With everything else that you’ve got going on in your life, ensuring that you’re following a skincare routine each day is probably pretty low on your priority list. However, if your mental health has been feeling a little shaky lately, then it may surprise you to know that a skincare routine could be exactly what you need.
Skincare routine can reduces stress
A small amount of stress is normal, but chronic stress can have a severe impact on your mental health. Long-term stress has been shown to increase the risk of anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and substance abuse problems, making it well worth trying to keep your stress levels as low as possible.
This is something that a skincare routine can help with. Experts have found that following a simple three-step routine can lower the amount of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, in your body by up to 83%.
There could be several reasons for this. In addition to a skincare routine being calming and encouraging mindfulness, the way in which you massage your face when applying a product lowers your heart rate and reduces feelings of anxiety.
Skincare routine can provides structure and stability
With the pandemic still rife in many parts of the world, life is generally quite unpredictable right now. All of this uncertainty can really cause havoc in your brain, which quickly leads to mental health issues.
Now more than ever, your brain needs structure and stability to allow it to relax. Habits and routines help to occupy yet calm the mind, giving you the feeling of being in control. You can apply this to all aspects of your life – forming any positive habit or routine would really benefit your mental health, and a simple skincare routine is a great place to start.
Skincare routine can increase your confidence
Confidence gives you a more positive outlook on life, and all of that positivity is a huge mental health booster. There are several ways in which you can improve your confidence, and one of them is with a skincare routine.
The simple act of taking some precious time out of your day to nurture your skin will increase feelings of self-worth. Even better, all of that attention that you lavish onto your skin will do wonders for your complexion. There’s nothing quite as confidence-building as knowing that your skin looks absolutely amazing!
What should a skincare routine consist of?
As mentioned, a skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated – three basic steps are all you need to begin reaping mental health benefits. This usually consists of a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen during the day, or a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer combination at night. You’ll find everything that you need, along with tips on how to deal with specific skin concerns, on Pierre Michel Beauty.
The key is consistency. Make it a point to follow your new skincare routine every day, ideally twice a day.
For an even bigger boost to your mental wellbeing (along with your skin), you could also add everything from face masks to exfoliants to eye creams to your skincare routine. There truly are so many amazing products out there. Make sure that everything you use is suited to your skin type and it won’t be long before you start noticing big improvements – not just in your complexion, but also in your state of mind.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
