Life has changed a lot in the past two years. The pandemic has forced us to make lifestyle changes due to social distancing. And if there is one thing that I really miss nowadays, that would be a relaxing professional facial massage.
I should admit that we were all forced to change our priorities. But does that mean that we have to stop looking after ourselves? Of course not!
The pandemic forced many to look for safer alternatives, including how you look after your skin. If you can’t visit the spa to get a professional facial massage, why not doing it in the comfort of your own home? According to this study, facial massage increases blood flow to the skin, this means more oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. It might not be the same, but it would be a safer alternative to being exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Lately, I have been introduced to the SelfCareKey brand, and since then, I have been doing my facial massage whenever I wish to, and honestly, I love it!
SelfCareKey brand was founded to “spread the word about self-care and promote the message that everyone should take time for themselves“. The aim of their products is to help you relax and rewind. It is so important to take good care of yourself, and so do SelfCareKey helps you “elevate your relationship with yourself to produce positive feelings and boost your confidence“.
SelfCareKey skincare products include a balm, facial oils, serums, and skincare tools.
I got the chance to try the Marigold Body Balm. I also received the Jade Gua Sha, which I will tell you about later in this post.
Marigold Body Balm
This balm is 100% natural and can be used anywhere: lips, under eyes, elbows, heels, dry skin, rashes, sunburn, diaper rash, itchy skin, after shaving or waxing, cuticles, hangnails.
It consists of two ingredients: Yellow Beeswax, Calendula (Marigold Infused) Oil. Ingredients are free of Parabens, Phalates, Silicones, and artificial materials.
Having only two ingredients in this balm is great for all green beauty lovers; here is a quick look at the benefits of these ingredients.
Marigold Flower Benefits to the Skin
Marigold flower, also known as the Calendula flower has been used for centuries in Ayurveda.
Marigold reduces inflammation, redness, sunburns, dryness, swelling caused by muscle cramps, fungal infections, reduces eczema, helps treat wounds, prevents diaper rash, and soothes skin after shaving.
Yellow Beeswax Benefits
Yellow beeswax, which is refined to remove impurities, is a humectant, which means it attracts water, thus helps your skin stay hydrated. It also creates a protective layer on your skin, thus it is good for treating burns, wounds, and soothing eczema. In addition, it contains vitamin A which promotes cell regeneration.
Jade Gua Sha
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your blood circulation. The technique of using the gua sha in short or long strokes helps stimulate the blood flow in the soft tissues.
It is said that gua sha may reduce inflammation, therefore it is often used to treat chronic pain like muscle, neck, and joint pain. It also may help produce collagen, softens fine lines and wrinkles, decreases puffiness, diminishes dark circles, brightens complexion, sculpts facial muscles, and release tightness.
Gua sha is a safe natural healing remedy; still, tiny blood vessels can break, causing minor bleeding. That is why you should make sure the technician is well experienced, and if you are going to use the tool by yourself, make sure to watch a video by a professional on YouTube (like this video) to get familiar with how to use the tool without harming yourself.
Experts recommend using the rose quartz in the morning, and jade during the rest of the day and in the evening. Both types are available on SelfCareKey website, so it is up to you to choose what suits you best.
My Thoughts
Marigold body balm by SelfCareKey has significantly moisturized my skin without making it greasy.
At a first glance, the creamy texture which tends to be oily in warm weather makes you think that the balm will set on the surface of your skin.
Not at all! It penetrates quickly deep in my skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
I use it on my lips, face, under eyes, and hands especially when they feel dry or itchy. You don’t have to apply much so a little bit goes a long way. I prefer to use it at night along with the Jade gua sha for better absorption. But you can also use it in the morning; just make sure to let it set before you apply your makeup.
Being made of two ingredients, this balm from SelfCareKey is really a great choice. The smell is amazing! It has a light honey smell, which makes me want to eat it! In addition, the reusable tin is a bonus for eco-friendly fans.
*If you have allergies to honey or beeswax, make sure to do a patch test.
Along with the Marigold balm, I used the jade gua sha in my night skincare routine.
I noticed that it helps my skin absorb the balm; it also gives a pink glow to my skin, so it looks more radiant. It is said that the gua sha helps to sculpt your face, I can’t tell since I used it for just a few weeks, but it really helped transform my dull skin to a more radiant and dewy look.
It is like giving my skin a mini workout! Make sure to visit SelfCareKey website to learn more about the brand and its products, and follow them on Instagram.