Incorporate these beauty habits for a refreshing self-care routine:

Countless beauty influencers have echoed the mantra ‘skincare is self-care,’ and intriguingly, there’s scientific backing to this claim. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2019 revealed that skincare can foster mindfulness, which in turn helps reduce depression, anxiety, and overthinking. It’s a mood booster that not only enhances your emotional state but also nurtures healthy, supple skin – a true win-win scenario. Imagine skincare as you would journaling or meditation. It serves as an anchor for your thoughts, and the rhythmic actions you perform become comforting and soothing, much like muscle memory. But you don’t have to just take our word for it – give it a try yourself. We’ve outlined a handful of beauty habits you can incorporate into your skincare regimen to infuse that extra dose of tender loving care. Remember to be present and focus on your own well-being.

Kickstart Your Routine with Exfoliation

In an ideal world, we’d all incorporate exfoliation into our facial and body care routines at least once a week. However, the reality of inertia and procrastination often relegates exfoliation to an occasional indulgence rather than a consistent regimen. Yet, two compelling reasons urge us to reconsider this stance. First, regular exfoliation dislodges clogged pores and rids the skin of dead cells and environmental pollutants that diminish our natural radiance. Second, the sheer pleasure and self-indulgence of scrubbing with a product that feels and smells divine yield a soft, velvety skin as a gratifying reward.

Creating DIY face masks was a childhood memory I cherish. I would observe my grandmother craft masks using ingredients straight from her kitchen – tomatoes, a blend of yogurt and honey, soothing aloe vera gel, and any other elements she believed would shower her skin with care (all while fending off signs of aging). Despite the contemporary influx of masks promising an array of benefits like tackling pigmentation, acne, skin firming, and detoxification, DIY masks offer a soul-nurturing experience as well as skin nourishment (P.S. We’re not disregarding skincare products – we adore those too!).

Indulge in Nail Care

Admittedly, this one may not resonate with everyone, and some might even furrow their brows at the idea of nail care being considered a habit. Yet, for those of us who experience genuine agitation at the sight of chipped nail polish or, worse, bare nails, the sentiment is relatable. Few things can rival the satisfaction of getting a manicure, adding intricate nail art, or embracing the latest trend of the week. It’s an instant mood lifter on days when you’re feeling a bit low or blue.

The popularity of jade rollers and gua sha stones isn’t unfounded. Beyond the multitude of benefits they offer to the skin, facial massages represent a gesture of self-care that goes the extra mile to provide love and indulgence. It’s akin to a form of meditation. Immersing yourself in the tactile sensations of your hand movements and the tool’s touch against your face can be remarkably soothing and calming. Investing those extra moments into this beauty practice is undoubtedly worthwhile.

Opt for a Double Cleanse, Bid Adieu to Makeup Wipes

Regardless of whether you’ve had a taxing day at work or a late night, relying on makeup wipes is never the ideal route. These wipes not only bear the brunt of being laden with harsh and skin-irritating components (think fragrances, chemical preservatives, and various other antagonists), but they also lack the gratification of gently gliding a cotton pad soaked in a mild cleanser over your face and witnessing the day’s pollutants being effortlessly lifted away. Subsequently, using your beloved face wash brings about a sensation of freshness and relaxation, setting the perfect foundation for the subsequent steps in your skincare routine.