And a stimulating one, at that…

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Of all the things that I’ve missed since March 13th -- the day that I unofficially began spending most of my days and nights at home -- facials just might sit in spot number 1.

Truth be told, I don’t get facials very often. They’re usually reserved for more of a “why not treat yourself” moment. But, I’m the sort of person who can’t seem to bother with procuring the necessary tools/products to perform one on my own. And since making an appointment for a facial is still near impossible, well, I’ve just...let it go. Though I’d be lying if I said that I miss the love/hate of extractions, my chin likes to remind me that maskne is real, and it’s not helping matters. And months spent primarily indoors have diminished the post-summer glow that I might normally sport this time of year.

Specifically, a Yerba Mate Energy Facial, formulated to bring you the benefits of a bona fide face-to-face with your esthetician: to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, minimize breakouts, blur fine lines, soften skin and brighten your complexion.

I learned years ago about the benefits of drinking yerba mate -- minimizing oxidative stress, improving blood flow, boosting energy levels. In the skincare world, that might mean better firmness and elasticity, and minimizing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

So, what does all this mean? Win-win, I’m in.

Youth To The People’s formula is 100% vegan, and really couldn't be easier to use. After washing my face, I simply applied an even layer of the Energy Facial and gave it a few minutes to remove dead, face-dulling skin cells (thank you, bromelain and papaya enzymes). My skin tingled (in a good way) and with no irritation whatsoever. I massaged the scrub into my face with some water. The mix of fine bamboo and diatomaceous earth (think natural pumice powder) left my skin feeling softer than it’s been in seven months.

And my skin even feels a bit tighter, especially when I smile. Which makes me smile even bigger. Now I’m just hoping that there’s a nice little neck massage in this jar somewhere...