It probably says a lot about me that my idea of self care involves no yoga mats, green juice or meditation apps… just a clean bathroom, quiet evening at home, an unreasonable number of candles lit, and preferably a cat within arms' reach. There’s something truly grounding about carving out time to care for your skin properly, not in that rushed, bleary-eyed morning obligation kind of way we’ve become accustomed to, but an actual ritual for your skin. One where you can take your time, reset, use all your favourite products, and feel like a person again.
I didn’t always feel this way about skincare. But like a lot of people, the last five years shifted something in me. When our clinics were closed and life felt heavier than usual, I started to look at my at-home skincare differently. Self care wasn’t just a buzzword to me anymore, it was a way of creating small joy in controlled bursts. And now, even though we’ve moved on from sourdough starters and Zoom birthday parties, these rituals have stayed a part of my weekly routine.
Which brings me to the Skinsmith’s B12 Trio, my current holy grail for a wind-down routine that feels indulgent without being high maintenance. These three pink-hued honeys have been in high rotation for me lately, especially when I want to give my skin some TLC and enjoy a moment that feels like a spa at home (minus the robe that somehow never seems to actually fit properly).
The science behind the B12 glow-up
Before we get into the, perhaps overly comprehensive, how-to for your at-home spa ritual, let’s delve into what makes these B12 products something to rave about. Most of us have heard about the vitamin in the supplement context, but in skincare, it works a different kind of magic. It soothes, calms, and helps rebuild the skin’s barrier. Think of it as the ingredient equivalent of a weighted blanket for the face, cocooning skin in calm and comfort.
That natural pink hue you’ll notice? That’s the B12, too. And while it makes the routine feel all the more luxe and feminine chic, it’s the skin’s benefits that really make it a standout. For someone who battles with occasional redness or sensitive flare-ups, you’re safe here, and B12 has quickly become one of those ingredients to look out for.
Set the scene
What kind of spa day would it be without a bit of calming ambience? Well, not a very good one for starters. There’s something magical about a night that starts with the plan to do absolutely nothing. The older I get, the more I’ve learned to truly treasure these rare moments of peace. It’s time we give the nervous system and the skin the recharge they so desperately deserve. If you want to really lean into that calm feeling, try running a bath, lighting a few of your favourite candles (bonus points if they crackle like a fireplace), putting on a chilled playlist in the background, and enforcing an absolute no-excuses policy for checking anything remotely work-related. Seriously… no “just one quick email.”
Transform your space into a sanctuary before you even reach for your products. Switch your phone to do-not-disturb, dim the lights, pop on your fluffiest robe and maybe even infuse the air with a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil. Create a moment that’s all yours. Because setting the tone isn’t just about aesthetics, it helps your mind shift gears and signals to your body that it’s time to unwind. Spa nights should feel like a hug from the inside out, and when you set the scene right, the rest of your ritual becomes that much more special.
Step One - Cleansing Reset
Once the stage is set and you’ve put on your comfiest outfit, the first step is always to have a great, hardworking cleanser. The B12 Multi Cleanser is a gel-to-milk formula, which means it starts off clear and silky, but transforms into a milky emulsion as you massage it into the skin. There’s something instantly soothing about the way it melts in, dissolving away SPF, makeup and general city-life grime without any of the tightness or squeakiness some cleansers have a tendency to leave behind.
And don’t rush this first step, as tempting as it can be. Take your time with your cleanser, almost turn it into a mini facial massage. It gives you a moment to rewind, breathe deeply and will also set the tone for the rest of the ritual. This cleanser is packed with prebiotics, antioxidants and of course, that calming B12. It leaves your skin feeling clean, hydrated and genuinely comforted, the perfect start to a perfect evening.
The fact that it rinses off so easily with warm water is also a win. No tugging at your face with harsh wipes. Just soft, refreshed skin.
Step Two - Mask Time
If I’m going full spa mode, I follow up with a B12 Hydra-Cream Mask because, I’m sorry, but what kind of dismal excuse for a spa night would it be without a mask that feels like a facial? This is the star of the show, actually. It has a dreamy, rich, but not heavy texture that makes you want to layer it on like icing. I smooth it over my face (neck included because it deserves some loving too) and then leave it on while I sink into the bath or curl up on the couch with a book.
The mask is loaded with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and of course B12. Translation? It hydrates, soothes, and gives you a fresh, rested glow that is usually reserved for the four walls of a facialist's treatment room. I love how quickly it calms my skin when it's having a flare-up, especially after a busy week or too much time in the sun. It’s also a great product to take on the plane or after a big night out when the prospect of doing your full skincare routine just simply is not on the cards.
I tend to leave it on for a good 20 to 30 minutes. But on a rushed weeknight ten minutes will still make a noticeable difference. Once it’s time, I rinse off gently and marvel at how much softer, smoother and more even my skin looks. It’s like my face went on holiday without me.
Step Three - Lock It All In
The final act in this self-care symphony is the B12 Ceramide Cream. This is the richest of the trio, and it feels like pulling a warm blanket over freshly moisturised skin. Ceramides are essential for building and maintaining a strong skin barrier, and when paired with B12, you get this super comforting, skin-strengthening duo that’s ideal for anyone dealing with sensitivity or dryness.
I press it gently, always using upward strokes (because gravity doesn’t need any help, trust me) and let it sink into the skin. Despite its richness, it never feels greasy, just nourishing, hydrating, and grounding. It’s the kind of cream that makes you want to touch your face a lot, but try not to do that if you can.
I’ve also started incorporating it in my less relaxing, but equally important, morning routine when my skin feels particularly dry or the weather is playing games. But on spa nights, it truly is the cherry on top. The seal that locks in all the love you’ve just given to your skin. Start strong, finish strong, as they say.
It’s a ritual, not a routine
What I love the most about this trio is how it encourages me to slow down. The textures, the pink tones, the soothing ingredients, they really do have all the makings of a truly magical night of skincare. It all adds up to a ritual that feels both indulgent while also essential. And the results speak for themselves, after continued use, your skin will feel less red, more glowing and just have a general sense of balance restored.
Skincare has always been a way for me to carve out time for myself. Maybe it’s because it also makes you feel productive in a way? But these days, it’s more than that. It’s how I check in and transition from doing to resting. And having a lineup of simple, beautiful and genuinely effective skincare makes it a lot easier to get excited about.
So, whether you’re in need of a reset, a new routine or just want to try something that makes you feel good inside and out, I can’t recommend this trio enough. And if you happen to be lighting a few candles and putting on a face mask tonight, just know I’m probably doing exactly the same thing.
