As a university professor, I spend countless hours reviewing research papers, preparing lectures, and leading class discussions. Yet, one thing I refuse to neglect is my skincare routine. Despite the demands of academia, I believe that taking care of my skin is essential for my overall well-being and confidence. Balancing my professional responsibilities with self-care is crucial, and I prioritize investing time in my skincare regimen. It’s a common pitfall for many in academia and other demanding professions to overlook this vital aspect of self-care.

The Awakening: Discovering the Magic of Skincare

As a graduate student, I found myself looking tired and worn out during a particularly stressful semester. On a whim, I picked up a few skincare products. Little did I know this small act would lead to a transformative journey.

The Joy of the Process

There’s something incredibly soothing about a skincare routine. It’s a few minutes each day where I can focus solely on myself—a rare luxury in the busy life of an academic. As I massage cleansers and serums into my skin, I find my mind clearing and the stress of the day melting away.

My Holy Grail Products

Let me share some of my absolute favourite products that have made a world of difference:

• Makeup Removers: Farmacy’s Cleansing Balm and Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
• Gentle Daily Cleanser: Tatcha’s The Rice Wash Soft Cream Cleanser
• Once-a-Week Cleanser: Tatcha’s The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser
• Hydrating Toner: Pixi Glow’s Tonic Glycolic Acid Toner
• Daily Moisturizer: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream It’s perfect for my combination skin.
• Hydration Serums: The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum offers deep hydration at a price that can’t be beaten. Its lightweight texture allows me to layer it under my moisturizers.
• Favourite Daily Moisturizer: La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream
• Favourite Night Moisturizers Indigo Overnight Repair and Queen of the Thrones Organic Golden Castor Oil

The Unexpected Benefits

While the improvement in my skin’s appearance was noticeable, the most significant change was in how I felt. Taking time for this simple act of self-care each day boosted my confidence and helped me feel more put-together, even on the most hectic days.

A Lesson in Balance

As academics, we often prioritize our mental faculties over our physical appearance. However, I’ve learned that caring for my skin isn’t just about vanity but holistic well-being. It’s a reminder that we are more than just our minds; we’re whole beings deserving of care and attention.

Embracing Imperfection

Of course, no skincare routine is perfect, and neither is our skin. Some days are better than others, and that’s okay. The joy is in the process, not the perfection.

The Ripple Effect

Interestingly, this newfound appreciation for skincare has spilled over into other areas of my life. I find myself more mindful of my overall health, more present in my daily activities, and even more creative in my teaching and research.

So, to my fellow academics and busy professionals, I encourage you to try skincare. As I did, you might find that happiness is sometimes only skin deep—and that’s perfectly okay.

Please share your skincare favourites!