Oftentimes when we think of “self-care routine” we automatically think of a skincare regime or soaking in a hot, lavender Epsom salt bath with sounds of the ocean gently playing in the background and our favorite candle burning. But “self-care” is more than that, “it makes you feel good, benefits your mind and body, and can set the tone for your day or night” explains Lynette Pettinicchi a Certified Nuttrionist and Pilates Coach. “When creating a self-care routine, it’s important to make it realistic so it doesn’t have the opposite effect; added stress”.
But with our busy schedules and not really being “taught” how to have a routine, how do we start? Why is it important?
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How to Start a Self-Care Routine & Why It Matters
“Having self-care is not only important but essential for mental health, happiness, physical wellness, and creativity,” explains Dr. Stephanie Redmod. “This doesn’t have to mean ADDING in self-care, it means prioritizing it over pretty much all else – which will automatically have to shift something else to the bottom of the totem pole… and that is OK.”
Here’s a sneak peek into Dr. Redmond’s morning routine:
Water + vitamin D/K drops, GLP-Wonder capsule, and glutathione + vitamin C capsules first thing in the morning. “Supplements are important to me right after waking up becaus mornings are the only consistent part of my day”. Followed by coffee, under eye pads from the fridge, making the beds so I feel like my house is off to a clean start. Exercise or some sort of movement daily, and my manifestation time is a new part of my routine in 2025.
Even something as simple as throwing on your sexiest robe like this one from Mentionables while getting your red light therapy on, to standing on an acupuncture mat, to cozying up on the couch with a good classic read, a Cedarwood + Lavender Outdoor Fellow candle burning, while your hair is in a R+Co BLEU Sleep Masque Night Repair Serum.
Beyond Skincare: Nourishing Your Body and Mind
As mentioned earlier, self-care goes beyond a skincare routine. It’s also “nourishing your body with whole foods and taking the proper supplements” Dr. Redmond adds. “If you are adding a supplement to your routine, remember it takes time for nutrient levels to build up so consistency is important to experience true benefits. Research (and mother nature forever) has demonstrated certain vitamins, herbs are very powerful to help us optimize our overall wellness – so this is a beautiful thing to layer into your self-care routine.”
Self-care even extends to how you take care of your jewelry, crazy right?! For instance, your wedding ring – the ring you probably never take off, so everyday it gets dirty like your hands and actually even dirtier – this is why carving out time monthly (or when needed) to clean your jewlery with Diamond Drunk, can be something to incorporate into your routine – seeing your jewels shine brighter and cleaner can instantly boost your mood.
Winding down after a busy day can also be challenging. Getting home from work knowing you may still have to cook dinner, maybe do some chores, take care of the kids – where do you even start to have an evening self-care routine?
Founder of MesoLyft products and Boston-based cosmetic injections clinic, Masha Amelina PA-C, shares her evening routine with us:
Building Your Ideal Evening Self Care Routine
On those days when I want to feel extra special and beautiful and reconnect with myself, I start by drawing a bath with relaxing magnesium salts and lighting my rose quartz candle, which creates a beautiful, loving ambiance. I then dim the lights and turn on a Goddess meditation. This meditation delves into the depths of the subconscious, where you can imagine anything, and it feels so real. It quickly relaxes my mind and body and immerses me in a fairy visual of a beautiful goddess dressed in beautiful clothes and jewelry who knows how powerful she is.
My sleep / bedtime routine is what works best for me. I swear by my eye mask from Sia Silk to block out any and all light (I am deaf so we don’t have to worry about earplugs!) not to mention, I wear my Maskād hydrogel infusion face mask once a week, I spray down with a magnesium spray, use a mouthtape and nose strip, and detox foot pads. Additionally, I do try to get my partner to also start a nightly routine, we’re starting with FoliGROWTH Follicular Performance Serum which addresses DHT blocking while supporting healthy levels of key nutrients critical to the hair growth cycle via direct nutrition through the scalp. The serum features carefully paired vitamins, extracts, antioxidant botanicals, and essential oils such as vitamin D3, rosemary oil, azelaic acid, and panthenol, to maximize potential results. Baby steps, right?
Just like when starting anything new, finding a routine that works best for you will take time. You’re going to be uncomfortable, your schedule may change, but as Dr. Redmon also stresses that the important part of that phrase is routine. “Do it regularly so that it becomes a habit and non-negotiable. Build in mechanisms to help you feel good and want to participate in this routine.”
Ashley-Victoria Smith
Serial entrepreneur, celebrity publicist, published author, swimwear designer, and creative director. Currently resides in the Queen City with her two rescue fur babies indulging in coffee, a good book, and Marvel movies.
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