Consistency, Self-Connection + Meditative-Like Practices: How A Skincare Routine Could Help Your Mental Health

While there are hundreds of tips, practices, routines etc. that are great for improving mental health and de-stressing, today I want to talk about what I know to be helpful to me - a consistent skincare routine.

In a 2017 study, researchers found that people who have less consistent routines throughout the active parts of their day were more likely to suffer from major depressive and bipolar disorders and mood problems.

Finding a routine that you feel you are interested in practicing consistently can work wonders for you and your mental health. I choose self care practices such as baths and skincare. For me, this is something that is a two-fold return on investment and that alone, motivates me to stick with the practice; It aids in my mental health as well as self-esteem and physical (skin) health!

It has been proven that meditative or quieting practices can decrease the frequency of anxious or depressive thoughts. Although it may not prevent an anxiety attack from happening, it is proven to diminish the overall anxiety that contributes to an anxiety disorder - and in the long run, when practiced consistently, may significantly improve the state of your mental health.

Coming from someone who has had their fair share of mental health struggles, I understand that there are days that long baths and a 10-minute skincare routine just won’t fix - or even be an option for that matter, however, more often than not, setting those 10-15 minutes aside each day to look in the mirror and connect with myself, have proven to be beneficial to me and my overall happiness.

I visualize washing the day and it’s stresses off of me as I cleanse my face and rinse it down the drain. I splash my face with cold water and focus only on the refreshing sensation. I apply my moisturizers and serums gently, connecting with myself in a kind and forgiving way with gentle reminders that I am safe and grounded.

As I wait to rinse off a mask, or perform a lymphatic drainage facial massage on myself, I place one hand on my heart, and remind myself that this is what matters; taking care of myself is what matters. 🤍