Self-care and mental health have become critical subjects these days. The mental health crisis seems to worsen every year, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we spent our lives locked up indoors, many of us have found time to focus on skin health as a way to distract ourselves. While things have slowly returned to normal, many have brought with them their new skincare habits. Women are flocking to facial centers, spa resorts, and body waxing salons.
In a survey by InStyle, 76% of women reported they feel better about themselves if their skin looks good, regardless of age. Although their concerns vary depending on their age, there’s no doubt that the overall skin appearance plays a vital role in boosting one’s confidence and mental health.
To learn more about the relationship between skincare routine and mental health, we’ll talk about the impact of how caring for your skin promotes mental well-being.
It reduces stress
Stress is a normal part of life, but if you’re experiencing a great amount of it, this can take a huge toll on your mental health. Chronic stress increases the risk of sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and substance use, making it worth the try to reduce your stress levels from time to time.
There are plenty of ways to keep your stress levels at bay., from meditation, yoga, exercise, relaxation techniques, and counseling. But did you know that having a skincare routine also helps in reducing stress? Experts found that doing a basic three-step routine decreases the body’s cortisol, a form of stress hormone. The reason behind this is that a skincare routine brings a person into a state of calmness and mindfulness because of the relaxing motion of the way you apply the product to your face and body. This reduces feelings of anxiety and lowers heart rate.
It provides stability and structure
Life has become quite unpredictable since the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest things we experienced was transitioning our outdoorsy life to pandemic lockdowns. During that transition, we lose the routine and structure of our day. In a 2018 study, researchers reveal that people who don’t follow a routine during the active parts of the day are more likely to suffer from loneliness, mood problems, and bipolar and depressive disorders.
All the uncertainty has wreaked havoc in our lives, and even our mental health is not an exception. This explains why recent studies found a dramatic increase in mental health issues during the lockdown period. People are suffering from loneliness, social isolation, and depression more than ever.
To be able to relax, our brain needs stability and structure. As the pandemic disrupted the normal way of life, we found ourselves losing track of our routines and habits, such as spending Friday nights with friends and commuting to work every weekday.
If you think you lost all the stability in life during the pandemic, you can develop a positive habit out of your skincare routine. Skincare routines come in different types depending on the products used, the order of application, and the number of steps to follow. To achieve the desired results, you have to be consistent and maintain a balanced lifestyle, which helps establish a structure in your life.
Skincare routine doesn’t only stop in applying products on your face daily. It’s also about exercise and healthy eating habits. These routines are essential for overall health and wellbeing, in both mind and body.
A skincare routine serves as a comforting force and a feel-good act in our lives, which provides the anchor to our day and a source of stability in our week. In fact, following a routine consistently and seeing its fruitful results can bring a sense of accomplishment.
It boosts confidence
Confidence isn’t just about feeling good about yourself and having a more positive outlook in life. All the positivity that confidence brings can be an effective mental health booster.
There are many ways to enhance your confidence, and making time for a skincare routine is one of them. The simple act of nurturing your skin increases one’s self-worth. All the attention and care you put on your skin can make a big difference to your complexion and overall aura. A skin that looks amazing is one of the best confidence boosters you’ll ever have!
There are plenty of techniques to practice self-care, but making efforts to enhance skin health also benefits your emotional and mental health. Taking the time and effort to look after your skin won’t only boost your confidence but also affect the state of your mind and body.