Bestow the Graces
Skin Bathing Ritual
When your skin is hydrated it will feel soft, look dewy and radiate a beautiful glow. It will also function better because water promotes enzyme action in the outer most layer of our skin. Until fairly recently this layer, the Stratum Corneum, was considered to consist of dead cells. We now know that it is teaming with biological activity but only if it is provided with the vital water it needs.
Unfortunately most people have dehydrated skin without even knowing it. They have come to accept dull skin as ‘normal’. Low humidity levels, cold temperatures and indoor heating all have a dehydrating effect on the skin.
When the upper layer of the skin is dehydrated, all sorts of things go wrong, on both a biological and a visible level.
Enzyme action becomes impaired and many of the functions this layer would normally carry out, suffer. Visibly the skin looks dull, wrinkles and fine lines become more obvious, the skin may flush in cold or hot temperatures, it can often feel like it needs exfoliation and for some skin’s, because it can be tight, it can congest more easily making it prone to acne and breakouts. Low moisture levels can even weaken and sensitise the skin.
A twice-daily routine to hydrate and revitalise your skin.
Simply, re-hydrating the skin goes a long way to correcting these conditions and can take normal skin to the next level.
- The stimulation of enzyme action revitalises lack-lustre skin.
- Pores will become less visible and the skin texture more refined.
- Dehydrated cells will pump up by 25%, softening wrinkles and fine lines.
- Skin will cope better with temperature change and be more likely to remain calm rather than flush.
- Skincare products will penetrate more easily and you won’t use as much.
- You will begin to notice the dewy glow within one week!
How to bathe your skin:
- Firstly, partially fill your hand basin with warm water.
- Then immerse a Bestow Soaking Cloth in the warm water, wring out the excess water and press the damp cloth to your face.
- Take three slow, deep breaths.
- Repeat the previous two steps to ensure your skin is well hydrated.
- Deep breathing puts your body into your parasympathetic nervous system, which is your rest and repair system. This simple practice makes this a very good ritual for reducing stress levels as well as well as for hydrating your skin.
- After bathing your skin, you can apply any mists or serums to your still-damp skin.
- Then quickly lock in all of this precious moisture by massaging in your favourite oils or moisturiser to your skin.
The importance of bathing the skin:
Water is the hidden grace in this routine. To boost luminosity, it is vital that the skin receives topical hydration.
Drinking water is important for general hydration. But it’s not enough for the skin. When you bathe the skin, it absorbs precious moisture in the upper layers of the epidermis. Applying your moisturiser or facial oil immediately after bathing traps the water and stops it from escaping.
The skin will hold onto topical hydration for 12 hours and then it is thirsty for more. This is why we bathe the skin in the morning and the evening.
Do not be tempted to skip this step! Skin bathing is vital. It brings out the best in the products and in your skin.
