I’ve been thinking about rituals lately. It seems every important goal of humans is built on rituals. When it comes to skincare, we don’t have to look far to see how each person has a routine tailored to their concerns. Erin Menk is no different.

 

A mom of two, she manages to balance work with a healthy lifestyle. She’s also particular about the treatments she gets to maintain her beautiful skin. She doesn’t swear by just one. Menk has five favorites from The Aivee Clinic, first of which is the Aivee Total Lift.

 

“The results are amazing and immediate,” Menk says. “In 30 minutes, my face is naturally refreshed and rejuvenated and I feel five years younger.”

 

Her second pick is the Renew 4D. It tackles a number of skin problems in one go. “It’s a four-step, noninvasive laser treatment which addresses intra-oral tightening for that sought-after contoured jaw-line, skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, and a light peel to address pigmentation from years of careless sun exposure on my part,” she says.

 

Menk also has a treatment for the body. It’s called Cristal Cryolipolysis, exclusive at The A Institute and best for fat reduction. It is the first fat-reducing cryo treatment in the country.

 

 

“It’s a noninvasive procedure that freezes and crystallizes fat cells, which then self-destruct and are permanently flushed out of the body,” Menk says.

 

One of Menk’s favorite facial treatments is the Aivee Ice, which she says is relaxing. I find it interesting as it uses a cold air infusion to help minimize pores.

 

“I used to think makeup was the only solution if I wanted to create a hydrated and  ‘dewy’ finish,” says Menk. “But after having tried Aivee Skin Infusion, I’m a firm believer that this is the secret to fully hydrated skin that creates a soft, smooth and nourished ‘red-carpet’ ready glow. It has a special hydrating formula that improves the skin’s quality and elasticity.”

 

 

Rejuvenating sleep

 

Other important rituals are the ones before we sleep. I notice that we live in such a wired world that we are deprived of sleep, even if we know it’s as important as food. Inadequate sleep makes us exhausted and irritable. It also lowers our immune system, making us susceptible to diseases.

 

But it’s not the length of sleep that we need to be concerned about, but the quality. Deep, refreshing sleep is achieved if you always set your mind to wind down after a long day. It’s why most of us love a lavender pillow mist, as the scent can trigger our brain to relax. I sometimes prefer layering scents by lighting my favorite bedside candle.

 

The act of lighting a candle itself sets your mood to log off from the worries of the day.

 

Reading a good book also helps, especially if you’re the type who can’t be torn away from your laptop or phone.

 

But there are times when watching an episode or two of a favorite TV series helps.

 

 

My sleep ritual improved when I became more conscious of my bed. We constantly pick and change our blankets and pillows, but how often do we change our mattresses?

 

I learned recently that it’s a must to change your mattress every 10 years. For one, you avoid exposure to bed bugs, mites and other elements that grow in your mattress.

 

And also, a mattress’ capability to support your body degenerates over time.

 

I changed my mattress recently for the same reasons. And since it’s a 10-year commitment, I decided to make a good investment.

 

Sealy’s Posturepedic technology gives the right support to your body. Created with orthopedic specialists, a Sealy mattress takes into account that you need the most support for your back and your core when you sleep.

 

A Sealy mattress might be familiar to you as this is the choice of most topnotch hotels.

 

So, yes, buying a Sealy for me lately has made me feel like my own bedroom is a hotel suite.