'Do Not Feel Guilty About Doing This': Sophia Loren's Spa Night Advice Is Peak Self-Care

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Hollywood icon Sophia Loren encouraged women to take time for themselves without apologizing. The Italian beauty said that her secret for serenity and self-care came from an at-home spa night once a week. It was non-negotiable, and something she didn't feel guilty about. In her 1984 book "Women & Beauty," Loren gave all the details to make this important moment happen. Loren insisted that a woman should treat herself to a relaxing night alone at least once every week. "If you have a family, a good way to schedule your spa is to pick a night that features their favorite television show," Loren wrote. "Make it clear to everyone that on that evening, during that show, you are not to be disturbed. Do not feel guilty about doing this." 

Loren's final point — to stop the guilt — is a crucial one. A study conducted by Kelton Global and funded by Birchbox in 2019 found that women, particularly mothers, feel burnt out but struggle with taking time for themselves (via Campaign Live). The study found that women are more likely to skip grooming routines, sleep less, and nix naps in order to take care of others or deal with household tasks. This lack of attention to personal needs can lead to feelings of exhaustion, struggles with mental health, and increased stress. With all of this in mind, Loren's advice to hold a strong boundary for at least one night a week makes a lot of sense.

Those who wish to follow Sophia Loren's routine won't have to do too much digging for answers, as the icon was clear about how she liked to spend her spa time. Per her book, she always started her rejuvenating ritual with some stretches. She then turned on relaxing music and applied a moisturizing face mask. From there, she got into a hot bath topped off with oil, salts or even powdered milk. In the same way there are benefits to the Hailey Bieber-beloved epsom salt bath, a powdered milk bath can be nourishing for the skin because the lactic acid in milk exfoliates and hydrates it. Clearly, baths are a great way to get creative with self-care. 

Loren then said that she regularly pumiced her heels and elbows, pushed her cuticles back, brushed her whole body down, and shaved. Once this was done, she suggested rinsing the body with cold water and then applying a lotion or oil while skin is still damp. "By the end of your spa," Loren wrote, "you will be ready for a glass of wine or a cup of tea. And you'll be irresistible." It's a worthwhile practice to pay attention to, since there are outdated wellness trends that are keeping you from becoming your best self. But the self-care habits that do work are important to try. Whatever brings rejuvenation, it's essential to prioritize wellness and rest.