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When Christi prepares for bed, she transforms into an elaborate nightly ritual that includes an array of beauty products. Her routine features bright pink undereye patches, a baby blue brow mask, smile line patches, a chin strap secured to her head, and a silk bonnet to protect her hair. On these nights, her husband understands the unspoken rule: there will be no intimacy.
“I’m high maintenance,” Christi admits. “He knows if it’s a night I’m doing [skin and hair care], to stay on his side of the bed.” With the extensive focus on her skincare regimen, the prospect of physical connection diminishes significantly.
In recent years, skin care has evolved into an almost ceremonial practice for many, largely fueled by trends on platforms like TikTok. Users enthusiastically share their intricate multi-step processes, embracing trends like glazed doughnut skin, which emphasizes a dewy and hydrated look, and the “morning shed,” a premise that suggests a drastic change in appearance overnight.
As these skin care rituals gain popularity, the question arises—does prioritizing skincare negatively affect intimacy for couples? Women dedicated to their nighttime routines often require their partners to navigate the new boundaries pertaining to physical contact.
The Unsexy Side Of Skin Care
One TikTok comment echoes a common concern: “When you go to bed… does your boyfriend KNOW he’s not getting lucky?” This reflects a growing awareness among viewers about the relationship between beauty routines and intimacy. As the complexity and time investment in skincare routines increase, so does the likelihood that these regimens will take precedence over physical closeness—especially given the potential complications posed by sticky serums and various masks.
“If I do my skin care, we’re not touching for the night,” states Morgan, a 24-year-old who has been in a relationship for four years. “One wrong move, and it’s game over.”
Experts support this notion. Renée Rouleau, a well-known esthetician, suggests that engaging in intimacy immediately after a beauty routine could compromise the effectiveness of the products used. “Blemishes often stem from bacteria being trapped in pores,” she explains. Avoiding unnecessary bacteria transfer is critical, she advises, along with limiting sweat and contact with unwashed linens.
While it might seem that a strict skincare regimen could quash any romantic atmosphere, many women have found ways to blend their love for skincare with their intimate lives.
The Skin Care Convo Is The New DTR
For Kayla, 30, skin care enthusiasm was front and center in her relationship from the start. “After our first sleepover, I started bringing all my products over,” she recounts, determined to maintain her routine during multi-night stays. This commitment has led her boyfriend to embrace skin care as well, even participating in treatments like sheet masking together.
“If I’m having a rough skin month, sex is off the table,” Kayla admits, while noting that this doesn’t detract significantly from their physical connection. “Skin care is self-care, and nothing feels too extra to the right person.”
In the modern dating landscape, having a designated skin care shelf in one’s partner’s bathroom has become the equivalent of sharing a dresser drawer. The intimacy of revealing one’s bare face post-makeup is now a new relationship milestone.
Clear Skin & Clear Boundaries
Morgan initially kept her skincare obsession under wraps. During college, she carried makeup wipes for emergencies. After transitioning to a long-distance relationship, she noticed her boyfriend’s fresh faces during visits. Now that they live together, Morgan has established firm boundaries concerning skin care.
After disclosing her ultra-sensitive skin and the impact of her skin conditions, she requested her boyfriend remain clean-shaven to protect her complexion. “Even a little stubble means hugs are off-limits,” she notes. With a few gentle conversations, he has adjusted, ensuring he is well-groomed for their romantic moments.
Similarly, Amit, 26, shared that her boyfriend is particular about lip products. If she has even a hint of lip balm, he tends to be distant. Sometimes, he adapts, but the complexities of skincare can dampen spontaneous intimacy.
In some cases, Christi points out that her elaborate skincare routine can leave her husband disinterested in intimacy by the time she’s finished. “When I have that jaw strap on, he’s like, ‘I don’t even want to do anything [intimate].’” Despite the occasional hiccup, he doesn’t seem to mind her routine.
Staying Skin-Care-Obsessed & Spicy
There are methods to keep romantic sparks alive while nurturing healthy skin. For instance, Kayla gets up for a quick refresh even after intimate moments. “Regardless of what time [we hook up], I’ll still do my skincare afterward,” she says, emphasizing her commitment to both her own needs and her partner’s.
Amit keeps quick skincare solutions handy for those intimate evenings. “If he does [initiate sex], I’ll use hydrochlorous acid spray right away to feel like I’m cleaning any germs,” she explains, noting her boyfriend sometimes joins in on the post-activity skincare routine.
Renée Rouleau assures that it’s possible to sustain both good skincare habits and physical intimacy. “As long as your partner practices good hygiene—washing up before intimacy—you can keep both your regimen and connection alive,” she affirms.
Ultimately, while intricate skincare regimes may pose a challenge to immediate physical intimacy at times, many enthusiasts find that focusing on their self-care providers another layer of intimacy in their relationships. Embracing these quirks with humor can create even stronger bonds.
Kayla’s choice to embrace her skincare routines results in laughter with her partner. “When I’m all masked up, my boyfriend jokes, ‘You look like you’re out of a scene of a scary movie.’”
In the end, while some moments of physical connection may be deferred due to skincare rituals, the emotional closeness that develops within partnerships remains paramount. The balance of radiant skin and a strong relationship remains not just desirable, but also a deeper form of intimacy that transcends mere physicality.
Source
www.bustle.com