11 inspiring women share their self-care rituals and their personal take on true wellness
Eleven inspiring women share their unique self-care rituals, offering answers to questions like 'What does self-care mean to you?' and 'What are your hero self-care products?' From luxurious treatments to simple daily practices, they reveal the products and routines they swear by for true wellness. Sheyma Al Hammadi – Founder – Gabi Dubai
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
I take a moment to disconnect – phone on silent, lights dimmed, and a quick skincare reset with cold water and a facial mist. I usually step outside for some fresh air. It helps me clear my mind and reset.
What's your hero self-care product or treatment you swear by?
Right now, it's the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Sensitive and the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Face Mist. Together they keep my skin calm and hydrated. I always pair that with a cup of chamomile tea – it's a simple routine that helps me feel balanced.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
Yes – the Dyson Airwrap. It changed my hair routine completely. It saves time, protects my hair, and gives that fresh, salon-like finish every time. Worth it.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
Pilates has been such a positive shift for me. It's become something I genuinely look forward to. It makes me feel stronger, more focused, and just better overall – physically and mentally.
What does self-care mean to you?
Self-care, for me, is about slowing down and being present. It's finding simple ways to reconnect with myself – through movement, skincare, quiet moments, or anything that brings ease and clarity into my day. Nouf Omar – Pilot
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
I like journaling, and setting down all my thoughts on a paper and rearranging them to priortise them. When my brain is too busy, and I put my emotions and feelings onto paper, it makes them easier to process. It calms me down but also helps me priortise my thoughts. Basically, it's like brainstorming with myself.
What's your hero self-care product or treatment you swear by?
A massage and a spa treatment. When I feel stressed, I feel like the only way to release that would be to physically release the pressure points by having a massage, and I feel like it takes me to a different world of pure relaxation and a blankness of not thinking about anything.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
I had laser hair removal done. I had delayed it for so long because of the pain that comes with it. But I realised that I actually really needed it and when I saw the results, I was very happy with my decision. My skin was much smoother and I felt much more confident.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
I think sticking to a skincare routine for me was life-changing. There was a point when I did a lot of research to figure out what worked best for my skin. And when I stick to my personalised skincare routine, it makes a difference in my appearance. My skin became better, and people around me saw the difference as well. Having a daily day and night routine helps me clear my mind and sets the tone for the rest of the day.
What does self-care mean to you?
It means putting me first, and prioritising myself in the hassle of life. Ani Han – Founder – Enso Design
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel like everything is piling up, I simply disconnect, from the phone, from tasks, from conversations. If I can, I step outside and walk barefoot on sand or grass. The key is to feel the ground and return to the body, to the moment, to myself.
What's your hero grail self-care product or treatment you swear by?
Morning is my anchor. It has to begin without rush and with a ritual that restores focus: a spoonful of warm ghee on an empty stomach, a short walk outdoors, and a few moments in silence. It's how I collect myself before stepping into the rhythm of the day.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
I spent nearly a month on an island designed for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. It was at Soneva, a place where the details speak for themselves. Biking in the rain, jungle silence, a sky open above your bed, it all recharges you from within. Solitude there isn't an escape, but a way to hear yourself more deeply.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
Breathing. I didn't realise how much it affects everything, from energy to calm. Now each morning I breathe slowly, with pauses. This simple act helps align body and mind, making it easier to return to the present, without rush, without noise, just to be.
What does self-care mean to you?
Self-care means starting to hear what you truly need, even when it doesn't look like traditional 'care.' Sometimes it's silence. Sometimes a purposeless walk. Or a moment alone. It's not about routines or perfect checklists. It's about attentiveness and gentleness toward yourself. Asma Al Matrooshi – Founder – Epiphany
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is something very normal to go through on daily basis as a mom of three boys who is also an entrepreneur. I love being in nature, it has the most powerful effect on me. During winters, I love being close to the desert or mountains but in the summer, I prefer being close to the ocean: whether it's diving, snorkeling or just swimming. I find doing an activity works the best to give me a glow.
What's your hero self-care product or treatment you swear by?
Vitamin C face creams or serums.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
La Prairie – it is an absolute splurge but very effective on my skin, personally.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
I tried body cold plunges and it was not something I enjoyed at all, but saunas works beautifully for my skin.
What does self-care mean to you?
Physical self-care is the most important part in my ritual as everything else falls after it. I believe the moment I stop working on it my emotional, spiritual and personal self care get unorganised and heavy to maintain. Roxie Nafousi – Author – Manifest
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
I have a long shower, get into pjs, and read a trashy fiction book on the sofa.
What's your hero self-care product or treatment you swear by?
Humantra! They are the best electrolytes and keep my hydrated, energised and feeling well.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
My Oura ring. I am obsessed with knowing my sleep scores and working to improve them.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
I'm obsessed with Sound Baths – they are so healing; they help calm my nervous system and they're a great way to have a nap!
What does self-care mean to you?
Nourishing your mind, body and soul and giving yourself the love and attention you deserve. Ingie Chalhoub – Founder & President – Etoile Group
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I instinctively turn to a massage – it's a grounding ritual that helps me reconnect with my body and quiet my mind.
What's your hero self-care product or treatment you swear by?
The Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil by Guerlain is my go-to skincare essential. Lightweight yet powerful, it blends honey and royal jelly to deeply hydrate and revitalise the skin. What makes it even more special is Guerlain's commitment to sustainability – through bee conservation programs and eco-friendly practices, the brand ensures that beauty and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
Yes – I once gifted myself for my birthday a rejuvenating stay at Chiva- Som Health & Wellness Retreat in Thailand. It was a transformative experience that offered a true mental and physical reset.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
Pilates has been truly impactful, especially for improving posture and overall body awareness. Whether on the mat, reformer, Cadillac, or on the Wunda Chair, the combination of mindful movement and a skilled instructor has been invaluable to my wellbeing.
What does self-care mean to you?
To me, self-care is the intentional act of pausing – of carving out space to breathe deeply, reconnect with my inner self, and attune to what my mind and body truly need. It's found in the quiet rhythm of a song, the clarity that movement brings, and the moments of stillness that allow me to realign with my own sense of balance and presence. Nada Al Ghurair – Founder – Livit
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
When I'm overwhelmed, I take it as a clear sign that my body's asking for rest. I prioritise sleep, often planning an early night in to allow myself to slow down and reset. A calming tea, a hot bath, and a few quiet minutes with my journal help me let go of the mental clutter. I'll step outside for a breath of fresh air and nourish myself with something gut-loving. It's my way of listening inwards, softening the noise, grounding my energy, and giving myself a moment to pause.
What's your hero self-care product or treatment you swear by?
Microneedling for my face has become a cornerstone in my skincare ritual. Over the past year, I've committed to it consistently, and the transformation has been incredible, refined texture, a more luminous complexion, and an evenness that no serum alone could achieve. For me, skincare isn't an indulgence; it's an investment. Radiant, healthy skin is the ultimate luxury.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
Absolutely, my silk pillowcases and sheets. They were definitely a splurge, but they've become a cherished part of my bedtime ritual. It's helped me romanticise rest, and it's made winding down something I genuinely look forward to. Plus, my skin and hair have never been happier.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
For me, it's all about consistency over extremes. I try to fit in one sauna session per week, it's my way to sweat, switch off, and reset. I also make time for a weekly massage, alternating between deep tissue and lymphatic, depending on how I'm feeling. Some weeks I need a full-body reset, others I just want something light and feel good. It's become a form of maintenance for me, supporting both my body and mind.
What does self-care mean to you?
To me, self-care means creating space to pause, protect my peace, and reconnect with myself. It's an act of self respect, choosing softness over pressure, presence over autopilot. It's how I nurture my wellbeing, restore balance, and remind myself that I'm worthy of care, always. Durana Elmi – Co-Founder & COO – Cymbiotika
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
I unplug and retreat into stillness. A red light sauna session followed by complete silence – no phone, no noise, just breath – has become my reset button.
What's your hero self-care product or treatment you swear by?
The LYMA Laser is my go-to. It's the only at-home treatment I've found that visibly lifts, firms, and transforms my skin. I also can't live without Dr. Diamond's Metacine. Which is luxury skincare with retinol, hyaluronic acid, plasma for youthful, glowing skin.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
Yes – my red light sauna. It's my sanctuary and has elevated everything from my sleep and stress response to overall recovery.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
Cymbiotika's Colostrum has been a game-changer for my gut health and skin. It also tastes amazing so I selfishly indulge and reap all the benefits. Also, regular acupuncture took my wellness to the next level. It brings balance, reduces stress, and helps me stay centered in the midst of a demanding schedule.
What does self-care mean to you?
Self-care is discipline – it's about creating boundaries, honouring your energy, and choosing rituals that nourish your body and spirit. Wafa Al Falahi – Multidisciplinary artist
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed I often take a step back and ground myself through something tactile like working with ceramics or drawing. It becomes less about fixing the feeling and more about making space for it. There's something really calming about working with materials that respond to touch. It becomes a quiet conversation between me and the medium.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
I constantly find myself splurging on tools, materials, or equipment, especially when I'm in the early stages of an idea. The moment I believe in a project, I feel the need to support it with whatever it needs to grow. Whether it's a new material I'm curious about or a tool that can help bring out a specific texture or form, I tend to go all in. For me, it's not just about the object itself, but about committing to the process.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
Pilates has definitely been one of the few wellness practices that's made a lasting difference for me. Over time, it's become more than just a workout. It's a way to reset, especially when I'm overwhelmed or creatively drained. It grounds me, clears out that mental fog, and reminds me to move with intention.
What does self-care mean to you?
Self-care, for me, has become less about routines and more about self-awareness. It's about knowing when to slow down, when to say no, and when to give myself space – mentally, emotionally, and physically. It's not always the obvious things like skincare or a day off. Sometimes self-care is doing the difficult stuff, like setting boundaries or being honest with myself when something isn't working. Khulood Mohammed – Podcaster & Digital Creator
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
I like to unplug literally from everything. Mentally, me time is very important to me so you'll usually find me in my cosy bed with my favourite snack and watching my comfort movies or maybe listen to a podcast.
What's your hero self-care product or treatment you swear by?
My self-care products are my babies. I could name a few but if something stands out it would always be a rich body oil that smells so heavenly it makes me feel like a princess.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
Of course! Every face mask product I ever bought was worth every penny.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
Cold plunges are something I tried a while back, and they made a huge difference, especially with my sleep. I felt more energised, like there was more 'life' in me, so yes, definitely a game changer.
What does self-care mean to you?
Protecting my peace is what self-care means to me. I don't mind being a little selfish sometimes, cancelling plans and just having some me time at home. I also believe self-care is about getting to know yourself better, what you like, what you don't. We're often so invested in others (which isn't a bad thing), but we tend to forget to check in with our own needs. Learning yourself is just as important. Alia Al Khafajy – CEO & Founder – Okta
What's your go-to ritual when you're feeling overwhelmed?
Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed I usually either go for a walk by the beach to recharge myself and clear my head a little, or sometimes even go in for an evening Lagree class. But my usual remedy that works on me like a charm is a nice long, warm everything shower.
What's your hero self-care product or treatment you swear by?
I've noticed a great difference when I started icing my face first thing in the morning. I go in with massaging my face for as long as I can, concentrating on certain areas to also help achieve that snatched look. I find that the cold sensation gets the blood flowing across my face, giving me a great morning pick-me-up. My product holy grail is a tough one but if I really had to choose it would be The Fix face potion from Khus+Khus.
Have you invested in a self-care splurge that was 100% worth it?
Maybe not beauty related. But I would consider vacations or trips investment or self-care splurges that are always 100% worth it. I think it's very important to take time off, allowing your nervous system to heal and recharge.
Is there a wellness practice that actually made a difference for you?
I personally am not a fan of the cold so no cold plunges for me, but I do believe in having regular lymphatic massages to help with blood circulation as well and breaking down toxins to then flush them out. I am a fan of traditional Finnish saunas as well. I love a good Moroccan bath (hammam) as well.
What does self-care mean to you?
Over time the meaning of self-care has evolved and has become more of a state of mind. Being able to take time to recluse, be offline and off the grid when I need to slow down is what I consider self-care. More simply, it's recognising when I'm overwhelmed and addressing that instead of just pushing through with a band aid fix. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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