Celebrate National Relaxation Day With Great Products That Bring ALL The Chill Vibes
August 15th marks National Relaxation Day, a reminder to carve out some time for ourselves, to find an escape from the stressors of daily life and create a space for calmness and serenity. From scalp massages to pampering body masks, muscle-soothing bath soaks and relaxing ear candles, I shared some of my favorite ways to chill out and unwind with my friends at CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin.” Check out the segment by clicking here, and keep reading for more on the goodies shown on TV!
Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite LipWare Pro
If you haven’t seen my TikTok video on lip aging, here’s a bit of a primer. Our lips are among the first areas of the face to display aging signs (along with the eyes, of course). Our bodies produce less collagen as we age (studies indicate that, after age 20, the rate of collagen production slows down by about 1% per year), which can lead to lose of elasticity and, in turn, wrinkles and sagging. Now, because our lips have thinner and more delicate skin than other areas of the face, this loss of collagen and elastin becomes all the more visible over time. This can mean loss of volume (lips appearing thinner), as well as fine lines on the lips themselves and along the upper lip area, smile lines at the corners of the mouth, drier skin on the lips, and more.
To keep your pout perky and pillowy, scoop up the new Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite LipWare Pro ($148 on Sephora.com).
This FDA-cleared, clinically-proven LED device specifically targets the lip area, employing 56 red lights in multiple wavelengths that effectively stimulate collagen production and boost circulation. To use, you simply place the mouthpiece inside your mouth, press the on button, and relax. Upon the completion of your 3-minute treatment, the device will automatically shut off. No timer needed, no messy gels or balms, no cords, no fuss!
Each treatment helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, enhance your natural lip color, and leave you with a fuller and more defined pout.
Joon Sumac Scalp Scrub
Do you love when your hairdresser shampoos and conditions your hair at the salon? Does it make the tension simply melt away from your body? Well, there’s a good reason for that. Studies indicate that scalp massages may alleviate stress by lowering cortisol levels. Here’s even better news: you don’t need to pay for a salon visit to enjoy a scalp massage. All you need are your own trusty fingers and a great scalp scrub.
Try the new JOON Sumac Scalp Scrub, a dual-action exfoliating scrub and detoxifying shampoo that harnesses the benefits of traditional Persian spices such as sumac, mint and fenugreek. Based in Houston, JOON was launched by siblings Shiva and Kayvon Tavakoli with the goal of using haircare to marry science and the ancient traditions and holistic rituals they learned from their Persian grandparents.
The JOON Sumac Scalp Scrub, then, features thoughtfully curated ingredients that pay homage to the founders’ heritage while also boasting phenomenal detoxifying, moisturizing, and nourishing properties. Sumac, for instance, is commonly used as a spice and is derived from a dark red berry that’s rich in antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals. Similarly, fenugreek is an herb that’s rich in protein an iron, both of which are necessary for healthy hair growth. Other ingredients include: peppermint, spearmint and tea tree oils, which boast antibacterial properties and which also work to invigorate and refresh the scalp and improve circulation; and olive oil to nourish the scalp and hair, boost elasticity and improve shine.
The 2-in-1 product, then, acts as both a shampoo and scrub, removing dirt and product build-up while soothing and moisturizing the scalp and supporting healthy hair growth. Moreover, the formula features plant-based cellulose and bamboo exfoliants that are gentle on the scalp, as opposed to sugar, salt, and nut sells which can cause microabrasions and even damage hair. The scrub is also easy to rinse out — even for those of us with textured strands — and safe for color- and keratin-treated hair.
It’s $38 on JoonHaircare.com, SaksFifthAvenue.com and Amazon.
And for a limited time, you can enjoy 25% off on JoonHaircare.com with the code RELAX25
Hair Proud Hair Revival Leave-in Scalp & Hair Moisturizer
Is your hair feeling a little extra parched after all these months of triple-digit temperatures and dips in the pool? Well, you can give it some extra TLC even after you hop out of the shower with the Hair Proud Hair Revival Leave-in Scalp & Hair Moisturizer ($8.98 on Walmart.com).
This lightweight but powerful leave-in treatment features a clean, 100% vegan and cruelty-free formula that instantly moisturizes, detangles, de-frizzes, and adds shine — all while protecting hair against daily stressors such as UV rays, humidity, and heat styling.
The formula features prebiotics that help to maintain a balanced scalp microbiome, hyaluronic acid to hydrate the scalp and hair, and biotin to support thicker and stronger strands.
Not only will your hair look healthier but you’ll feel invigorated by the Sparkling Citrus & Crisp Spring Sky scent.
Olay Body Hyaluronic Regimen
We tend to think of dry, rough, flaky skin as a wintertime issue, but it’s actually a common summertime woe as well. The harsh UV rays, the chlorinated water in our pools, the saltwater at the beach, and the dry air in our air conditioned homes and vehicles can all contribute to our skin feeling parched and rough.
To hydrate summer-ravaged skin and transform every shower into an indulgent and enjoyable self-care experience, look to the Olay Hyaluronic Regimen, which is comprised of the Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash and Olay Hyaluronic Body Lotion.
Both products are infused with hyaluronic acid and formulated with moisturizing ingredients like petrolatum and a Vitamin B3 complex that penetrate 10 surface layers deep, hydrating to replenish and strengthen the skin barrier from within.
When used together, these products deliver a dual punch of hydration that leaves skin healthy, soft, and supple.
The body wash retails for $7.99 and the lotion is $9.99. You can find them at mass retailers like Target, Walmart and Walgreens.
Body Proud Sleep Hero Overnight Recovery Body Mask
Sleeping Beauty was onto something! Scientists have learned that our skin has its own circadian rhythm and that, as a result, both skin cell renewal and collagen production rates increase significantly at night, while we rest.
Armed with this information, many skincare companies have formulated overnight face masks (otherwise known as “sleeping masks”) that work in harmony with the skin’s own circadian rhythm by delivering powerful active ingredients during the time when our skin is most actively repairing itself. That said, very little attention has been paid to the skin below the neck. But that’s all starting to change thanks to brands like Body Proud.
The Body Proud Sleep Hero Overnight Recovery Body Mask ($11.98 on Walmart.com) is a multi-tasking body mask that’s infused with retinol, an anti-aging powerhouse known to stimulate collagen production and promote cellular turnover, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles and revealing more youthful, even, radiant skin. The formula also includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin as well as niacinamide, which helps to brighten skin while also strengthening the skin’s protective barrier, allowing it to better lock in moisture.
The leave-on body mask features a bouncy gel texture that’s non-sticky and delightfully airy, so it won’t feel heavy on your skin or transfer onto your bedding. Plus the Midnight Garden & Musk scent has a sensual and soothing quality that will leave you feeling like a bombshell!
Muscle Rehab Bath Soaks and Bath Bombs
Not only is rest and relaxation pivotal for your mental and emotional health, but it’s also essential for your physical wellbeing. If you lead an active lifestyle, that means prioritizing your athletic recovery just as much as you for your training. In addition to taking rest days, you’ll want to try recovery techniques ranging from stretching and foam rolling to cryotherapy, sports massage, and muscle soaks. Enter Muscle Rehab, a Texas-based brand that specializes in bath soaks and bath bombs designed to ease muscle soreness, fight lactic acid build-up and facilitate better sleep.
Both the Bath Bombs and Bath Soaks feature USP Epsom salt, which contains magnesium and does wonders to relieve muscle pain. But they go so far beyond Epsom salt! In fact, they also incorporate 10 essential oils that help with athletic recovery and relaxation including: turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory benefits; a blend of eucalyptus, vetiver, and peppermint oils that cools the body; arnica extract and ginger to reenergize tired muscles; and clary sage to clear the mind and promote tranquility.
Each 0.29 oz. Bath Soak bag and 16 oz. Bath Bomb bag retails for $18.99 at H-E-B, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, and Central Market. You can also find Muscle Rehab on Amazon.
Wally’s Natural Ear Remedies
Nowadays, our ears are constantly stimulated. We wear earbuds to listen to music and podcasts. We’re constantly video chatting, talking on the phone, scrolling through videos on TikTok and Instagram, and watching TV shows and movies. We’re surrounded by traffic and construction sounds — and even, come bedtime, we often have to resort to using white noise machines to drown out sounds that might interfere with our slumber.
All this auditory stimuli can be overwhelming at times which is why to it’s important to carve out some time for quiet, stillness, and reflection. One great way to do so is through ear candling.
Ear candling is a centuries-old wellness practice that’s believed to help relieve stress and encourage relaxation. It involves using an ear candle, a long and hollow tube made of cotton muslin that’s been soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or soy, then allowed to harden. Typically measuring about 10″ in length, each ear candle features a tapered that’s meant to be inserted in the ear. While laying down on your side, you place the tapered end of the candle in your ear and light the opposite end of the candle. The warm heat transfers down the cone, creating a soothing sensation that’s heightened by the soft and crackling sound of the candle softly burning. Ear candling proponents rave about its calming and mood-boosting benefits.
You can enjoy this soothing experience and melt away daily frustrations — all from the comfort of home —with Wally’s Natural Ear Candles, which are available in paraffin, beeswax and soy varieties. There’s also a lavender-scented beeswax option for those looking for an aromatherapy boost.
And to make ear health part of your daily routine, pick up Wally’s Organic Ear Oil, which is designed to support healthy ears, calm itching and soothe sensitive ears. It’s dermatologist- and pediatrician-tested, and it contains skin-calming ingredients like olive, lavender, and tea tree oils.
And if your kiddos constantly have dirty ears, you’ll want to check out the Fearless Kidz Ear Scrub, a natural and gentle product made by mothers to clean away dirt and excess ear wax from their children’s ears. It’s pediatrician-tested and designed for kids ages 3 and up.
You can find Wally’s Natural at Target, Walmart, CVS and Sprouts, or visit WallysNatural.com and use promo code AUSTIN for 20% off your purchase!
