If you want to de-stress, start with your skin

Last week I had an amazing opportunity to treat myself to a little skin meditation. If you’re wondering what this means, trust me, I was too when I first received the Zoom invitation from LOUM. Upon delving into the details, this 20-or-so minute treatment featuring a trio of LOUM treatment products quickly became the most anticipated slice of my week.

But first a little background… LOUM is all about mitigating the effects that stress has on the skin. This includes adrenaline’s propensity to cause dryness, redness and sensitivity; the central nervous system’s effect on oily skin and breakouts; and the fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness that can arise from the cortisol produced during our “fight or flight” response. (Here’s looking at you, 2020.)

Prior to the event I received a package that included LOUM’s Renew & Brighten Minifacial, Pure Serenity Golden Vitamin C Serum and Redefine Contour Firming Cream. I’ve been seeing the effects of stress all over my face for what feels like forever now, but only then did I really understand what exactly was going on—and I was more ready for a little meditation than I’ve ever been.

Then the fun—or bliss, rather—began. This guided meditation, led by an aesthetician with the most soothing, serene voice ever, started with applying the Renew & Brighten Mini Facial and mindfully massaging it all over my face and neck while practicing deep breathing. I would say we were at it for more almost 10 minutes (hard to know for sure) before gently wiping it off with the wet washcloth I was instructed to have handy. Thanks to LOUM’s Tri-Serene Complex of whole plant CBD, marine micro-algae and wild indigo extract—plus gently-exfoliating pumpkin enzymes and antioxidant-rich chamomile and grapeseed extracts—my skin never felt so smooth and calm.

The next step was the Pure Serenity Vitamin C Serum (which is the one product I can never have too much of)—but I’ve never experienced one that uses submicrometric gold to stabilize this powerhouse ingredient. After more massage and delicate patting, my skin felt extra plump after this step.

Finally, we finished with the Redefine Contour Cream to essential seal in the skin serenity. I looked in the mirror immediately after leaving the meeting, and I couldn’t believe how plump, firm and radiant my face looked. It had been ages since I’d seen my skin so happy.

I’ll be honest… As hard as I’ve tried to get into meditation, it just hasn’t happened for me yet. However, the addition of skincare just might do the trick. Next time I treat myself to this ritual I’ll be busting out my gua sha tool—and then I might be so chilled out that I have to check out for the rest of the day!

P.S. Check out my Instagram to see the results!