It’s no secret that women face many pressures and expectations placed on them by today’s youth-obsessed society.
Marketing targets how we feel about our minds, bodies, appearance, careers, and even how we parent our children. And as natural caretakers, many women feel additional pressure to care for everyone around them first.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for this stress to turn into a cycle that results in leaving self-care behind. When we stop caring for ourselves, we are more susceptible to stress, skin issues, and other health complications. Even our mental health begins to suffer.
This is all part of the deep connection between skin care, mental health, and self-esteem.
We already know taking care of our skin is important for health and our appearance. I call the skin a magic mirror that gives clues about your overall well-being. Your skin may be trying to tell you something about what’s happening inside your body, from nutritional deficiencies to hormonal imbalances. However, your skin can also be a reflection of your mental and emotional state. If your mental health is suffering, you may see it on your skin.
The Hormone Connection
When we are stressed, it can show up on our skin in the form of acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Regular stress and anxiety can even result in dermatoses or “disease of the skin.” Two causes of this are imbalanced androgens and imbalanced cortisol.
When stress triggers the release of cortisol, it can cause inflammation and may even break down collagen. A high level of cortisol can also lead to sugar cravings, which in turn can cause you to eat excess sugar. This increases inflammatory skin issues, so you may get caught in a vicious cycle.
All of this may lead to premature aging and other skin problems.
Acne can also be caused by androgens such as testosterone and DHEA. High levels of androgens may increase sebum production and in turn, increase acne risk. Testosterone stimulates the sebum-producing glands that are essential for protecting the skin with natural oils. Too much testosterone is what creates sebum overproduction.
When we experience these issues, our mental health can deteriorate because of our appearance. On the other hand, when we take care of our mental health and our skin at the same time, we can see and feel positive effects.
When we are happy and relaxed, our skin can appear brighter, smoother, and more youthful. When we are in a state of relaxation, our body releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and inflammation – ultimately promoting healthy skin.
Creating a Meditative Skin Care Routine
Having a relaxing and mindful skin care routine is a soothing way to practice self-care and boost your feelings of well-being. Research shows meditation, mindfulness, and self-care increase self-esteem and promote good mental health. Taking care of your skin also helps boost your confidence – and when you use natural skin care products free of toxins, you’re also caring for your overall health.
To make your skin care routine a meditative practice, I recommend setting aside time each morning and evening at a time when you don’t have to rush. When you do, you’re not only helping your skin but your soul too.
The act of slowing down will pull your body and mind into a calmer state.
So what does a meditative skin care routine look like? It will vary from person to person. Here are some suggestions to make it a calming and relaxing experience.
- Play soft and calming music in the background
- Complete your routine in a clean, decluttered environment
- Use soft, plush towels and cloths for a pleasant tactile experience
- Light a candle
- Meditate while cleansing and applying products
- Repeat positive affirmations or do positive self-talk during your routine
And don’t forget to use natural, non-toxic skin care products like The Daily Essentials, our flagship 4-step system:
- Step 1: CLEAN Gentle Cleanser: Cleansers that foam tend to have a high pH and strip skin of its natural oils. Our cleanser doesn’t lather. Instead, it thoroughly cleanses makeup and impurities while balancing the skin.
- Step 2: NOURISH Antioxidant Serum: Leave skin feeling nourished and increase hydration with powerful hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, and chlorella.
- Step 3: RENEW Enriched Moisturizer: Our moisturizer is packed with camelina, argan oil, and a green, white, and black tea blend. It protects against oxidative damage and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Step 4: ENHANCE Glow Boost: This is the perfect finishing touch that hydrates your skin with a beautiful blend of natural organic plant oils. This is my personal favorite – I even used it on my wedding day!
You can also try my at-home self-facial using The Daily Essentials. Facials are an essential part of a healthy skin care routine.
Mental Health Benefits of a Skin Care Routine
A meditative skin care routine can give you a serotonin boost. It can make you feel happier and more satisfied to put time and energy into making yourself feel good. Plus, you’ll have something to look forward to in the morning and at night, which increases good feelings and calms your nerves.
Another benefit is that your routine provides structure, which can make you feel in control – even when everything else is out of control.
The other benefit of how skin care can impact your self-esteem and mental health is that when you feel good about your skin, you feel more confident and self-assured. On the other hand, when you are dealing with skin problems like acne, rosacea, or wrinkles, it can be difficult to feel good about yourself.
I know this all too well from the skin care challenges I experienced as a child and in early adulthood. I was even bullied for the appearance of my skin.
But make no mistake – those issues do not take away from your natural beauty in any way. Nobody has the perfect, flawless skin we see in magazines, and there is nothing wrong with that.
If you are experiencing severe mental health challenges, it is essential to seek out a physician, therapist, or counselor for guidance and care. Remember, you deserve to look and feel your most radiant and glowing self no matter what the noise of society has to say about it.
The Spa Dr.® Approach
At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on the skin and health care information and offer our guidance to support you on your journey.
We’re offering a free 9-part documentary series – Hormones, Health & Harmony to help you balance your hormones and restore radiance. Register HERE.
Dr. Trevor Cates’ book, Natural Beauty Reset, provides an in-depth look at how you can nourish your body and support your health and hormones through the seasons.
The Spa Dr.® offers natural skin care products that are safe and free from chemicals and toxins that can harm your skin and health. Our products are formulated to contain key nutrients in their pure and active form to provide optimal results. In addition, our products are pH balanced towards mild acidity to promote and protect a healthy skin microbiome.
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