It is often forgotten how delicate the body can be. Its fragility requires an understanding of its needs, a well-rounded approach that will holistically fabricate the best version of ourselves by the most sensible means possible. It is through self-care that one can truly find both a connection with oneself and the surrounding world. Self-care is a subtle artistry–a mastering of careful routine and an appreciation of the interconnectedness of our whole selves. It curates vitality and a calmness within its executor, broadening a vivacity in not just one's outer appearance but their inner as well. Self-care is a psychosomatic journey and Dior skincare expert and ambassador Sean Garrette understands its importance – defining the practice of routine as vital to our mental and physical lives. 

Much of Dior’s values align with the processes of comprehensive self-care – the brand best known for promoting an individual’s active engagement in protecting their being. As they open their newest Dior Spa at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris, they remind their audience that when it comes to the mind and body, it is principal we treat it well with approaches of par excellence. For Garrette, the luxury spa masters this approach, curating regimens that revitalize our psyche and physical nature. As he arrives to Paris ready to rejuvenate himself with an experience beyond just luxury, he is served with an altruistic hospitality– one where he is nurtured with light therapy, facial massages, and delved a micro abrasion procedure. He is at peace, the spa relaxing his inner and outer self.

Self-care has become a part of the majority of the world’s everyday routine. Is there a specific part of your routine, both leading up to treatment and after, that you believe is essential to a well-rounded regimen?

Self-care for me has been more important than ever lately. My favorite activity that helps center and gives me peace is taking daily 30–60-minute walks. It helps me get fresh air, a little exercise, and clears my mind of any lingering anxieties / anxiousness. I think the key for me is to keep my body moving and stay active. I also love stepping away from my computer to make myself a proper meal so that I’m nourishing my body from the inside out.

Self-care is defined as behaviors that we put into practice with the goal of reaching a holistic, well-centered version of ourselves. What behaviors do you practice to keep your inner self at peace?

As an esthetician and someone who has struggled with skin issues in the past, the most important part of my routine is always hydration and skin barrier health! Making sure my skin barrier is protected, hydrated, and nourished. This means using serums with peptides, collagen, and hyaluronic acid; as well as creams that help nourish and protect the skin with ceramides and natural moisturizing agents to replenish skin. Before and after any skincare treatments, skin barrier health is extremely important to prioritize to ensure you receive the full benefits and results of any treatment.

There is an interconnectedness between self-care and mental health, a connection that can best be defined as an engagement between the physical and the abstract – How do you define self-care and in what ways do you believe we can approach a well-balanced mental and physical life?

I think, like everyone, I’m always trying to find new ways to balance work with personal life when both things can be demanding at times. Self-care to me can simply look like spending time with my friends, taking a walk, taking time to watch my favorite show, cooking myself a homemade meal, getting a facial or massage one or two times a month – it’s really just about taking the time to put energy into myself. I think the key to a well-balanced mental and physical life is making sure you take the time to enjoy it! We all have such demanding lives and its easy to get caught up with work and responsibilities, but if I’m not feeling my best, I can’t be my best and show up in the way that I want to for those things.

As the Dior Spa reopens, what are you most looking forward to regarding the spa and its treatment that you believe everyone needs to try at least once on their self-care journey?

The Dior Spa is the ultimate luxury destination for self-care – every treatment revitalizes you from the inside and out. Everyone needs to try out the Dior Light Suite – it’s incredible! It’s an innovative treatment that’s been designed to resynchronize the circadian and chronobiological rhythms. To begin, you take a quick survey that asks questions about your current wellbeing and how you’re feeling. Then, your treatment is based on what they determine is best to help rebalance your body. After arriving in Paris, I experienced the Dior Light Suite Jet Lag treatment – it made me feel so much more balanced and relaxed after the long journey – I slept like a baby that night! Plus, it’s a first of its kind for a luxury spa in Paris!