Combatting Dry Skin: An Interview with ility and an Evening Ritual With Eco-Conscious Luxury Scents

Amidst the whirlwind of the holiday season, carving out moments for self-care becomes indispensable. The bustling schedules and festive fervor often leave our skin parched and longing for attention. As an esthetician of over two decades, I understand that combatting dryness necessitates deliberate acts of self-nurturing amidst the chaos. One way to slow down during the hustle and bustle is to schedule time.  Take out your calendar and schedule time for yourself.  I know that’s a hard thing to do when you have kids running around, year-end work deadlines to meet, holiday parties to attend, and an endless amount of gift wrapping to do for loved ones, but hear me out.  Take 15-30 minutes for yourself.  Lock yourself in the bathroom if you have to, put a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door if you have to, and shut your phone off.  It’s okay to disconnect for a few minutes so you can fully reconnect charged up and ready to conquer the holidays. Embracing a serene evening ritual, lit by the gentle glow of the Sanctuary wood wick candle, becomes a sanctuary in itself. A skincare regimen infused with hydrating essentials offers a respite, allowing for a soothing escape. Amidst the merry chaos, prioritizing these moments of self-care ensures not only a radiant complexion but also a tranquil interlude for the soul.  We took the liberty of taking some of the guesswork out of combatting the winter dry skin blues by interviewing one of our favorite holistic estheticians Laura MacLeod, owner and creator of ility. Keep reading to learn about our favorite dry skin products for the body, what ility is all about, and our favorite luxury candle to light during your scheduled evening ritual!

What does ility mean?

At its core, ility represents the "quality of being," drawing inspiration from the words ability, credibility, and responsibility. It encapsulates our firm belief that everyone possesses the ability to nurture their skin and overall well-being. Our commitment lies in the credibility of thoughtful, science-backed formulations that prioritize the health of your skin. Moreover, we acknowledge the responsibility we bear to provide products that not only deliver results but also uphold the standards of quality for at-home spa experiences.

ility is more than just a name; it's a declaration of our values and a promise to you. It symbolizes a journey towards holistic well-being, where the synergy of ability, credibility, and responsibility converges to elevate your skincare experience.

Why did you start ility?

The concept of ility emerged from personal experiences with dry skin in a new climate, fueled by a background in the spa industry and a passion for health and wellness. As a holistic esthetician, I observed a common trend among clients who, despite indulging in spa treatments, struggled to extend those holistic practices into their daily lives. Motivated by the desire to bridge this gap, ility introduces a line of products designed to bring the luxurious quality of spa treatments into your daily skincare routine.

Elevate your self-care rituals and maintain that post-spa glow with ility's commitment to holistic well-being and nourishing solutions. Self-care shouldn't be confined to the spa—it should seamlessly integrate into your everyday life.

What is your favorite product for dry skin?

It's hard to play favorites, but if I had to choose, our "Body Elixir" is a standout. This body oil is enriched with natural oils and fatty acids that deeply moisturize and soften the skin offering deep hydration without feeling heavy on the skin. The formula is carefully crafted to combat dryness and lock in moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple." 

What inspires you when creating your products?

ility is more than just a body care product line, we're dedicated to your overall well-being, inspired by the simplicity and effectiveness of spa treatments.

Drawing from my experience in the spa industry, where caring for our bodies and minds takes center stage, we infuse these principles into every product we create. Picture your daily body care routine turning into a soothing ritual—a time to pamper your skin and rejuvenate your spirit. The essence of luxurious spa experiences is seamlessly integrated into each product, offering not just physical benefits but also a sensory experience that uplifts and revitalizes.

Having witnessed the transformative power of spa treatments, I recognize their profound impact on overall well-being. ility is committed to bringing this sense of rejuvenation, relaxation, and energetic balance into your daily life. Our products are more than skincare—they're a pathway to simple and effective self-care. Embrace the beauty of a holistic approach, where nature, science, and the therapeutic essence of spa-inspired indulgence come together in a skincare journey that nurtures your entire being. 

I am overjoyed with ility and Laura's dedication to staying true to her holistic approach to the health of your skin.  While Laura did mention her favorite product for dry skin, I do have a few favorites of my own that I would like to overshare.  Dry skin will usually look scaly and flaky and sometimes itchy if not taken care of. The easiest way to get rid of dry skin is not only by drinking lots of water and avoiding a lot of caffeinated drinks but by also using proper exfoliation methods followed by the right hydrating ingredients to give your skin a dewy youthful look like you just stepped out of the fountain of youth. Again, I did mention in the beginning that you need to schedule time for self-care so let's get to it.

Creating a Tranquil Environment With The Best Luxury Scent

Scented candles have long been revered for their ability to create a serene and soothing atmosphere. The Sanctuary wood wick candle takes this experience to new heights with its unique scent profile. Close your eyes, inhale deeply, and let the enticing luxurious vegan friendly aroma transport you to a world of calmness and relaxation. Let the worries of the day melt away as you bask in the tranquil ambiance created by the wood wick Sanctuary Candle.  Indulging in the senses is essential for overall well-being. The Sanctuary Candle made up of a blend of coconut-apricot wax and custom blended essential oils not only delights the olfactory senses with its captivating luxurious aroma of citron, orchid, and heliotrope, but also promotes a sense of relaxation and wellness with ceremonial notes of palo santo and warming notes of vanilla, amber, and tonka bean. Allow the exotic scent profile to transport you to a world of tranquility, where you can escape the chaos of everyday life and find solace in the flickering glow.

Two Of My Favorite Products For Instant Dry Skin Relief: 

The Uplifting Body Polish by ility.  I use this product a few times a week and I also use it as a prep when I shave my legs. 

Every time I remove the lid I put this jar to my nose and inhale the most uplifting essential oils of clementine and lemon followed by my favorite essential oil of sensual jasmine.  Smelling essential oils can put you in a better mood in a matter of seconds so this is a must.  I take just a little bit out and start at my feet gently rubbing in circular motions up toward the hip bone stimulating blood flow, exfoliating dead skin, and releasing endorphins at the same time.  Then I continue exfoliating my elbows and I do a final exfoliation over my stomach.  This body polish is made with sugar crystals allowing for a more gentle and thorough exfoliation.  Through testing I have found sugar body polishes to be a better and safer approach than salt body polishes.  Once rinsed off my shower is not only smelling like I'm at a resort spa destination but my skin is now drenched in the nourishing body oils of Jojoba, Mango Seed Butter, and Coconut Oil the perfect slip for the best shave of your life!  You can pat dry and leave as is but I always finish with my second favorite product.

The Body Elixir by ility.  This body elixir acts as a second dose of uplifting aromatherapy with essential oils of wild orange and clementine to delight the senses and of course, combined with our favorite essential oil of sensual jasmine.  The nourishing and hydrating oils absorb quickly into my skin leaving it feeling hydrated and my sense of well-being restored in a matter of minutes.  I use this product daily and year-round because of its fast-absorbing oils.

Conclusion

Indulging in self-care isn't selfish, it's 100% necessary for one's well-being.  The luxury of eco-conscious relaxation with the Sanctuary wood wick candle and holistic products that uplift the spirit while hydrating the skin is just what you need to combat the winter blues. Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of exotic scents, enjoy the extended burn time of 80 hours the Sanctuary wood wick candle offers, and take comfort in knowing that you are making a safe choice with our fully sustainable coconut-apricot wax candle. Transform your space into a sanctuary of tranquility and surrender to the captivating allure the Sanctuary luxury candle creates while experiencing eco-conscious luxury with ility.

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