by Founded in Toscon, Arizona and focused on consciousness, the spa was founded nearly three decades ago, and its recent expansions in Austin, Texas, and Lenox, Massachusetts, could not have been more relevant to its fog. pandemic that has solved many of us.
At Miraval, experts help guests relax with simple self-catering practices through movement, connection to nature and the celebration of important cultural traditions (such as kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken vessels and marking them with gold to reinforce that the broken one should be celebrated instead of camouflaged). On my trip, I found myself not needing as much repair, but perhaps longing for a renewal after two years of uncertainty and stress – an IRL “Cntrl + Alt + Del” button, if you will.
Fortunately, I discovered that while there was beauty in the care of a busy resort, so many of the practices are fairly easy to repeat without having to travel to a luxury spa. Here are my findings for those who are tired and need rest or recovery — all the things you can do from the comfort of your own home.
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In the bathroom: Enjoy facial treatment at home
One of the easiest ways to bring the Berkshires Hills spa into your home is with a DIY facial. All you need to do is get the right products and put them in layers in the right shape – something that is especially important during the winter months.
At this time of year, many people need to focus on hydration in their skin care routines, but here’s the important thing: For the moisturizing ingredients to work, you must first make sure that all the dead skin cells have been removed from your skin. . Think of your dead skin cells as you would with a football offensive line: If you want to get in there and deal with your problems (so to speak), you must first overcome the layer that holds your skin tight.
At Miraval Renew & Restore Facial, beauticians use formulas from the eponymous line of Dr. Dennis Gross to do just that. First, they scan all the dead skin cells by chemical exfoliation and then replenish them with excellent moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. See how you can reproduce the face at home.
1. Wash your face
Start with a cleanser – whatever you have is good, but if you are looking for a recommendation, Miraval used Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Makeup Removing Meltaway Cleanser followed by the brand’s Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel – and be sure to remove all makeup, sweat, dirt and debris.
When I wash my face at night, I’m lucky if the cleanser stays on for 30 seconds, but when you turn your attention to your skin for a facial, you need to make sure you do yourself a facial massage soap for at least a minute. Then rinse and dry your face with a towel.
2. Exfoliate
Next, you will want to reach for one of Dr. Bark patches. Dennis Gross. At the spa, beauticians use more strong acids than we can at home, but using daily peel pillows will give you the same result. I like Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel, which combines alpha and beta hydroxy acids for complete 360 degree exfoliation.
“Beta hydroxy acids go deeper into the pores and are great for acne, oily skin and glow. Alpha hydroxy acids are good for superficial exfoliation,” Shirley Chi, MD, a dermatologist in California, told Well + Good. “So when used together, you have more exfoliation and shine than when used alone.”
Apply the first step and wait about two minutes. then neutralize it with the second wipe. Do not be afraid: It will not aggravate your skin or make it feel red, but if you have sensitive skin, choose one of the gentlest options of the brand.
3. Hydration
Now that you have wiped out the dead skin cells, you will want to rejuvenate your skin with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid (it’s best — don’t think too much about it). Again, if you have an HA that you like, grab it and use it, but if you want what the beautician used on my skin, it’s Dr. Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster. Dennis Gross Skincare.
4. Protect
Before leaving your bathroom (unless it is night, of course), you will want to apply a protection index of 30 or higher. It is doubly necessary to protect your skin after exfoliation because it is more sensitive to the sun and sun damage. This is really the most essential step.
Outside: Meditate on nature
At Miraval Resort, one of my favorite activities was a quick morning meditation with horses (which — yes — includes meditation with horses). After meditating, we brushed and walked three dream horses, which reminded us of this great breadth we live in and all the creatures with whom we share it.
If you are interested in meditation but are afraid of the vastness of clearing your mind, choose a guided session. There are many apps you can follow, but the free options (like the video below from Miraval Berkshires Resort) are a great reminder that these tools can be cheap and often in our hands.
While I will forever be sad that I can not live my best life as a horse after every meditation, can tune in to the needs of the animals around me. Maybe brush my Irish setter. Maybe I will try not to hate the pigeons that gather outside my window. Maybe I can find a pizza rat and send him positive vibes. Who knows! The possibilities are endless.
In the gym: Try a familiar movement with a different mentality
On the last day of my time at Miraval, I found myself really working to put all the puzzle pieces together on a solo ride out. With the pervasive winter air around me, I chose to tune in to what I was feeling and move some thoughts and feelings instead of blowing up a Podcast to drown them out. Making this familiar move with a new perspective brought clarity and focus and reminded me that even in the pandemic fog, having the right tools of self-awareness and self-care can make things feel clear.
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