Love the Old-Fashioned Ritual of Washing My Face!

This may sound silly to you–because I am not known for my habits of tidyness–but I have wanted to tell you, if you’ve forgotten (or never really knew) the pleasures of washing your face at night before going to bed.

I don’t remember olden times–honestly cannot remember not having the handy little wipes that neatly swept off make-up. The wipes are so easy, just gently swipe until the cover-up, mascara, rouge, eyebrow pencil, and purple eye shadow are gone, drop into the wastebasket. Period. Boom. No need for hot water and a towel.

But recently (a vague term, how many years add up to “recently?” cannot tell you…I’m no good at math) of course filling raw land with trash has become a major issue worldwide. I got the message and the day came when, at CVS I reached out my hand to buy another double-pack of towelettes, then withdrew my hand. Vowed to wash my face the old-fashioned way: soap and water.

The soap in my sink was perfumed, a Christmas gift, I felt likely too harsh for my face, so I cruised the soap aisle and found a soap whose label promised gentle skin cleansing. Brought it home.

Sudsy soap is fun. Promising–looking at it, the bar says, “Hey, all these bubbles are going to be gentle and sweet for your face! Lift away the poisonous stuff you apply trying to make yourself beautiful. Go for it!”

Lovely. Old-fashioned. And at this point I’m for anything that’s old-fashioned…pure…not jived up with today’s nonsense.

The thing I’m eager to tell you about is the PLEASURE this small day’s-end ritual gives. I LOVE splashing hot–HOT–water over my skin (is the heat good for my skin? must ask Dr. M. on my next check-up–will let you know what he says). Then gently patting it dry with a soft towel.  It feels so good. So pure. So old-fashioned (have I mentioned that virtue?).

I find myself happier and happier with the simple rituals of earlier days.

Go thou and try it out likewise.

Splash splash. Swirl swirl. Pat pat. And then to bed.

Sweet dreams.