The “inner beauty” movement, where the focus is on nourishing ourselves from the inside out so that we naturally radiate our beauty within, is not a new phenomenon. Indeed, even as far back as Ancient Greece, Socrates is credited with saying, “Give me beauty in the inward soul; may the outward and the inward man be at one.”
In recent times, many of us have realised that for us to be the best versions of ourselves, our self-care needs to go much deeper than our external personas. Although the first things to spring to mind when discussing inner self-care are meditation and yoga sessions, even remembering to slow down for a few brief moments a day, connecting with your breath, becoming more aware of your body and your surroundings can do wonders for your mental, physical and emotional health.
Most experts agree that having a beauty routine, especially in times of uncertainty and stress, can help to significantly increase our self-confidence and help us regain some feeling of control over our lives. The simple act of applying skincare products, taking a moment to focus on ourselves and providing our skin with key actives it needs to be healthy, has far more benefits than continually chasing ever-changing beauty standards. This act harnesses the power of intention.
A meaningful beauty ritual
Closing your eyes, inhaling deeply and anchoring yourself in the moment while applying a sensory skincare formula such as Clementine Cleansing Balm can result in much more than clean skin. Including introspection techniques, such as meditation, mindfulness or a gratitude journal in your facial care routines, can be the most effective beauty ingredient for calm, healthy skin.
Why? Because there is nothing that affects the skin more than our emotions. Both good and bad. Recent psychodermatology studies, which researches the interaction between mind and skin, have proven that high-stress levels are often the underlying cause of most dermatological problems. Moreover, stress ages skin…a lot.
Stress can cause inflammation of the skin so if your skin is acne- or eczema-prone, it can end up breaking out in times of worry. Muscles tighten, fine lines and wrinkles begin to form, and skin loses its healthy glow. Some open-minded dermatologists are even going so far as to prescribe meditation to their patients, not only for stress management but also to improve the appearance of their skin.
Calm, the best radiance-boosting ingredient
In many cases, our external appearance reflects our inner world. As our cells are more receptive when we are in a state of calm, it is not unreasonable to see how it could be a powerful antioxidant for our skin. While some may consider it all New Age mumbo jumbo, scientific studies back up the fact that being in a state of calm or relaxation equates to lower stress hormones levels, lower levels of inflammation, higher levels of oxygen in cells, a stronger skin barrier and better lymphatic drainage function.
A good (and doable) way to boost feelings of relaxation and calm, is including the act of setting intentions in your beauty ritual. Being kinder to yourself, connecting to the here and now, and giving thanks for all that you are grateful for in life as you apply your favourite skincare product is a great place to start.
Skincare and self-care combined
If you think about it, self-care and skincare go hand in hand. Practising mindfulness, gratitude or the daily setting of intentions (or all three!) can have a positive impact on our mental health. Helping to train the brain to follow a more positive mindset. Indeed, research has shown that regular use of positive body and beauty affirmations increase brain activity in the areas associated with reward and appreciation.
The next time you do your beauty ritual try repeating “thank you wrinkles, for those moments of laughter and happiness”, as you apply Rapid Eye Treatment. Next, slow your mind and body down for a few minutes and connect with your breath. Just five minutes of deep breathing will help supply extra oxygen to the skin, vital for promoting cellular health. Correct levels of blood oxygenation have an all-over rejuvenating effect, helping to balance our body and speed up cell and tissue repair, giving our skin a fresh, youthful glow. All together now, close your eyes…Breathe…
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