Self-care is a term that's often thrown around these days. While everyone emphasises its importance, there are numerous, and sometimes conflicting, interpretations of what it entails.
I distinctly recall my early days as a new mom when well-intentioned advice often suggested, "You need some self-care. How about getting a massage?" I appreciate my husband's support, but a massage didn't quite cut it for me. It left me feeling guilty about being away from my baby, uncomfortable due to tender breasts when lying on my stomach, necessitating a pump session afterward.
Most importantly, once the massage ended, I swiftly reverted to my prior state of anxiety and exhaustion. This is not to discredit the value of a massage as self-care; it certainly suits some individuals. However, it didn't meet the four criteria that define meaningful self-care for me.
Enter skincare and aesthetic treatments (such as Xeomin, filler, peels, etc.). These have proven to be my authentic self-care solutions. My personal definition of self-care is as follows: an action or series of actions that you undertake because you consider yourself valuable, and that aids in your personal growth. These self-care practices demand initiative, involve a degree of risk, and require a financial investment.
Initiative
Self-care inherently involves taking action, but this aspect is sometimes overlooked. While the occasional 'Netflix and chill' session is necessary, making it a daily routine is bound to disappoint. Activities that demand no effort on your part fail to convey a sense of self-worth and seldom contribute to your personal growth.
Rest
Is undeniably important, particularly in the midst of busy schedules, parenting, and work. However, if we agree on the definition of self-care that recognises your worth and supports personal growth, endlessly scrolling through TikTok or binge-watching YouTube shorts falls short.
In fact, that nighttime skincare routine, which you might be tempted to skip due to exhaustion, is crucial. Turn off the TV ten minutes earlier and invest that time in your skincare. You'll feel far more content laying your clean, hydrated, and nourished face on the pillow compared to watching a few more videos. Why? Because the act of caring for your skin conveys the message that you consider yourself important.
Risk
Not all self-care activities entail risk, but this is a factor that makes treatments like Xeomin and filler so impactful. The perceived risk involved in an action correlates with the release of dopamine in your brain when you achieve a positive outcome. Aesthetic treatments are generally safe, but they are not entirely without risk. I always discuss potential risks with my patients before each treatment, regardless of whether they've heard it before. There are also perceived risks related to factors like, 'Will my family or friends judge me?' I witness this in my treatment room regularly. A new patient may initially feel nervous, but after undergoing a procedure, they experience a surge of positive emotion and elation. The wrinkles may not have disappeared yet, but the act, combined with the perceived risk, conveys the message "You Are Important," leading to a dopamine rush.
Investment
Self-care involves a financial commitment. Skincare products, Xeomin, and filler all require a financial investment that shouldn't be taken lightly. However, when you make this investment, you're essentially telling yourself, "I am important enough to spend money on." You have a stake in the game, a financial commitment that motivates you to follow through with treatments and preventive care like sunscreen.
I don't advocate overspending on aesthetic treatments. In fact, if you're uncomfortable with the cost, I strongly recommend against it. The goal of every treatment is to help you feel your best, and you won't achieve that if you regret the expenditure. It's essential to establish a budget for treatments that you feel safe and comfortable with. A skilled clinician can work with you to design a treatment plan that aligns with your budget and helps you make steady progress toward your skincare goals over time.
You can explore options like courses of treatments where you can receive 20% off treatments, or payment options like afterpay which offer reduced prices and the opportunity to pay over 4-6, or membership payments. This way, you can set aside a portion of your budget each month towards a treatment when you're ready.
What do you think of my definition of self-care?
Do you agree with it, or do you have a different perspective on self-care?
Please take the time to read our Botulinum Toxin Type A page as this informs you of the contraindications and side-effects of these treatments. Botulinum Toxin is a medicine and must be treated as such, only to be injected by a Registered Medical Professional. BOTOX® is a prescription medicine containing 100 units of Clostridium Botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of severe frown lines and associated ‘crow’s feet’ around the eyes. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialists about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: people with neuro-muscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning sensation or redness at injection site, temporary local muscle weakness including eyelid droop, decreased sensation and nausea. If you have side effects or concerns, talk to your doctor. A charge applies. Allergan Pharmaceutical, Auckland. XEOMIN® is a prescription medicine containing 50, 100 LD50 Units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines on the forehead in adults. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Xeomin® treatment lasts about four months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Cautions: Generalised disorders of muscle activity; Infection or inflammation at the proposed injection sites, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects: headache, pain, swelling or infection at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling & nausea. You will need to pay for this medicine. Discuss with your specialist if Xeomin is right for you. For more information or for a copy of CMI please contact the NZ distributor: NZMS Ltd: 2a Fisher Crescent, Mt Wellington, Auckland, Ph 09 259 4062. TAPS NA7621.
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