Here’s How Skin Care Can Help Your Mental Health

Anxious or feeling low? Your beauty routine can save the day.

Aug 14, 2020

Self-care is huge right now, and for good reason. Anxieties are running high, isolation is the new norm, and people are feeling detached, stressed, or even at their wits’ end. It only seems logical that we respond to the frenzy with some calm, and this is where self-care, including skin care, comes in.

The skin, after all, is the largest organ of the body, and it’s the first thing we see when we look into the mirror. Plus, it serves as the first indicator of our overall health. When our skin is getting the TLC it needs, we tend to feel better about ourselves as a whole.

That said, we’ve listed down five ways your skin care regimen can help promote better mental health and ultimately help you cope during these crazy times. A reminder, though: If you’re feeling deeply troubled or depressed, it’s always best to reach out to your loved ones or to professionals for help.

Read on to know more about the wellness-boosting benefits of your skin care habits:

1. There’s comfort in routines.

When we lose the structure of our day—like what has happened during this pandemic—we get thrown off our normal rhythm, and this can trigger feelings of anxiety and helplessness. In fact, a 2018 study has found that people with less consistent routines are more likely to suffer from major depressive disorders and mood problems.

Sticking to a regular routine, including your daily skin care, can help you feel more in control and add a sense of stability and comfort. Plus, it helps you feel like you’ve accomplished something. Dr. Maximin Navarro, Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and co-founder of Bella Pelle Philippines, recommends starting and ending your day with a skin care ritual. Check out his a.m. and p.m. picks:

For morning use:

ZO Exfoliating Cleanser / OIlacleanse, P3,650	Infracyte Cyto Balance, P2,900
Neostrata Bionic Face Cream, P2,500	TiZ0 3 Sunscreen, P1,950

For evening use:

Neostrata Ultra Brightening Cleanser, P2,650

Neostrata Tri-Therapy Lifting Serum, P3,450

2. Indulgent habits trigger feel-good chemicals in your brain

The lack of special events given our stay-at-home status can indeed be depressing, but who says you can’t make up your own “event” at home? Think: a spa night, complete with scented candles and an hour-long bath, or a DIY facial featuring your favorite products. According to a January 2018 study, anticipating positive events can activate a certain part of the brain that’s associated with your sense of well-being.

Naturally, the physical relaxation signals your brain to calm down, too. For an extra satisfying sensorial treat, try chilling your skin care products in the fridge before applying them. Bonus benefit: The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation and promoting skin firmness.

Biologique Recherche Masque VIP O2

Biologique Recherche Masque PIGM 400

Biologique Recherche Biomagic Mask

3. Focusing on self-care can distract you from worrying

Have you ever gotten so engrossed in doing something that you forgot about everything else? That’s what mindfulness can do, and this can also apply in self-care. When you hone in on specific sensations—like the soothing feel of your gel cream on your face—your brain relaxes and deviates from negative thoughts, albeit temporarily.

So when you find yourself in a worry spiral, try to engage in a calming activity, like exfoliating your skin or applying your serum. The key here is to do it slowly and carefully, not hurriedly or haphazardly.

Biologique Recherche Gant De Massage Corps (Body Massage Glove)

Biologique Recherche Face Glove (Gant De Massage Visage)

Biologique Recherche Cryo Sticks

4. Skin care can double as a bonding activity

In this day and age of social distancing, we can all benefit from more meaningful interactions with our loved ones, and this includes bonding over your skin care routine. After all, doing enjoyable activities with people you care about can do wonders for your level of happiness.

If you haven’t already, share your routine with your partner or kids: Try a couple’s mask night or a family foot spa day. You can also make it extra fun making your treatments from scratch using kitchen staples. A super easy example: Mix honey with oatmeal to create a natural face scrub!

5. Having good skin can give you a powerful boost

Of course, let’s not forget the tangible benefits of having good skin care habits: Your skin looks fresher, smoother, and healthier—and the satisfaction over your physical appearance can serve as your fuel to help you power through your day. Have you ever noticed how wearing a killer dress or swiping on your favorite lipstick can make you feel like you can do anything? The same is true when you’re happy with the skin you’re in. The glow is not just superficial; it radiates within, too.

Biologique Recherche Crème PIGM 400

Biologique Recherche Sèrum PIGM 400

Neostrata Illuminating Serum, P2,650

Yllume White Capsules, P3,000

Heliocare Pure White Radiance MAX 240, P4,500

Ultimately, by intentionally caring for your skin and not letting yourself go, you’re sending a message to yourself that you’re important, and that you deserve endless love and care. And during these times of uncertainty, that’s a message we all need.

For a customized skin care routine or to ask about your current skin care concerns, you can book an online derma consultation here.