Although not everyone develops clinical depression or anxiety, everyone experiences symptoms of illness or poor mental health. Days when you feel low and demotivated. Days when you feel you can’t move out of bed. Days when you get home so tired you can’t fathom doing anything but sleep. Whatever the cause, we all have those days.

Sometimes you need to push yourself to engage with what’s going to make you feel better – exercise or your skincare routine or that admin task you keep putting off. Other times, you simply need to give yourself a break. Sometimes you do just need to lie in bed and do nothing productive. You know yourself best so treat yourself with the same compassion you’d treat a close friend.

This is a minimal skincare routine for those days

To start, it is worth mentioning that many people look forward to their skincare routine at the end of the day! Skincare is a form of self-care and you can customise it to be something you enjoy. However, this article is about those days when you don’t feel up to it.

Step 1: CLEANSE

The most important thing you can do for your skin is to wash your make-up off. If there is only one thing you can muster up the energy for, let it be this step.

Do not use a facial wipe – the rubbing you need to do and the fairly harsh ingredients they contain tend to irritate your skin. In addition, they make up more than 90% of the material causing sewer blockages in the UK and contribute to water pollution.

Do use micellar water on a cotton pad – make sure to clean your skin until no more make-up comes off on the cotton pad. Use as many cotton pads as you need to get everything off your face.

Step 2: MIST

A simple hydrating mist is a quick and easy way to provide some hydration to your skin. Feel free to use it throughout the day, not just during this step!

Step 3: MOISTURISE

Finish with a moisturiser suitable for your skin type. If dry, use a heavier cream. If oily or combination, use a lighter formula. 

This is a basic, soothing skincare routine you can employ when you need to give yourself a break!

Credit to Caroline Hirons for the idea for this article. I read her blog post for some product recommendations:https://www.carolinehirons.com/2019/04/when-you-dont-have-the-energy-skincare-in-m-e-depression-illness.html