The Power of Self Care: How Skin Care Can Improve Your Mental Health
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year: anxiety. Anxiety is a common feeling that you may have experienced yourself before, and luckily there are several coping strategies which are known to reduce or ease the feeling of being anxious. Self care and self love is one of the best ways to improve your wellbeing.
At surface level, wanting to treat skin conditions may seem purely aesthetic, however mental health and appearance does have a link. A YouGov study of 4,505 people found that 57% of 18 to 24-year-olds surveyed admitted to having felt anxious due to body image, compared with 30% of 45 to 54 years olds and 20% of over 55s. One in four also cited physical appearance as a main symptom of stress. Stress hormones can sometimes create noticeable changes in the skin's condition when you're feeling low or emotionally burned out, and whilst mindful skincare can be beneficial to your wellbeing, we understand that at times, this can be another task that brings more self-deprecating thoughts.
Skincare should be a consistent and daily practice, but it doesn't have to be a chore. Today we'll be sharing our top self care tips for dealing with your mental health, because deserve to to feel calm and healthy.
Remember: you've got this! Stand before your mirror and tell yourself: I deserve to feel beautiful and healthy.
Keep to a routine
Skincare is a type of self-care—so going through your skincare routine every night can be a great way to unwind. It can boost your confidence, which in turn can increase your self-esteem and overall happiness. Not only that, establishing a routine can also help you maintain order and predictability in your life, which will help you regain the feeling of control.
It is recommended to find 30 minutes a week to practice mindfulness activities. With your skincare routine lasting about 15 minutes each day, this really is a wellbeing opportunity hidden in plain sight.
Your skincare can act as an anchor and keep reminding you to take care of yourself. When you can materialise your love for yourself, you can put yourself in a routine to reinforce the emotion.
Use calming ingredients
That's why using products with calming ingredients in them is important. Look for skincare products that contain ingredients like lavender, chamomile, or aloe vera that are known for their calming properties.
Our Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask contains a blend of relaxing and soothing ingredients that work beautifully not only skin deep, but also helping to calm your mood in the form of aromatherapy. The essential oils we use in our products are not a cause for fragrance, but the health benefits we see in pure natural oils like lavender, which is anti-inflammatory superstar that heals injured skin and simultaneously fights acne.
Take care of your eyes
Anxiety and eye care may seem like two separate issues, but low moods can often cause changes in the appearance of your eyes.
Now, you look great puffy eyes or not, but caring for your eyes is crucial. When experiencing anxiety, one common symptom is the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. You can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation by using a gentle eye cream or placing a cold compress on your eyes.
Our delicately-formulated Anti-Ageing Kale Eye Cream is created with a blend of vitamin-rich kale, maqui berry and pomegranate enzymes to help de-puff baggy eyes and minimise dark circles, and amino acids, B vitamins and antioxidants to firm and reduce fine lines. Use a pea sized amount on your under-eye along with a Jade Roller for soothing and de-puffing effects on the eyes.
Practice mindfulness
Taking care of your skin is an important self-care practice that can also have mental health benefits. When you're performing your skincare routine, try to focus on the sensations of the products on your skin and the movements of your hands.
This mindful approach can help you stay present in the moment and reduce anxious thoughts. As you apply your skincare products, take notice of how they feel on your skin, the scent they have, and the textures they create. This sensory awareness can help anchor you in the present moment and give your mind a break from worrying about the past or future. Additionally, the repetitive motions of applying skincare products can be meditative, providing a sense of calm and relaxation.
By incorporating mindfulness into your skincare routine, you can help promote a sense of inner peace and take a positive step towards managing your anxiety.
Remember, self-care isn't just about pampering yourself or your skin. It's also about creating a routine that makes you feel better, both physically and mentally. While taking care of your skin can have a positive impact on your mental health, it's important to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to your anxiety. Don't be afraid to seek professional help if you're struggling with your mental health.
In conclusion, taking care of your skin can be a powerful form of self-care that can help you feel more grounded, confident, and relaxed. By incorporating these tips into your daily skincare routine, you can promote a sense of inner peace and well-being, while also improving the appearance and health of your skin. Remember to take time for yourself and prioritize your mental health this Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond.