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December 16, 2025 5 mins
If your skin feels dry, tight, or tired this winter, this gentle Christmas skincare ritual is for you. In this episode of Season of Softness, we focus on comforting dry, winter-worn skin with slow, nourishing touch and intentional care. Cold air, indoor heat, and busy days can leave both our skin and our hearts feeling depleted — this calming audio invites you to pause, soften, and receive comfort. You’ll be guided through a simple skincare ritual using a facial oil or balm, along with gentle reflection and a spoken blessing. This is not about fixing your skin or doing more — it’s about offering warmth, protection, and kindness to your body during the Christmas season. ✨ Perfect for: Dry or sensitive winter skin A quiet evening skincare routine Stress relief and gentle self-care Cozy Christmas reflection Slow skincare for mature or delicate skin 🕯 What you’ll need: A simple facial oil or balm Clean hands A few quiet minutes This episode is part of Season of Softness, a Christmas audio series blending skincare, self-care, and rest. New episodes offer gentle rituals you can return to again and again throughout the season. 💛 If this moment brought you comfort, consider subscribing for more calming skincare rituals and seasonal self-care.
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Episode Transcript

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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 your host, Carrie Sharf. Today we're focusing on comfort
for dry and tired skin and some important self care
tips just for you. We're calling this series the Season
of Softness. Now, let's all take a deep breath in
and let it go, setting the tone for a comforting

(00:25):
and soothing experience together. As the weather turns colder, our
skin takes quite a hit. The chilly air outside and
the dry heat indoors can cause our skin to lose
moisture rapidly, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. It's
a time when our skin's natural defenses are compromised and
it needs a bit of extra TLC to stay hydrated

(00:47):
and healthy. Now, you might be tempted to pile on
numerous products or reach for those harsher treatments to counteract
the winter dryness, but hold on. Overloading your skin with
products or using treatments that are too abrasive can do
more harm than good, stripping your skin of its natural
oils and causing irritation. So what's the plan? Nourishment protection,

(01:09):
and gentleness are key. In today's episode, we'll dive into
how to provide your skin with everything it needs to
weather the winter months gracefully. From choosing the right moisturizers
to adopting a gentle cleansing routine. We're here to help
you keep your skin soft, supple, and resilient despite the cold.
Let's start with one of my favorite rituals for winter

(01:30):
skin care, warming and nourishing the skin with facial oils, balms,
or butters. First, you want to choose something simple and
super nourishing. Think of products like jojoba oil, shade butter,
or a gentle facial balm. These are fantastic for providing
the rich hydration your skin craves during the colder months. Now,
once you've selected your product, the key is to warm

(01:51):
it up in your palms. First, take a small amount
and rub it between your hands until it feels comfortably warm.
This not only makes the product more soothing, but I'll
also helps it to spread more easily. Once your oil
or bomb is warmed up, gently press it onto your face.
Avoid rubbing or pulling your skin. Instead, use a pressing
motion to apply the product, almost like you're giving yourself

(02:12):
a gentle face massage. This method helps to create a
beautiful protective layer on your skin, locking in moisture and
providing a shield against the harsh winter weather. As you
go through this ritual, take a moment to take some slow,
deep breaths inhale deeply, and exhale slowly. Allow yourself to
relax and truly enjoy the process. This isn't just about

(02:35):
skin care. It's also about creating a moment of calm
and self care in your day. Remember, this ritual is
as much about nourishing your spirit as it is about
caring for your skin. Now that we've taken care of
our faces with nourishing oils and balms, let's extend that
comforting routine to our necks. Take a small amount of
the remaining oil or bomb and, using gentle upward strokes,

(02:57):
apply it to your neck. This part of our body
often gets overlooked, yet it deserves just as much care
and attention. Those gentle upward strokes can help to smooth
and hydrate the delicate skin on your neck, and it's
a wonderful way to pamper yourself just a little bit more. Next,
let's move on to our hands. Our hands do so
much for us and yet are often neglected in our

(03:18):
self care routines. Take a moment now to massage your fingers,
your palms, and the backs of your hands. Use slow,
circular motions, feeling the tension melt away as you do so.
Our hands can become dry and cracked, especially during winter,
so giving them some love and attention is crucial. As
you continue this soothing massage, reflect on the importance of

(03:40):
caring for these often overlooked areas. It's not just about
skin care, it's about recognizing the hard work our bodies
do for us every day and responding with kindness. Think
about any other areas where you might need some extra care,
whether it's physical comfort or emotional support. Self care is
highly personal, and it's essential to listen to what your

(04:03):
body and mind are telling you. By dedicating these moments
to yourself, you're not only enhancing your skin's health, but
also nurturing your overall well being. So take your time,
enjoy the process, and remember that each small act of
self care adds up to a more grounded, healthy, and
happy you. May your skin be wrapped in comfort. May

(04:26):
your body feel safe and supported. May you receive the
care you so freely give to others. Take a deep
breath with me now Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Allow
yourself to soak in this moment of peace and reflection.
As you go about your day, carry the softness with you.
Let it remind you to care for yourself with the
same tenderness you show to others. Thank you for joining

(04:50):
me today in this episode of Slow Beauty, Skincare and
Self Care for Women forty plus. I'm your host, Carrie Sharp.
Check the show notes for any links or articles mentioned
in today's episode. Until next time, take gentle care of yourself.
Remember you can return to this comforting ritual whenever you
need a moment of peace and self care. In our
next episode, we'll be exploring the comforting sense of the

(05:10):
season and how they can enhance your daily self care routine.
Be gentle with yourself until we meet again. Don't forget
to check the show notes for additional resources, including our website, newsletter,
and a free winter skin barrier SOS checklist. Thank you
for joining me today on Slow Beauty, Skincare and Self
Care for Women forty plus. I'm Carrie Sharf. Until next time,

(05:32):
take gentle care of yourself,
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