According to Dr. Amy Wechsler, a board-certified dermatologist, psychiatrist and the author of The Mind-Beauty Connection, one of the accelerators of the ageing is stress. When our body is constantly under a stressful state, cortisol a.k.a stress hormones prevents skin repair naturally. Your body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin (both crucial for plump looking skin) reduces drastically during stressful periods. The mind-skin connection suggest that neuro-inflammatory conditions like acne, psoriasis and dermatitis can be triggered by stress.
A study published in June 2018 in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine showed that mindfulness can help improve wound healing within the first few days. This is why as a clinical pharmacist myself, I am a big fan of holistically treating a patient when it comes to achieving long term goals. It hurts me on the inside when a patient places more confidence on short, quick & flash treatments instead of putting at least 10% of that trust in themselves to control their body and mind.
A hectic urban lifestyle, constant distractions from digital devices and the need to constantly multi-task has become one of the main reasons of being in an “overwhelmed” state of mind. In order to reconnect and restore inner balance, skincare users are now opening up to skincare that gives them a sense of ‘time out’.
Hence why products focusing on mindful skincare routines are becoming a trend more so during the Covid 19 pandemic.
3 Quick tips to restore the Mind-Body connection through a skincare ritual
1.Slow it Down
Are you one of those frequently running around like a headless chuck trying to do 101 things on our check list? Start a simple mindful step by just turning something as boring as washing your face to a more conscious and present activity. Be able to slowly sense the smell of your products and gently feel them rub on your skin. This not only helps with mindfulness, but you also give your skin a deeper clean to absorb your skincare products more efficiently.
2.Be Present
Why spend all that money on products when you lose out on the benefits of the aromatherapy properties included in some of these products? Most formulators have designed these products to smell and feel right for their users to have a spa like experience. Try being present when cleansing or moisturizing. Be more aware of the scent and texture of your products.
Also start noticing the changes on your skin by actually pausing at your reflection in the mirror. What does your skin look or feel like Is it dry, oily, or puffier than usual?
Our diets make our skin change. Foods high in salt like a bowl of fries or high in soy sauce content may cause your face to look puffier than usual due to water retention. In this case, it may be a good idea to give your face a gentle massage using a facial massage tool that can assist lymphatic drainage for as little as 2-3 minutes daily.
Use a facial massage tool like a guasha as an anchor from a wandering mind as it glides through your face smoothly with your preferred choice of skincare. The idea is to turn your skincare routine into more of a relaxing ritual and get all of those stress-reducing benefits from it.
3. Breathe it in
Deep breaths are a great way to help stay mindful. Inhale the aromas of your luxurious products to create a sense of relaxation and serenity. There are also some scents that achieve certain moods like rose geranium, lavender, frankincense, sandalwood or lemon.
You can always light a candle or get some essential oils diffused turn your mundane skincare routine to a relaxing spa like ritual.