Skin care is all the rage these days. People everywhere are celebrating the skin they're in. Going all natural and embracing your skin is the new norm in a world full of Photoshop and Instagram filters, proving that natural beauty is indeed timeless.
The benefits of having a routine go beyond just waking up with soft skin. Perfecting your skin care regime can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Whether you're a fan of a multi-step regimen, or prefer to keep it super simple, here's why you need a skin care routine in your life:
1. It boosts your self-esteem
In the same way that wearing a flattering outfit can boost your confidence, your skin care routine also impacts how you see yourself. Healthy skin can be a major confidence booster, and when your complexion looks less than perfect, it can easily have the opposite effect. So grab your favorite facial cleanser, say goodbye to skin issues, and hello to your new found self-esteem.
2. You get time to pause
Your skin care routine is the perfect time to slow down and focus on the present. A recent study shows that Americans spend an average of five hours a day on their phones. All this pressure to keep updated and refreshed can be draining, so even taking two minutes to cleanse your face each night can feel like a mini vacation.
3. It's comforting
While change can definitely be exciting, there is comfort in having small routines that can be used to structure your day. The University of Virginia found that people who have daily routines tend to think of their lives as more meaningful. These feelings of coherence and security give us a sense of control. So if you're bombarded with unexpected stress, a skin care routine could be just the thing to keep you calm and cool.
4. It reduces stress
A skin care routine can be a great way to insert some relaxation into a busy day. Well + Good notes how a skin care routine can act as a form of meditation, which can set you up for a positive day ahead. Since a good routine is so beneficial for a positive mindset, taking a moment out of your day to care for your skin can help you destress. Psychologists from Maryville University note how a person’s mental health can affect different aspects of their life, including how they absorb information and how they perform at work. While an exercise regimen stimulates your body and gets the blood flowing, your skin care routine calms you down and allows you to let go of whatever worries you may be carrying.
5. You can set (and achieve) realistic goals
Setting (and achieving) small goals throughout the day has been shown to help with a variety of mental illnesses. Get the Gloss writer Jessica Morgan credits her skincare routine as her saving grace when it came to dealing with depression and anxiety. Setting goals as small as washing and moisturizing your face provides daily victories that you can easily achieve.
While having a skin care routine can greatly improve your mental health, it’s important to note that it isn't the be-all and end-all solution to your problems. Think of this as a step in the right direction. Taking the time to cleanse and moisturize your face is a sign that you’re taking care of yourself. These small acts can go a long way when it comes to boosting your mental health.
If you need help customizing a skin care routine, contact us for a personalized recommendation.
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Content exclusively written for Urban Oreganics by Alexa Bradley
