Self care, I'm treatin' me right

skincare, temazcal & pride

Author

Rocio L
June 17, 2025

In collaboration with skin by Corrinne

Hola hola! 👋🏽

This week, we’re talking sweat, ceremony, and sacred skincare because real self-care goes beyond bubble baths and into the realm of ritual.

I’m also so excited to share that this issue is officially sponsored—and not just by anyone. I’ve been getting my monthly facials at skin by Corrinne for a while now, so having them as my very first sponsor feels extra special. This is just the beginning of our partnership, and I can’t wait to share more.

If you’re a brand, creative, or healer looking to connect with a thoughtful, curious audience, I’d love to help tell your story. Let’s talk.

Shall we dive in?

TOP STORY

Temazcal: The Ancient Ritual That Leaves You Reborn

Looking for a reset that’s physical, emotional, and spiritual? Enter the temazcal—an ancestral sweat lodge ceremony where you’ll sweat, steam, and surrender yourself to the process of release and renewal.

Tell me more.

The word temazcal comes from the Nahuatl temazcalli, meaning “house of heat.” But it refers to more than just the dome-shaped hut—it’s a ceremony practiced for over a thousand years across Mesoamerica, rooted in Indigenous cultures like the Aztecs, Mayans, and Toltecs. Today, variations of the ritual are still found across Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and parts of Central America, often passed down through oral tradition and lived experience.

Guided by a temazcalero or healer, the ceremony involves entering a circular, stone-and-mud hut that represents the womb of Mother Earth. Volcanic stones—called abuelas or grandmothers—are heated until they glow, then placed in a pit at the center of the space. Water infused with herbs is poured over them, creating an intense steam that fills the dome. The ceremony is typically divided into four “doors” or stages, each aligned with an element and direction.

You’ll crawl in on hands and knees, offer silent prayers, and sit in a dark, steamy silence where you’re invited to look within, release what's no longer serving you, and call in what you need. Depending on the group size, ceremonies can last two to four hours.

Let’s unpack this.

Temazcal isn’t just about sweating out toxins—though it does that too. It’s a ritual of purification used for centuries before battles, after childbirth, or ahead of major life transitions. It was—and still is—a way to prepare the mind, body, and spirit.

Modern studies show a range of health benefits: lowered blood pressure, clearer skin, strengthened respiratory function, improved focus, and reduced anxiety. The effects are physical and emotional. It’s common to leave feeling like you’ve been reborn—because in a way, you have.

What does this mean?

Temazcal can be as spiritual or as grounded as you want it to be. Whether you're there for the cultural tradition, the meditative stillness, or the healing sweat, what matters is the intention you bring. It’s about connection—to yourself, your ancestors, and the Earth.

Tepoztlán, a mystical town in Morelos tied to the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, is known for its powerful temazcal offerings. I also have a go-to spot in CDMX near the airport—respond here and I’ll share the info.

I've done seven ceremonies since 2021, and each one has cracked something open in me. If you're looking for a reset, this might be it.

🗳️ President Sheinbaum hails judicial election as “total success” after low 13% turnout 

📺 Belinda to star a Empress Carlota in Sony’s upcoming series

💱 Mexico records steepest monthly remittance decline in nearly 13 years 

🥁 Los Tigres del Norte get a New York City street named in their honor

⛽ Authorities recover 3.1 million liters of stolen fuel in Tabasco

IN COLLABORATION WITH

skin by Corrinne specializes in facial and body care treatments tailored to all skin types and needs. Expect everyday rituals, behind-the-scenes studio moments, and real talk on what it means to care for your skin in a way that feels good—and true—to you.

CULTURE & HAPPENINGS
DID YOU KNOW?

Most ATMs in Mexico offer a currency conversion rate that benefits them—not you. When I first started the digital nomad life in 2021, it took me months to realize that the conversion is optional. (I used to think declining it meant I wouldn’t get my cash—oops.) If you don’t have a Mexican bank account and rely on ATMs, always decline the conversion to avoid hidden fees. Heads up: some shady ATMs might cancel the transaction if you decline, but most will still dispense your pesos just fine.

VIRAL VAULT

Thanks for being a reader of CDMX if you know, you know! If you'd like to support this passion project (and my coffee habit ☕️), feel free to buy me a coffee.

P.S. I’m looking for contributors! If you’re interested in writing pieces that align with the tone and content of this newsletter – whether cultural, newsy, or a mix of both – please reply with your top 3 topic ideas and a writing sample. No promo content, just thoughtful reporting or storytelling. It’s unpaid for now, but you’ll get a byline, bio, and links.

P.P.S. I only promote community events for free. Please send the link to the specific event you would like me to feature. If you’d like to feature a product or service, I offer paid sponsorships. Respond to this email and I’ll provide more details.

See you in two weeks!