A Gentle Christmas Skincare & Self-Care Guide: preparing the skin (and heart)

The podcast episode, entitled "Season of Softness," from the series "Slow Beauty: Skincare & Self-Care for Women 40+" hosted by Carrie Scharf, guides listeners through a self-care regimen to soothe and tend to both their skin and mind during the bustling holiday period.

• The Cleansing Method Mini-Guide
• Carrie's Herbal lnfused Skincare Cookbook

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast
Slow Beauty, Skincare and Self Care for Women forty plus.
I'm Carrie Sharf and I'm so glad you're here. Today
we're diving into a special episode from our Christmas audio
series called Season of Softness. We'll be preparing your skin,
your mind, and your heart for gentle, restorative moments amidst

(00:24):
the busy season. All right, let's get started with step one,
setting your space. First things first, find a comfortable place
where you feel relaxed and at ease. It could be
a quiet corner in your home, a cozy chair, or
even your bed. The key is to choose a spot
where you can truly unwind. Next, think about the lighting.

(00:46):
Dimming the lights can create a soothing atmosphere. If you
have candles, light a few to add a warm, calming
glow to your space. The gentle flicker of candle light
can really help to center your mind and body. As
you settle into your space, take a moment to tune
into your body and mind. How are you feeling right now?
Are there any areas of tension or stress? Give yourself

(01:07):
permission to simply notice these sensations without judgment. Now let's
focus on our breath. Take slow, deep breaths inhaling through
your nose and exhaling through your mouth. With each breath,
imagine that you're softening your body and clearing away any tension.
Feel the gentle rise and fall of your chest, and
let your breath create a sense of calm and relaxation

(01:27):
throughout your entire being. This is your time to unwind
and prepare yourself for the soothing practices will cover next
in our Season of Softness series. Now, let's move on
to step two, the gentle cleansing ritual. This step is
all about taking a moment to care for your skin
in the most tender way possible. To begin, let's talk
about using a gentle cleanser. Choose one that feels nourishing

(01:51):
and kind to your skin. This isn't the time for
anything harsh or stripping. We want to preserve your skin's
natural balance. Use a warm, soft wash claw or just
lukewarm water, and apply the cleanser with gentle circular motions.
As you massage the cleanser into your skin, feel the
warmth of your hands embracing your face. Imagine you're giving

(02:11):
your skin a loving caring touch. This isn't just about cleansing,
It's about connecting with yourself and appreciating the skin you're in.
As you rinse off the cleanser, take the opportunity to
wash away not only the impurities on your skin, but
also the accumulated noise and stress of the season. Let
this practice make space for a sense of stillness and peace.

(02:34):
Feel the simple joy and tranquility of taking this moment
just for you. Now that we've gone through the gentle
cleansing ritual, let's move on to step three. Pat dry
and pause. Once you've rinsed off the cleanser, reach for
a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry. Be
tender and gentle with this step, as your skin has
just been freshly cleansed and deserves the utmost care. As

(02:57):
you do this, take a deep breath and on honor
your skin. Feel the fabric of the towel against your face,
and let that gentle pressure ground you in this present moment.
Notice the sensation of your skin, the warmth still lingering
from the water, and allow yourself to be fully present
in this quiet moment. Even just a few minutes of

(03:18):
being here with yourself can make a huge difference for
both your skin and your spirit. It's about giving yourself
the permission to pause and just be. Embrace this time
as a way to connect with your body and nurture
your soul. So tenderly pat your skin dry. Take another
deep breath and honor the beauty of this peaceful practice.
You've earned it. Now that we've taken the time to

(03:40):
cleanse and pat dry, let's move on to Step four,
Reflection and intention. This step invites us to look inward
and set nurturing intentions for ourselves. Take a moment to
ask yourself, what do I hope to feel in my
body today? Allow your heart to guide your answers. It's
about tuning into what you genuinely need. Consider what tiny

(04:01):
act of care can I offer myself this week? It
might be as simple as taking an extra five minutes
for yourself each morning, or maybe enjoying a quiet cup
of tea without any distractions. As you reflect on these questions,
whisper a blessing over yourself, or sit in gratitude for
this moment of self care. Acknowledge the care you're giving
yourself and recognize that this is just the beginning of
a daily practice. Remember, these small acts of kindness towards

(04:25):
yourself are so important in nurturing your well being. Take
your time here, breathe and absorb the calm and intentions
you've set. Thank you all for joining us on this
self care journey today. Remember there's a free cleansing method
mini guide available at skincarecookbook dot com or in the
show notes, so be sure to check that out for
more detailed guidance. Join us next time for episode two,

(04:46):
where we'll be focusing on comforting dry, tired skin. Until then,
I wish you soft skin, a calm body, and a
peaceful heart. This is slow Beauty, skincare and self care
for women forty plus with Carrie Sharp. Take care and
see you next time.