Do you have a friend with a skin care routine so complicated it rivals the rules of quantum theory? From a twelve-step cleansing process to bi-weekly masks and serums, they have more products than they can fit in their medicine cabinet.
What gift do you get for the skin care fanatic who already has everything?
Below are our top ten gift ideas that can help bring something unique to even the most well-stocked bathrooms.
#1: Activated Charcoal
Anyone with a skin care obsession knows that hydration is crucial for achieving dewy, healthy-looking skin. Low-quality tap water can cut our best skin care efforts off at the root, leaving skin dry and dull.
The perfect solution? An activated charcoal stick absorbs nasty toxins that make your beautiful skin look blah. Your friend can stick it into their water bottle and stay hydrated while on the go.
#2 Collagen
A nutrient-rich diet is the key to achieving healthy skin.
Collagen is the secret ingredient in many skin care products. Topical application can liven skin. However, consuming collagen helps your body replenish its natural stores if your diet lacks this vital substance.
Collagen comes from:
- Cattle
- Pork
- Fish
If your friend has any dietary restrictions, be sure to source your collagen from a brand that fits their values.
#3 A Luxe Skin Care Kit
Even if your friend already has a list of go-to products, they likely love trying new brands! Vegan skin care kits give them an opportunity to experiment with a new roster of cleansers, moisturizers, and masks.
#4 Antioxidant-Rich Essential Oils
Essential oils are a secret skin care powerhouse. Rose, frankincense, and lavender essential oils are the secret ingredients in many high-end skin care products.
Why?
- Antioxidants prevent signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines.
- Essential oils soothe nerves and boost mood, too.
A versatile essential oil can be added to just about any home skin care recipe.
#5 A Coffee Alternative
As we already noted, hydration is crucial for skin health. Coffee is a diuretic, which can make you dehydrated. Beyond that, caffeine kicks your adrenal glands into high gear. This can cause systemic inflammation that affects stress levels, sleep, and—you guessed it—skin.
Adaptogenic coffee can provide a much-needed morning boost of energy without the negative side effects.
#6 Low-Alcohol Drinks
If you’ve ever had a hangover, you know that excessive alcohol consumption can leave you feeling and looking awful. Some skin care obsessives forgo alcohol entirely in pursuit of the perfect, glowing skin.
Consider gifting a low-alcohol drink that still conveys celebration and fun. Great options include:
- Low-alcohol spirits
- Hard kombucha
- Sparkling cider
Even if your friend likes to imbibe, they’ll enjoy the variety!
#7 CBD
CBD products are known to help you relax, soothe sore muscles, and provide other health benefits.
Did you know that full-spectrum hemp oil can help with skin issues, too? Your friend can take their new oil in their (adaptogenic) coffee or apply it topically to achieve these effects:
- Soothe rashes
- Reduce acne
- Provide hydration
#8 Facial Cups
Cupping is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique for promoting energy and blood flow in stagnant muscles. Some people call facial cupping “nature’s Botox.”
Swiping small, silicone facial cups in an upward motion along the jawline, temples, and cheeks can help your skin appear plump and youthful. You’ll need to apply oil first so that the cups glide smoothly (CBD oil is a great choice!).
Just be sure to keep the cups moving to avoid any bruising.
#9 Gua Sha Kit
Similar to cupping, Gua Sha is an ancient Asian technique for bringing blood flow to stuck tissue—it is the art of scraping your skin with a flat amethyst or quartz disk.
As with cupping, new practitioners should use a light hand and watch a few YouTube videos to avoid developing red spots.
#10 Crystal Face Roller
A bit gentler than Gua Sha and cupping, facial rolling uses a cylinder made of crystal to bring blood flow to facial muscles. Popular choices include:
- Jade – Soothes inflammation and redness and helps reduce acne.
- Amethyst – Deeply purifies the skin and helps reduce stress.
- Obsidian – Drains tension and toxins.
Many people pop their face rollers in the fridge before use. This can feel especially luxurious and soothing after a long day squinting into a computer screen.
Experimenting with Skin Care
As any beauty enthusiast knows, our skin care needs change with the seasons, and as we age. Consider buying your friend a couple of the options listed above so that they can see which best suit their changing skin.
We hope you learned a little bit more about skin health and got inspired for your own evening routine, too!