Self Care is not always easy.
Like so many others, I've struggled with my own mental health. After a traumatic experience in 2010, I spent 10 years trying to figure out why I couldn't stay stable. I was misdiagnosed and medicated poorly. Finally, in 2020 while not working during covid, I finally received the diagnosis of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.)
This was a game changer, and I could only hope others struggle less to find their stability.
It's not my intention to make this article about me, I'm not planning on leading you through the past 15 years of my personal struggle. I share this only to say, I may not understand your personal struggle, but I can certainly say I know it can't be easy.
Self care while you are struggling with your mental health can feel impossible. You may not feel like you are worth it. Maybe there are too many steps before you can step in the shower, or you feel like self care is a luxury you don't deserve because you can't even get the dishes done. Your experience may look different but truly I feel everyone struggles in their own way.
So you are having trouble helping yourself, but what if your self care directly helped another person? What if your daily or weekly skin care routine impacted others struggling with their mental health? What if you taking a step to take care of yourself because you deserve it also helped someone else equally deserving of help?
In this post, I am going to highlight 8 products from Kakkoi! I love for self care. If you like it, think you would use it, and you buy it, a large portion of the profits go to youth and teen mental health programs across the USA. A portion of the profits also go to me to help me continue the work.
My hope is that every time you use the product, you think of the impact you have on the world. That your choice to take care of yourself has directly helped another person. Maybe today you don't feel like you can take care of you, but maybe the idea of doing something for yourself that also helps someone else sounds kinda cool.
I'm sharing these products, but hey, if you don't see something that makes sense for you, please reach out to us! I am always wanting to hear about how people take care of themselves and if I can add products that help people to our catalog, I will.
Finally, maybe none of this is you. Maybe you feel like you are thriving. I would encourage you to read along anyway! I hope to share a bit about how mental health can affect a persons ability to take care of themselves. Maybe you learn a little something along the way.
So, let's get into 8 Self Care Items that Help You While Helping Others.
- Shampoo Brush / Scalp Massager
Whenever I was struggling with self care, I'd have small breakthrough moments where a shower felt possible. I would always want to make the most of that time in the shower, so I started storing my toothbrush (gross, maybe?) and hair brush in the shower. Whenever I got in the shower it was easier to also brush my teeth and brush my hair and now suddenly one self care task turning into getting three things done.
My hairbrushes for the shower just weren't ideal. And if I hadn't brushed my hair in a while it would be really tangled.
This shampoo brush has a great grip for the wet shower. It comes in different colors so you can pick the one you like the most. It has wide bristles for detangling or maintenance brushes. It can fit easily on a shower caddy without taking up much space which also makes it great for travel. It feels like a bit of the salon at home with the way it massages your scalp. Even without shampoo, it's great for scalp health.
Every time you use it you can feel good about taking care of yourself, and helping provide resources to others struggling with mental health too.
Click here to go to the product page for the shampoo brush and scalp massager
2. Cinnamon Almond Soap
I love a self care product that does 2 things at once. This handmade soap has cinnamon and almond so it lightly exfoliates while cleansing.
Certain medications can wreak havoc on your skin. Stress can cause breakouts. I've always associated my poor skin with times I took care of myself the least and felt like I was at my worse. I luckily had a person (who I will never forget) recommend a facial cleanser for me, but I also would break out on my arms and I don't like using that all over.
Natural soaps were always in my home growing up, but I'm really sensitive to scents. It's almost overwhelming for me to smell certain floral candles or someone's perfume. Both my parents filled the house with Sandalwood in the early 2000's during their divorce so I find that triggering.
For the soaps I've highlighted at Kakkoi! I wanted minimal scents so no major triggering or overpowering scents, natural ingredients, and no animal products (it's vegan!) It was also really important to have options for exfoliating that keep microplastics fully out of the equation, and the ground almonds and cinnamon specks are ideal for this since they are fully biodegradable and natural for the planet.
This product is gentle on skin, so if you can't manage a full shower and scrub down, maybe try rubbing this in your hands to get a good lather going and just washing your face. Try remembering times of fun water splashing, or how good warm or cool water can feel on your face. Has a bubble ever made you smile? Cause you can make a bunch of them with this!
If these silly little things won't trick your brain, I want you to think of this. If you buy a bar of soap because you believe in the cause, every time you use it gets you closer to needing another bar of soap and helping even more people. And if nothing else helps, I hope you know there's at least 1 person out there that believes you deserve to have nice things and take care of yourself.
Click here to read details and shop our soap
3. Handmade Crocheted Wash Cloth
I don't have many products that come from the UK. Truly, I'd like to get to a point where every single product supports makers and artists in the USA. (Who knows, maybe one day we'll go global.) But to launch with a quality item I knew I could stock for the moment, I just couldn't pass up this beautiful handmade piece.
For those that can't use soaps at all, have super sensitive skin, or just want a longer lasting facecloth, this crocheted wash cloth is just great.
With or without soap, it gently exfoliates the skin and is made with all natural fibers. Great for the shower or just a "spot" wash, just wring it out and hang in a dry spot so it stays dry between uses.
I like products that are handmade. It's special to have something made just for you. Adding this to your skincare routine supports a small business. That's a big win in my eyes.
Pick your favorite color of handmade crocheted wash cloths here!
4. Dual Sided Facial Cleansing Brush
I wanted items that you could use in or out of the shower depending on what your self care looks like each day. This is a non-electronic (manual) dual-sided facial brush that's also great for neck, shoulders, and upper arms.
If you have trouble using facial cleansers, this works with or without them. The massaging side is great for circulation while the brush side helps remove dead skin, so both sides are great for naturally helping prevent or reduce breakouts over time.
Dead skin can build up without frequent washing. This is a great item for occasional use to do a deeper clean on your skin and remove that build up. We can't all shower every day, and I know at one point in my life it was hard to shower even once a week. I wanted to find something that can help really deep clean and exfoliate to make that occasional cleaning really count.
There are 3 different colors to choose from.
Here's the link to shop the Dual-Sided Face Brush
Now, before we continue, I want to make a quick note. The majority of products I support and highlight are also sustainable. Wherever I can, I find sustainable products because I want to do good "For the Planet and People." But when it comes to mental health and self care, I think it could come across as "ableist."
It's OK to not wash dishes some days and use disposable plates if you mentally just can't do it. (If you are able, paper is better than plastic, but use what you have available to make your days easier.)
It's OK to drink out of plastic bottles if you don't have the ability to wash dishes or a way to filter water from the tap. (I know recycling isn't available in every area, but it's not your burden to fix that. It's too much for just 1 person.)
I would NEVER tell someone with a physical disability that they can't use plastic straws, so why would I tell someone with ADHD they have to wash dishes everyday?
There are a few products I have picked because I see their value in helping those who struggle with self care. My intention is over time to expand our outreach to Environmental Causes. I want to work towards a percentage of all sales from each category going specifically to the Environment to offset these items so you can still feel good about using them.
Love the planet wherever possible, but don't put down those who use certain items because of their disabilities, whether visible or not.
Ok, on to the next one!
5. Wooden Natural Body Brush
I have talked a lot about showering, and none of it sounds good to you today.
"There are too many steps before I can get in."
"The feeling of wet hair sounds awful right now, oh my god it's going to cling to me and feel ick."
"I don't have everything I need to take a shower, so I can't take one at all."
Have you ever seen how relaxed an animal gets when it's getting brushed? Dogs, Cats, Horses... Rabbits too yeah? You brush your pets, why not yourself? For real.
Dry body brushing helps remove flaky, dry skin. It simulates circulation to the skin as well. It's a great self care method without any shower at all.
You could go in the bathroom, light a candle, get naked and start brushing. Too much? Just roll up your pants and sleeves and get the arms and legs. Maybe there's a spot on your back that's been itchy and needs a good scratch. Any small step towards something nice for yourself is so solid.
Next time the shower does sound good, take the brush in there too. It works in both dry and wet uses.
Click here to shop for your body brush.
6. Dead Sea Sponge
Sea sponges are naturally packed with minerals that are beneficial to the skin. Those minerals come directly from the ocean and are infused into the sponges.
This is a fantastic item to pair with a natural soap, but just with water works nicely too due to the natural benefits of the minerals already in the sponge.
Biodegradable and good for the planet, they exfoliate gently. I personally also use sponges like this on my face occasionally, but everyone is different. I would consider these sea sponges to be a medium exfoliation, which may be rough on more sensitive skin. Most say sea sponges are soft and easy on baby skin too. Face skin is usually a little more sensitive than the rest of your skin, so I would recommend using this on other areas first to see how it feels before you try it on your face. Everyone's different!
Sea sponges are also naturally hypoallergenic! They contain enzymes that prevent mold and bacteria from growing. Natural sea sponges also have antimicrobial properties, so they are a more hygienic option that synthetic sponges that hold bacteria. They are also free from chemicals and dyes.
If there was one product you could add for a more sustainable skin care routine, this is my pick.
Here's the link to this Dead Sea Sponge
7. Heatless Hair Curler
I'm a huge fan of "set it and forget it" type items. Since I'm a former Chef and I cook all the time at home now, I think of crock pots and rice cookers. When it comes to hair, I am NOT the one to give advice on best practices. But I love this tool and I'll share why it's a great self care buy if you like waves and curls. I have thick hair, but it is "white girl hair." If you'd like to share some items that work for "black girl hair" I would be honored to have the advice and share those products too! (I would prefer if they were Black Owned Businesses if you know a supplier!)
I have pretty long hair, and I do occasionally like it curly. I'm not great with a curling iron and I hate doing it. Usually I'll just braid my hair wet or damp, leave the braids in over night, and have crazy curls for a day or two. But I never figured out French braids, so my curls kinda start at my ears. Since my hair is a bit layered, it's thinner at the bottom and I usually have a few inches I can't even braid.
I haven't even mentioned yet that hair care is hard. In my worse times I'd get huge matted knots in my hair at the base of my neck that were horrendous to brush out. So I like this product for a couple of applications.
The first, as a once a week type of routine. If you've just washed your hair and given it a brush, putting it up the first night so it doesn't tangle helps a lot. It naturally styles your hair and can last a day or two depending on how your hair holds curl. If you have a mousse or setting spray you like, adding that can make the curls and waves last even longer. When the curls have faded, if you aren't ready for another full wash yet, just a rinse of the hair helps a lot and you can bring it back straight again or it's natural state.
The second thought I have, is if you really struggle with hair care, this is a helpful nightly tool. Once your hair is washed and brushed, try putting it up every night before bed. The majority of my tangles come from leaving my hair down while I'm sleeping. It can stretch the amount of time between brushes having your hair put up.
The final note I'll make is, sometimes our brains just need an alternative. If you don't feel like you can brush your hair more than once or twice a week, a product like this can help style and extend your efforts.
Here's the "how to" so you can see if this feels like something you can manage or try! There are also tons of YouTube videos out there on how to use this heatless hair curler (Curl Halo.)
I've shown the Coffee Color in these images, but I also have Blush Pink and Black. Here's the links to all three styles below.
Blush Pink Heatless Hair Curler
8. Crystal Facial Roller
I could probably make an entire blog post about; A, Crystals and their potential healing properties and B, How great circulation is for your skin. So I wanted to add a variety of crystal facial rollers to the self care collection.
Crystals aren't for everyone. But, if you are a fan I highly encourage checking out the crystal rollers we have and doing some research on their properties. Most likely, you'll find one that speaks to you and what your current needs are.
I've highlighted our Amethyst roller above due to the properties it's said to have. It's said to be a stress reliever, that it calms inflammation, and is great for acne prone skin. Is there scientific evidence behind this? Yes and no. There are certainly reports of people claiming crystals have healed them in some way. Personally, I think it's the belief itself, the energy you put behind believing that "charges" the crystal and, some would say in a placebo type effect, it calms and relaxes you or energizes your spirit.
Does that make it any less valid? Not for me, no. I think people and belief is a powerful combo. Belief has shaped the world and history, and crystals have been a part of some peoples belief system for centuries. I think there's a lot of power behind that.
In terms of massages stimulating your skin to promote circulation and that being good for the skin, there's a lot more out there on the scientific benefits. This roller works with or without product, just make sure you rinse it with warm water and wipe it down after each use to remove any oils from your skin that may be on the roller.
Another reason I like this product is that if you feel like washing your face is too much, doing a roll over with this still promotes circulation and healthy skin. That being said, if you do wear make up I highly recommend washing it off before using this roller.
Finally, if you want a bit more of an experience and benefit, you can cool or warm your roller. Using your fridge or a bowl of ice water, you can chill the crystals before using. The coolness helps reduce pores so is a great second step after washing your face with hot water. Alternatively, warming in a bowl of hot water feels like a hot stone massage for your face. It feels a bit like being at a salon or getting a facial without leaving the house, and that's a huge win for me.
To find a crystal roller that speaks to you, click here.
I don't expect this to resonate with everyone. Self care looks different for everyone. Some find it easy to make it a part of their day to day, others HAVE to do it, and some find it difficult to have any type of real routine at all. My only hope is that this hits home for a few people and perhaps they find a tid-bit of information that helps. Maybe it's just knowing that someone else gets it.
During some of my toughest times, I personally felt it was easier to help others than help myself. In my early 20's it was my co-workers. Through my late 20's, employees I managed. Through my late 20's and early 30's it was my daughter. Work and being a parent forced me into at least caring for myself enough to help others. I could keep myself together if it meant helping someone else.
Over time, I discovered a few elements of self care that really helped my mental health. I realized curling my hair gave me a bit of a dopamine rush. My face is clearer after giving myself some options for how I handle facial care because I realized it doesn't have to look the same for me every day.
Maybe, something here resonates with you. Maybe, you like the idea that a small self care buy that adds to your routine can help someone else who struggles with mental health and self care, maybe that sparks something in you. Maybe it helps.
If you've made it this far, Thank You for being here! I'm really glad you're here. If you want to see more, you can follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Tik-Tok and YouTube. Just search Kakkoi Design and find our logo.
Check out our Mission on the Kakkoi! Website for more things we are trying to do for the People and the Planet.
Have ideas for products you want to see in self care? Share your story with us! I am always open to input.
Finally remember, even just doing one small thing for yourself is the very least you deserve. You are absolutely worth it.