it back in.) Two, focusing on breathing and breathing only. Closing my eyes helps with that. 

Look, this isn't a failsafe solution to mental health issues. Obviously, I'm not a medical professional. I seriously, seriously recommend reaching out to an expert (your doctor, 911) if you're having a crisis, or just really struggling.

Otherwise, the 4-7-8 trick is great for helping you reclaim a modicum of control over a stressful situation. It usually works for me, at least!

What helps you cope with stress and anxiety?

Artwork credit: BBVA
But if anyone knows the illustrator, please let me know, I'd rather credit the actual artist!

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Unspoken Milestones

Six years ago, I woke up with weird medical quasi-emergency. After tests and scans and weeks of waiting, my doctor eventually diagnosed me with a chronic condition. Shit happens. Everything is under control and I am in very good health, promise!

Since then, I usually pause on July 25th to take stock of how I'm feeling, and reflect on how far I've come since 2014. Zero fanfare, just a few moments spent quietly with myself. (Writing this blog post might amount to more time than I've ever dedicated to the subject in one sitting lol.) By no means is this little ritual a secret. I just like having a personal moment that's all my own :)

Do you have odd milestones that you like to commemorate (or even celebrate) by yourself?

Image credit: this.

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Just Wear The Mask

Good morning, friends!

Starting today, Montreal is finally implementing mandatory face masks in public indoor spaces. My jaded brain definitely has THOUGHTS on why this decision took so long to make, but I won't bother harping on a past that can't be changed. Better to focus on positive progress instead.

So, I will say this:

BE SMART

BE RESPECTFUL

WEAR A MASK IN PUBLIC!

Don't bitch and complain. Making excuses sucks, too. Just put on your mask. You might *actually* save a life.

Also... Please, PLEASE be kind to servers and retail workers -- generally, this is already a solid rule of thumb, but let's make an extra effort now. As it stands, the Quebec government left it on businesses to enforce the new policy themselves, or face thousands of dollars in fines. (Make it make sense???) This weekend could get tough for them.

Stay safe out there and enjoy the sunny weekend xo.

Stef

Image credit: Spa and Clinic

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On A Personal Note: May 2020

Hey there :)

How have the last few weeks treated you? Probably a few odd and stressful days, but hopefully plenty of bright spots too!

As I write this, Josh is watching a movie about a haunted dress, Reggie is snoozing in a patch of sunlight, and I'm perched at the counter, oven in plain view, waiting on a Betty Crocker vanilla cake to finish baking. Apparently, the three of us have comfortably settled into our personal clichés during lockdown lol.

I'll confess, some days in The New Normal are much easier to navigate than others. They all start the same way. Reggie wakes up at 7AM without fail, demanding breakfast. We feed him, walk him. There was always lots of rush hour traffic in our area, but the streets are so quiet now. I still find it creepy. Then Josh gets ready for work while I have coffee and watch an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. (I'm almost on season four.)

That's pretty much where the routine ends, after which point I somehow manage to fill up all those hours before dinnertime. Reading, more dog-walking, making coffee (so much coffee!), eating snacks, this blog, phone calls, video-chatting with Domenic... Turns out there is plenty to do in a day and I'm so, so grateful.

A few new things have also gone down since my last note, if you'd like to hear about them :)

Started wearing a mask in public

The first time leaving home with a mask on was strange, almost surreal. This was back in April, before more people jumped on the precautionary bandwagon. With a pink polka dot mask strapped to my face, I definitely stood out. I felt hyper sensitive to every passing glance and sidewalk side-step. And there were MANY.

Turns out, wearing a mask also had a cool perk: It seemed to freak people out, so they'd give me sooo much space in the grocery store lol.

The best part is snatching off the mask when you get home. Your humid face (so gross) is finally released from confinement and you can enjoy big gulps of fresh air again.

Made some epic meals

I hate cooking. Or so I thought.

The problem isn't a question of skill (I'm decent enough in the kitchen). Thanks to the lockdown, I realized I actually just dislike cooking at the end of a long, exhausting workday. The last thing I want to do when I'm home is get busy peeling, chopping, simmering. And why bother having so many delivery apps programmed into your phone if you won't use them?

Bratty and hyper-privileged and ridiculous, I know. Sorry.

Now that I'm home ALL THE DAMN TIME, I've challenged myself to cook more often than not. Delivery splurges are saved for the weekend. It's been kind of fun!

Some meals turn out less stellar than others. I made a marinade using full-sodium soy sauce (instead of reduced), creating an epically salty and inedible dinner. My bad.

On the flip side, there have been some truly STAND OUT winners. Like, dishes so good we started making them weekly, including...

Slow baked sweet potato

Butternut squash soup

Crunchy roasted chickpeas

Pasta all'ubriaco (translation: drunk pasta)

Planning to share these recipes on the blog real soon, so stay tuned :)

Domenic started walking!!!

The little jalapeño is on the move! Domenic is getting stronger, faster, and more confident on his feet every day. Definitely bittersweet to watch him grow via screen instead of in person. I just focus on how lucky we are to stay connected through tech :) because it's a helluva lot better than nothing!

Anyway. You haven't witnessed comedy until you've watched him shuffle around like a very sweet, drunk-looking toddler, bumping into things and only pausing to chug from a sippy cup.

My nephew is a source of pure joy for our entire family. He has such a fun personality! Cute, hilarious, a little bossy, so smart -- he's the best! I love him to pieces, even if he prefers video-chatting with Reggie instead of me.

Maintained a blog

A month later and we're still here! I assure you, no one is more surprised about it than me. There continue to be many moments of cringey self-doubt. That's fine. Someone once told me feeling uncomfortable doesn't necessarily mean you're doing something wrong. Sometimes, discomfort can lead to changes for the better. (The concept still keeps abnormal to me, I'm working on it.)

Let's all keep trying things that freak us out a little and see where they take us.

Enjoy the rest of May and don't forget your sunscreen :)

Stef xx

Image credit (all): The Sweet Occasion

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Eco Friendly: Would You Use A Bamboo Toothbrush?

When it comes to doing my part for the environment, I like shortcuts and small, convenient adjustments. Are people out there living a more eco-conscious life? Absolutely. But I think adopting ANY greener habit is better than none at all. Giving something your honest effort matters a lot, too.

Maybe you're in the same boat -- unready for a daunting lifestyle overhaul, but totally open to integrating easy changes into their routine. So, I'm sharing the eco-conscious tweaks I've personally adopted with little or no hassle, and that have actually stuck!

*

Let's talk bamboo toothbrushes.

I was completely oblivious that it takes 400+ years for plastic toothbrushes to decompose. Which means every discarded plastic toothbrush EVER is in some landfill right now, buried in filth but very much STILL ON THE PLANET. It's a disgusting visual (sorry!) but also a very compelling one.

Quick solution: Use another kind of toothbrush.

Seriously? So doable! Reaching for a different brand on the pharmacy shelf is hardly a burden. And loads more options are available online, which is even easier than going to a store :)

Decided to test out this brand a few months ago. Here's what I learned:

Pros:

1. The handle and packaging are biodegradable. (If you break the handle into pieces, it will decompose faster.)

2. Basically the same price as a traditional toothbrush, and lasts just as long.

3. Works like every other manual toothbrush I've ever owned lol nothing fancy or unusual.

Cons:

1. The bristles are nylon, which take like 70 years to decompose...

...meaning you need to yank them out before composting the rest of the brush.

2. Doesn't fully dry in the toothbrush caddy. (I rest mine somewhere else until the handle dries off.)

3. Wood texture takes getting used to, it's not smooth like plastic brush handles.

Question mark:

1. Given their typically basic design, are these brushes as effective as more tricked-up plastic options, long term?

Conclusion:

There's no denying bamboo toothbrushes are significantly greener.

Look, it's not a perfect alternative to traditional brushes. Removing, then tossing, the nylon bristles is really aggravating and still wasteful, though way less so than a fully synthetic version. Throwing out the whole bamboo one, you're looking at decades of pollution, but plastic would last centuries.

I still plan to triple-check with my dentist, but based on everything I've read online, bamboo toothbrushes are totally suitable for maintaining proper dental hygiene.

My take is that, if you already use a manual toothbrush anyway, the switch is worth a shot!

*

Becoming more eco-friendly isn't all or nothing. Don't feel defeated because you can't do THE MOST. You're doing your best :)

Image credit (top): Bamboodu
Image credit (bottom): The Sustainability Project

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