It's 4 p.m., the days are getting longer. The low sunlight streaming through the window casts a slanted light on my vanity. I picked up a tube of sunscreen to organize, and it felt unusually light. I squeezed it all the way out, and it was completely gone. It's a calm afternoon, and I'm overcome with a strange sense of accomplishment and pride at having emptied the entire tube.
Winter is often cold and cloudy, so it's tempting to neglect skincare. But I know that the winter sun, penetrating deep into the interior from low altitudes, can be even more damaging to skin. So, I feel a sense of urgency, as if all the diligent work I've done every morning is captured in a single bottle. This product absorbs seamlessly, almost like applying a layer of hydrating cream, and it's a valuable asset that keeps my skin from feeling tight even in the dry indoor environment.
I resolve to protect my skin with a renewed spirit, as much as I've emptied it. Rather than resorting to flashy cosmetics, I find that when I stick to the basics of daily habits, I feel most at peace in the mirror. As I toss the empty tubes into the trash, I hope my skin will be as healthy tomorrow as it is today. Why not take a moment this afternoon, when the light is particularly strong, to look in the mirror and check on your skin?