Since the pandemic, there have been more conversations about self-care and mental health. While we often think of logging off and meditating for self-care, we probably don't give enough credit to skincare as a form of self-care.
Back when we were in lockdown, a lot of skincare brands saw an increase in sales. This was because most people around the world were staying home. There was less of a reason to wear makeup, and people had more time to really care for their skin.
During a time when we didn't have a lot to be happy about, skincare became something like an escape. After all, the condition of your skin is a great indicator of overall health, stress level and mental health.
"Any act of skin care can be considered self-care"
In a Huffpost article, American dermatologist Marie Jihn said that any act of skin care can be considered self-care. This, in turn, can be important towards improving mental health. Whether it’s a simple 2-step or luxurious 7-step routine, what’s important is the action of taking time for yourself. Here's how you can really enjoy the act of skincare as a form of self-care:
Take your own sweet time
Something as simple as taking your time doing your skincare routine can be very therapeutic. We're always rushing to get things done during the day -- why not slow down and take time doing your nighttime skincare routine?
Take your own sweet time, especially when double cleansing. Use this opportunity to properly massage and cleanse your skin. This way, you're giving your skin a deep cleanse to dislodge dirt and unclog your pores. Your skin will feel smoother and softer, too!
Masks! Masks! Masks!
Facial masks are a great way to add a little magic to even the simplest of routines. There are tons of choices too, and you can get them easily at drugstores. While you may be familiar with sheet masks, there are other kinds of facial masks you can try:
- sleeping masks
- clay masks
- rubber masks
- gel masks
- peel-off masks
- bubble masks
Masks are great for a little spa day at home. They're also packed with great ingredients to give you an instant glow!
Don’t forget the rest of your skin!
While pampering your face, don’t forget to pay some attention to the rest of your body too! There’s almost nothing a long hot bath can’t fix, after all.
However, if you don’t have a tub, don’t worry! You can always put on some Taylor Swift and spend a little extra time washing and maybe even scrubbing your entire body.
The best part is probably applying your favorite lotion and smelling great before going to bed. You can even take it one step further and use one of those Korean exfoliating hand or foot masks. You can polish your nails, too!
We all need to escape from our busy schedules from time to time. While we may not always be able to go on staycations, simple things like caring for your skin can work wonders. This is not just for great skin, but also for our mental health. So, the next time you have a stressful day, make a note to allocate some time just to yourself. Treat yourself by ordering in, putting on a sheet mask and forgetting your worries for a few hours.
