Unprecedented was a defining characteristic of last year–and with it came unprecedented high rates of burnout. Employees and entrepreneurs are feeling the pressure of an ‘always on’ work culture more than ever with the shift from in-person meetings to virtual ones. Many people are feeling the effects of “Zoom Fatigue,” but women are still affected more. In the first large-scale study examining the full extent of Zoom fatigue, Stanford researchers found that women report feeling more exhausted than men following video calls – and the “self-view” display may be to blame. In a world that doesn’t ever switch off, burnout is very real, and the new science of ‘micro self-care’ might be the solution to prevent it.

Micro self-care emphasizes the benefits of engaging in small habits in our daily lives to have a positive influence on our well-being. While traditional forms of self-care usually require substantial commitments of time, effort and often financial resources, micro self-care practices are small activities that can be done in a few minutes (or less) and are flexible enough to be woven into the workday (or other scheduled activities). Even larger acts of self-care can transform into micro practices by distilling existing rituals you already love into their most powerful essences. For example, you might not be able to get to a yoga class today, but you can benefit from a single pose or stretch in between meetings. You might not be able to call in for a full day at the spa, but you can experience the same TLC for your skin with a microdermabrasion facial at home.

In light of Mental Health Awareness month, the team here at Create & Cultivate is prioritizing acts of micro self-care. That’s why we’re partnering with Dr. Brandt Skincare to transform their cult-favorite exfoliator into a weekly micro self-care ritual that supports the Dr. Brandt Foundation. We are advocates of using business as a force for good, and love seeing entrepreneurs and brands of all sizes do their part to raise awareness for important causes. 

The Dr. Brandt Foundation is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of diverse and underserved communities and to bring awareness to mental health issues. With every Dr. Brandt microdermabrasion age defying exfoliator purchase, $1 will be donated to the Dr. Brandt Foundation to support mental health programs.

Three C&C team members–with different skin types, tones, and concerns–put Dr. Brandt’s microdermabrasion age defying exfoliator to the test in a micro self-care moment of their own. Here’s what they had to say.

Carly, Senior Director, Marketing

Skin Type: Sensitive

Skincare Concerns: Pores, Fine Links, Wrinkles

I currently use Dr. Brandt’s pore refiner primer, and this is my first venture into skincare from the brand. Stress and anxiety definitely take a toll on my skin, so I was excited to add this exfoliator into my morning routine. The texture in the formula is so fine that I know it won’t irritate my sensitive skin. Because I only use it once or twice a week, it feel like a special self-care ritual that only takes a few moments. I can definitely see this product becoming a staple in my morning skincare routine.

Valerie, Senior Director, Partnerships & Sales

Skin Type: Combo, Sensitive/Acne Prone  

Skincare Concerns: Fine lines, uneven skin tone, some acne scars

I have tried microdermabrasion during a facial in the past, and was eager to try products by Dr. Brandt as it’s a well-known, high-end skincare brand. More importantly, it also supports Mental Health Awareness. Love supporting brands that actually DO good for the world. 

I used this product at night–after a long work day (and all in front of a computer screen due to WFH living) my skin was looking dull and tired. First impressions - great packaging. The product itself felt very light and easy to apply. My skin was tingling (in a good way) which I always like in these types of products because I feel like it’s actually working! The tingling turned to cool–and left my skin feeling SO soft by the time I washed it off just 2 minutes later–so clean and refreshed. In the morning, the texture of my skin felt so nice and I noticed the few acne scars were not AS red. I can’t wait to see results long term after adding this regularly to my routine. I was definitely impressed even just after one use - and loved feeling the fancy spa effects right at home!

Genesis, Talent Coordinator

Skin Type: Combo, Dry/Oily T-zone

Skincare Concerns: Dark spots, texture, fine lines and wrinkles

I love getting facials and depending on the type, I almost always incorporates microdermabrasion. I have used the “Needles No More, No More Baggage”’ under eye cream by Dr. Brandt in the past and was very pleased with the results, so I was excited to try this exfoliator as part of my micro self-care beauty routine. The packaging is simple and timeless, which enhances the product even more. As for the product, I love how lightweight the formula is and how smooth it was to apply – not like other harsh exfoliators– and my skin definitely felt softer after the first application. I will absolutely be adding this into my morning routine, maybe 2-3 times a week.

From May 21st - June 2nd, enjoy 40% off sitewide with coupon code MEMO40.