Melissa Barrera On Anxiety, Aloe Vera, & Finding Self Love

Beauty

The actress opens up about her year and what shes looking forward to in 2023.

Melissa Barrera just wants less time in the makeup chair.

But [in the U.S.], its separate.

It stresses me out still to this day.

Its double the time.

But of course, working in the U.S. has some perks.

Whats your skincare routine after a long day of working?

Im obsessed with CliniquesTake The Day Off Cleansing Balm.

Its my favorite thing to use at the end of the day because it melts your makeup off.

Its so gentle on the skin.

I think in a big way, I always saw the women in my family [looking] put-together.

I learned from my early days just watching my mom and my grandma taking care of their skin.

So I think we value how we [present ourselves] a lot.

I think its, in general, a Latina thing where we like to look good.

Aloe vera was always present in my backyard, on the kitchen table, and in the bathroom.

Its always been a natural skincare remedy [I would use].

I would constantly see my mom using a lot of aloe vera.

To this day, theres aloe vera in my house.

I actually had a really hard time in the last few months with really heavy anxiety.

I usually have my handle on things, but the last few months, I just felt heavy.

I [realized] that it was a lot of work-related anxiety.

I am a workhorse.

Im usually happiest when Im busy, when Im working, when Im on set.

And I started to give myself value exclusively tied to my work.

Im a good daughter, a good sister, friend, wife, a good mom to my dogs.

I love acting, but I love so many other things that I needed to remind myself of.

Im most excited about 2023 because that means 2022 is over.

I think its a new, blank slate.

And so going to 2023, I feel more powerful.

I feel like Ive regained the reins in my life and am going in with a very positive mindset.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.