Paula’s picks | my skin, hair & sleep rituals
If you are new here, Paula’s Picks happens once a month, and it's a space where I share all of my obsessions with you. This month, we are going to dive into all my skin, hair, and sleep rituals because I want you showing up every day as a well-rested, highly moisturized queen. As always, you can find the audio version of this blog wherever you listen to podcasts and right at the top of of your screen.
Quick note: I thrive on routine, and you might glance at my list and think, 'she’s nuts.' However, even adopting a couple of these habits can make a significant difference in your daily routine.
Let's kick it off with skincare, my absolute favorite. While I won't delve into my entire routine since I'm always exploring new products, I do want to highlight some fantastic tools I've recently discovered. Additionally, I'm excited to introduce a fresh ritual I've incorporated: triple toning. Let’s get into it:
SKINCARE RITUALS:
NuFace: Every morning, I dedicate 7 minutes to using the NuFace device, a cutting-edge beauty tool designed to sculpt and enhance facial contours. This innovative product utilizes microcurrent technology, gently stimulating and toning the muscles beneath the skin's surface. It works to improve facial firmness, reduce fine lines, and create a lifted and more defined appearance. So, as part of my daily routine, I indulge in this effective 7-minute ritual, ensuring my face feels not only snatched but also revitalized and radiant.
Triple Toning: New ritual! After I wash my face I now triple tone. This technique, involving the strategic layering of toners, is a true game-changer for unlocking that coveted baby-smooth skin. It's not just about applying toner once; it's the art of layering it thrice, ensuring each application has the time to fully absorb before the next. This luxurious and deliberate step in my skincare regimen has proven to be exceptionally rewarding, resulting in a noticeable boost in radiance. Here are the toners I love:
Agent Nateur holi Water (pricey but worth it and you can mix with the two toners below to get more for your money)
Mixsoon Bifida Ferment Essence
Mimi Luzon Get Even Water (not mentioned in the episode because I had a brain fart, but I love, love, love this product)
House of Gro: The pièce de résistance of my skincare routine, this oil serves as the crown jewel that locks in all the goodness of the toners, leaving my skin luminous and supple. The real magic, however, unfolds when I pair it with the NuDerma high-frequency wand, which I will delve into below. Use code OYSTA20 for a 20% discount and enjoy free shipping.
NuDerma High Frequency Wand: Meet my new hero for getting rid of acne and the best part is its completely painless! If you've ever gotten a facial, chances are your aesthetician has used this device on you. Why not bring the spa experience home and indulge in what your facialist does for you occasionally, every day? This has quickly become my latest go-to product, it is amazing, and it also helps all the yummy product you’ve put on your skin absorb better.
TheraFace Mask: Red-light therapy is all the rage so of course, I had to try. This mask may look a bit spooky but this has become a part of my routine I will not miss. The TheraFace is a groundbreaking FDA-cleared LED skincare mask that provides powerful full-face Red, infrared, and Blue light, coupled with tension-relieving vibration therapy. Clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness, revealing firmer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin. I will be 8 weeks in next month and they promise visible reduction in fine lines and dark spots in that time. Until then I’m really just enjoying the scare it gives my husband every night!
Shifting our focus to hair, if you've been following Paula's Picks, you're likely aware of my journey dealing with thinning and shedding due to hormonal changes. While I acknowledge there are much worse things one can go through, this experience has been emotionally challenging for me, as it is for many others facing similar issues. After investing significant time and effort in refining my hair care routine, I'm thrilled to share the products that have yielded positive results. If you're navigating through hair loss or thinning, this segment is tailored specifically for you. However, it's crucial to note that all these products require a minimum of 90 days before forming any opinions, as repairing your scalp and hair demands patience and dedication, with no quick fixes.
HAIR REPAIR RITUALS:
Briogeo Scalp Revival Exfoliator Charcoal Shampoo & Conditioner: I absolutely love these products. The infusion of charcoal gently exfoliates, leaving my scalp feeling revitalized and thoroughly cleansed. Not only does it effectively remove impurities, but the nourishing ingredients also leave my hair soft, shiny, and with a renewed vibrancy that I can't get enough of. Hair health starts with the scalp and is the first step in combating any and all hairless issues. For more tips on why scalp health is important, listen to our episode with the founder of Briogeo, Nancy Twine.
Daily 4-Minute Scalp Massage with Brigeo Scalp Massager: Scalp massage is a holistic practice with multifaceted benefits for hair health. By improving blood circulation, reducing tension, and enhancing oil distribution, regular scalp massages contribute to a healthier environment for hair growth. Additionally, the removal of product buildup, relief from dryness and itchiness, and the promotion of relaxation underscore the importance of incorporating scalp massage into one's hair care routine for overall well-being and vibrant, resilient hair.
VegaMour Gro Hair Serum: Vegamour has exceeded my expectations in just 60 days, with visible results that have eased my hair woes considerably. I’ve experienced noticeably less shedding, and the appearance of new hair growth at my hairline and what sets Vegamour apart is its non-greasy formula, making it an ideal solution for effective hair care without ruining my blowout.
Hair La Vie Supplements: Hair La Vie supplements boast a powerful blend of natural ingredients, including biotin, vitamins, and essential minerals. This potent combination nourishes and strengthens hair from within, contributing to the reduction of shedding and promoting overall hair health.
NuDerma High Frequency Wand: Did I mention I love my NuDerma?! The comb devise stimulates the hair follicles and promotes a healthier scalp environment. I have committed to using the NuDerma High Frequency Wand every night as a proactive step towards revitalizing my scalp and promoting optimal conditions for new hair growth.
If you know me, you know my dedication to quality sleep is no secret. I go to great lengths to ensure a good night's rest, even if it means carrying magnesium and melatonin in my evening bag to take in the Uber home. What I've discovered truly works for me is a routine that facilitates easy sleep initiation, uninterrupted rest, and waking up feeling refreshed and invigorated, so let’s get into it my sleeping beauties!
SLEEP RITUALS:
Sleep ZM Blue Light Blocking Glasses: By reducing exposure to blue light during the evening, you can promote a more natural sleep-wake cycle and enjoy better overall sleep quality, so you better believe these babies go on as soon as I walk in the door from work and stay on until I dose off. Wearing blue light-blocking glasses at night is crucial for protecting your circadian rhythm and ensuring restful sleep. These glasses help filter out the artificial blue light emitted by screens, which can interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone.
Turn Down Service: Have you ever stayed in a fancy hotel & come back from dinner and the room has been freshened, slippers have magically appeared on the side of your bed, and there’s a small glass of water on the night table? This is called turndown service, and it is what I refer to my nighttime routine as and this is how it goes.
Ginger Tea and Arrae Bloat: Having ginger tea at night is beneficial as it can aid in digestion and promote a sense of relaxation, contributing to a more restful sleep. If I’ve had a big dinner, I will have Arrae Bloat to ensure things are moving the way the should. While I don’t take Arrae often because I try not to have big dinners during the week, I have found that any time I have taken it, its worked like a charm to de-bloat me and soothe my tummy overall. 8:15 PM
Lypo-Spheric Magnesium L-Threonate: Magnesium is crucial for promoting relaxation and quality sleep by regulating neurotransmitters and supporting the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. incorporate this supplement into my routine approximately 30 minutes before bedtime. While there are numerous magnesium products available, this particular one stands out as the most effective for me, consistently promoting relaxation and preparing me for a restful night's sleep. 9:00 PM
Half-lit Shower: This one is a little cooky but whatever! Instead of using all the lights in my bathroom, I turn off the one directly over the shower, allowing the light from outside the shower to filter in and provide just the right ambiance. 9:00 PM
PHONE USE STOPS AFTER THE SHOWER
5 Mg Melatonin: I incorporate melatonin into my weeknight routine to ensure uninterrupted sleep, I don’t have time to waste tossing and turning. However, I take breaks on weekends to mitigate potential hormone disruption, recognizing the importance of a balanced approach to its usage. 9:30 PM
20-30 Minutes of Reading: Reading before bed can be beneficial for several reasons. First, it helps in relaxing the mind and reducing stress, making it easier to transition into sleep. Additionally, the blue light emitted from electronic devices is known to disrupt sleep, so get off your phone and try not to use a Kindle if you want to fall asleep easily. All of my favorite books are linked in my Amazon store if you need some recommendations. 10:00 PM
Okay, if you’ve made it this far, we are one in the same and I’m so glad that you are just as crazy as I am. Let’s move the conversation over to social, @worldsyouroystapodcast, I want to know all about your rituals and regimens.
