Red Carpet to Reality: My Self-Care Routine After Filming

Hey again, lovely readers—it’s Erika

If you’ve been following my blog, you already know that being a porn actress isn’t just about what happens in front of the camera. It’s also about everything that happens after—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

That’s why today I want to take you behind the scenes—not of a set, but of what happens when I get home, take off the makeup, and start the process of coming back to myself. We all need self-care, but in my line of work, it’s non-negotiable. So here it is: the rituals, habits, and little luxuries that keep me grounded after a day of filming.

Spoiler: there’s a lot of cleansing, candles, and quiet.

Step 1: The Great Unwind (A.K.A. No Bra, No Pressure)

The moment I walk through my front door, the transformation begins. Hair extensions? Off. Bra? Gone. Shoes? Kicked into a corner. Filming days can be long—sometimes physically draining, sometimes emotionally intense. So the first thing I do is decompress.

This looks like dimming the lights, lighting a scented candle (my current favorite is sandalwood-vanilla), and putting on the softest oversized hoodie I own. There’s something so healing about literally changing out of a role and back into yourself.

Step 2: The Skincare Ritual (A Love Letter to My Face)

Makeup is fun, but after 8+ hours under harsh lights and layers of foundation, my skin is crying for mercy. That’s why my post-filming skincare routine is sacred. I treat it like a mini-spa moment.

My Go-To Evening Routine:

  1. Oil cleanser – to melt off heavy makeup

  2. Gentle foaming cleanser – to get rid of any residue

  3. Toner or hydrating mist – for balance

  4. Serum – usually hyaluronic acid or niacinamide

  5. Eye cream – especially if I’ve been squinting under lights

  6. Moisturizer – locked in like a warm hug

  7. Lip mask – for that extra softness

Once or twice a week, I’ll do a detoxifying face mask or an LED light treatment. Not just for the glow-up—but because these little moments feel indulgent and intentional.

Step 3: Nourishing from the Inside Out

After a long shoot, I usually crave something comforting but light. The adrenaline starts to wear off, and my body wants real food—not a protein bar scarfed down between scenes.

Favorite Post-Filming Meals:

  • Miso soup with rice and steamed veggies

  • Grilled salmon with cucumber salad

  • Sweet potato mash with sautéed spinach

  • Or when I’m extra tired? Breakfast for dinner—eggs and toast always win

I drink a full glass of water with dinner and often sip on chamomile or peppermint tea after. If I’m feeling run down, I’ll take magnesium or a turmeric supplement to help with inflammation and muscle recovery.

Step 4: Detoxing My Energy

Filming is a lot of things: professional, creative, and yes—sometimes intense. Even when everything goes smoothly, it takes a lot of emotional presence to perform. That’s why part of my self-care is energetic hygiene.

We don’t talk about this enough in any industry—but especially not in mine.

Here’s how I cleanse my energy:

  • I journal for 5–10 minutes. Not to write a novel, but to release any lingering thoughts or emotions. Just a brain dump.

  • I burn sage or palo santo, especially if the energy on set felt off. Even if it didn’t, I love the ritual of resetting my space.

  • I meditate—sometimes with an app, sometimes with music, sometimes just sitting in silence for a few breaths.

This helps me draw a line between work and rest. Between performance and presence.

Step 5: Body TLC

After wearing heels for hours, posing in uncomfortable positions, or repeating scenes over and over again, my body feels it. I’m not a stranger to sore muscles or stiff hips. So my self-care always includes some physical recovery.

Recovery Rituals:

  • Warm bath with Epsom salts

  • Foam rolling or stretching (especially for my back and hamstrings)

  • Body oil massage—sometimes I’ll use a jade roller or massage ball on my legs and shoulders

  • Comfy pajamas and fuzzy socks—because I’m a cozy queen after dark

Rest is sexy. Comfort is powerful. No one performs well from a burnt-out body.

Step 6: Digital Detox (Sort Of)

I won’t lie—sometimes I scroll. I’m human. But I do try to give myself at least an hour before bed without checking DMs, emails, or anything work-related.

Instead, I might:

  • Read a few chapters of a book (romance or thrillers are my fave)

  • Watch something light—comedies or cooking shows are my go-tos

  • Listen to a podcast or ambient music

  • Do my nails or tidy up my space (clean space = calm mind)

Giving myself this screen-free window helps my nervous system settle. It’s a signal to my brain: we’re done for the day. We did enough. We are enough.

Step 7: Affirmations & Sleep

Right before bed, I try to anchor myself with something kind. It might be a written affirmation. It might be me whispering, “You did your best.” It might be gratitude for having a career that supports me—and a blog community that listens (that’s you!).

Then I plug in my phone far from my bed, spray some lavender mist on my pillow, and tuck myself in. No matter how wild or mundane the day was, I end it with peace.

Sleep is my number one beauty secret. Eight hours is ideal. If I get less than six, trust me—I feel it the next day, and not even concealer can save me.

Final Thoughts

Being in the adult film industry doesn’t mean I live in chaos or scandal. Most days, my life is a cycle of work, recovery, reflection, and self-love. This job requires discipline, boundaries, and an unshakable connection to who you really are outside of your job.

My self-care routine isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about feeling whole. Whether you’re in front of a camera or behind a laptop, I hope this post reminds you that rest, rituals, and recovery are just as productive as any hustle.

Take the time to come home to yourself—you’re worth it.

With love, softness, and skincare,
Erika