The phrase “skincare is self-care” has been used a lot lately. But what does it actually mean?
Emotional First Aid Skincare Products: Connecting Skincare To Your Soul
Yes, your skin is your body’s largest organ, so taking care of it is a key part of taking care of your health. However, these amazing products below go beyond the basic functional needs of skincare and connect to my heart and soul–and, dare I say the metaphysical.
Each of these sparks a connection to a memory, person or place that brings me peace and strength. The products are from various stores and span price points, so there is something for everyone. Part 1 contains products of a drug store-range price point.
Full disclosure: All of these products were purchased with my own money. None of the products were gifted. This post is NOT sponsored.
Stress and Skin Meet 2020
When I get upset, my skin gets very sensitive, and it feels like I have a sunburn. I will be the first to admit that I spent a lot of 2020 stressed out and a little more upset than normal, so it is no surprise my skin’s needs changed.
In March 2020, my sebum and sanity packed up and left. I went from having extremely oily and acne-prone skin to having dry and sensitive skin–seemingly overnight.
Enter Pyunkang Yul
I was originally drawn to Pyunkang Yul after hearing about them on a dermatologist’s youtube channel. Pyunkang Yul is a skincare brand out of a hospital in Korea that has its roots in Chinese medicine. They also keep their ingredients to a minimum to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Two of their skincare products are in my “emotion first aid skincare kit.”
Although they are a Korean brand and not sold at Sephora, Pyunkang Yul is actually quite easy to order in Canada. Many of their products are sold on Amazon and iHerb.
The most popular product from the brand is the Essence Toner. The Essence Toner is a fragrance-free moisturizing toner with the consistency of slightly thick water. What is even cooler is that it contains 90% of Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract instead of water! Put a few drops in your palms, rub your band together, and pat into your skin.
Connecting To Something Greater
I originally bought the Essence Toner because my grandfather always talks about the immune benefits of Astragalus (aka Milk Vetch). So in early 2020, when the world and my skin were on fire, I thought my body and soul would benefit from every little bit of calming and immune-boosting ingredients that I could get my hands on. Plus, it helped me feel closer to my family that was across the (closed) border.
The main ingredient in the Essence Toner is Astragalus/Milk Vetch. According to their website that sells PKY
“The modern medical explanation for milk vetch’s efficacy is that isoflavonoid within the milk vetch acts as an antioxidant by eliminating active oxygen. Its anti-inflammatory properties enhance the skin’s immunity and promote skin regeneration. Furthermore, the active ingredient, saponin, has an excellent moisturizing effect.”
With all that said, it is an amazing moisturizing toner for when my skin and I are stressed out. You are able to add multiple layers of it if you are going for a bouncy and hydrated look and feel.
Although the Essence Toner is in PKY “down line” recommended for dry skin, it is a really light product. I have even been able to use it on even hot summer days.
Good news, at the time of writing this article, AMAZON.ca has the FULL-SIZE version of this product is on sale for the same size and the mini version. Run, don’t walk, people.
Moisture Ampoule
The second PKY product is Moisture Ampoule. This product is unlike any other skincare product I have ever tried. It is thick and has the consistency of honey.
If you are into the “Glass Skin” look (a term for dewy, glowing and almost poreless looking skin), then this is the product for you! I have yet to encounter any other product that gives the “Glass Skin” look after one use like the Moisture Ampoule!
Now with that said, I do find it quite thick. So after I apply it, I go in with Rose Facial Mist or magic water from a warrior goddess. Then, after I spray a generous amount of the magic water, I gently massage in the Moisture Ampoule.
Magic Water and Warrior Goddess
What is the magic water, and who is this warrior goddess? “Rose Facial Mist” and Brandy Nielson.
Brandy and I used to work with the same company. Eventually, she left and started her own company, “The Front Door Store.” Brandy makes skincare and is a shaman. She also understands Dr Emoto’s studies on how Human vibrational energy, thoughts, words, ideas and music affect the molecular structure of water.
Magic Water and Warrior Goddesses capture the true essence of the skincare portion of the emotional first aid kit. So often, it goes beyond what we can see and extends to how it makes us feel. That is why skincare is self-care.
When I use these products, I feel connected to my ancestors and strong women, both past and present. These products calm and centre me. Some people have talismans, superstitions or treasured family heirlooms that they draw strength and peace from. I have skincare.
