Self Care isn't Selfish

Chilling out in the lounge at Bliss Float

Olay hit the nail on the head with their tag line, "Love the skin you're in." Isn't that something we all want, to not only feel good in our skin but to love it as well?

Gosh, that would be such a nice place to be. I have to admit, it's been somewhat of a struggle for me lately. I've entered my early thirties, and call me insecure, but I've become much more aware of my skin and what it's trying to tell me. I know I need to allow myself some grace, but my body has been though a lot the last few years. I was on a plethora of drugs to help maintain my pregnancy, then add that to the natural occurring hormones of growing a human, AND THEN multiply that by postpartum fluctuations of prolactin and oxytocin .... and shucks, my body AND my skin are feeling pretty schizophrenic of late. 

Like a lot of mums out there, having our daughter made me reevaluate what products we were putting on her skin during the day and at bath time. I became obsessed with reading labels, doing research and trying to find the most natural, non-toxic products out there.

Then it hit me.
Shouldn't I be taking the same precautions for myself?
​Shouldn't I make myself a priority as well?

But isn't that often the way of it? Women eat the best they've ever eaten when pregnant and use the best of the best for their bubs, even if that means they have to go without.

I not only needed to take more initiative in my own non-toxic skin care routine, but I also needed to carve out more time for myself. 
After all, you can't pour from an empty cup. 

Non-toxic skin TLC +  me time = Cue Kindred Toxin Free Facials. I'd heard of Natalie (owner of Kindred), before I met her while teaching yoga at Inna Bliss in Bulima. People were always singing her praises in the waiting room or while leaving her appointments as I was puttering around cleaning up after my classes. I also knew she was voted best facial in Brisbane and that I should book in for a healthy dose of "treatyoself."

​There are a lot of spas and facialists in Brisbane, but how many can promise you a luxurious experience where all the products used are organic, eco-friendly, toxin-free, and kind to animals? Not many.

Yesterday I had the Glow Ritual facial with Lily of Kindred and it was, hands down, the best facial I've ever had. I've had a fair few in my day, but they were usually Endota-esk and a more mainstream spa, cookie cutter experience. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed those facials, but they pail in comparison. I had no idea what else was out there and how comprehensive a facial could be in terms of nurturing the mind, body and spirit. 

We opened the facial with a Audra James sleep grounding blend and three deeps breaths. Lily placed one hand on my heart and gave me some direction to focus my breathing and my thoughts. We had a brief chat about my skin and then prepared my skin for diamond-head microdermabrasion, a personal favourite of mine. Each step of the treatment seemed to build to something even more wonderful, and as the serene music played, I let my mind drift off into a deep state of relaxation. 

Highlights of my Glow Ritual treatment

►  Rose Quartz Gua Sha massage. 
​The practice of Gua Sha dates back to the Ming Dynasty between 1368-1644. Back then they traditionally used jade gun sha in the hopes of stimulating circulation to the muscle and tissues which was believed to detox the body of stagnate "qi" reducing pain in the body.  

​It's thought to encourage lymphatic drainage and help to revitalize tired skin. 

The pressure of the cool rose quartz on my face was so soothing and felt outstanding. I had to ask what was being used because it felt so foreign and (surprising) physically stimulating. Later in the treatment she also used a rose quart roller which felt divine. I guess if you're like me and only your own hands as tool when treating your face, it makes for an incredibly unique experience. 

​►  The Cacao banana face mask.
​This mask is from the Little Alchemist. I think it was painted on with a fan brush and it smelled so damn good that I was actually tempted to lick my lips. After painting the sweet smelling blend on, the pampering continued with a super indulgent massage of my hands, arms, shoulders, neck and head. Often times the massages given during facials are short and sweet, but this hands on time was long and luxurious and the pressure was firm. Just how I like it.

►  Burning Palo Santo Wood.
After the mask was applied and the eye pillow secured over, Lily burned some Palo Santo. Palo Santo is harvested a few places in the world; Mexico, Central and South America. Palo Santo actually translates to "holy wood," and it derives from the same family as Frankincense and Myrrh. It's been used for centuries for spiritual, religious, and medicinal purposes. Lily burned the wood while walking around the room, and she gave me some breathing cues and an uplifting affirmation before leaving the room. I had the space to myself for a few minutes and I didn't even move. It was as if I were in the ultimate  savasana, but on a plush bed instead of a wooden studio floor. 

►  After the facial, I was presented with a hot cup of tea in a stone cup (swoon) and a Loco Love hazelnut chocolate. As if I weren't already blissed out enough, a cuppa and raw chocolate treat was the sweetest of touches to finish off my hour of pure decadence.

​I made my way to the lounge for some quiet reflection, read some affirmation cards and even helped myself to a second cup of Mayde tea. 

I'm so glad that I finally got to experience Kindred and understand, first hand, how exceptional their services are. What made my time even more special was that all of Kindred's products aligned with my own values.

I practiced a bit of self care, and didn't feel selfish... quite the contrary. I returned home to my family a better version of myself, more whole, more rested and with a healthy, radiant glow.
                                                                                                                                   I am loving the skin I'm in.
​

​Click here to book your next treatment. 

EMK