Mindfulness has been a popular topic in the health and wellness community for quite some time now, and for good reason. It has all sorts of physical, social, and psychological benefits for those who practice it.
In this article, you will learn:
-
What is Mindfulness?
-
How to Practice Mindfulness with Skin Care
-
A Mindfulness Routine to Try
-
Benefits of Being Observant
-
Summary
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is essentially paying attention and being present in the moment without judgment. When being mindful, we are focusing on the present moment — not the past or future. Mindfulness also involves acceptance of ourselves.
How to Practice Mindfulness With Skin Care
A good way to incorporate mindfulness into your day is during your skincare routine.
Be Present
Your cleansing, toning, and moisturizing ritual is something you have to do every day, but being mindful during the process can take it from a monotonous task to an act of self-love you actually look forward to. By taking a bit of extra time to really be present during your skincare ritual (as opposed to getting it over with as quickly as possible), you’re able to practice mindfulness and self-care through a task that also happens to engender beautiful skin. A win-win, right?
For a more mindful skincare routine, start with looking at yourself in the mirror. How does your skin look today? Feel your face. Is it dry, oily, or exceptionally puffy? Our skin is very connected to our diets. Sometimes after a night of Chinese food, you may notice that your face is puffier than normal due to the high sodium. In that case, it may be a good idea to use a jade roller with your face oil of choice to aid your lymphatic system.
Other days, after enjoying a long weekend with friends, your skin may be looking tired and in need of some extra TLC. If you’re staying somewhere new, you may notice that the AC or heating is drying out your skin and that it may require some more moisture. In other words, being mindful allows you to notice what your skin needs from you that day, whether it's a massage, extra hydration, or an exfoliating mask. Without taking the time to observe how your skin looks and feels, you won’t be able to treat it accordingly.
Breathe it in
Having a more mindful skincare routine involves simply taking an extra moment for yourself to notice the scents of your skin care products and enjoy the benefits of the aromas. Deep breaths are a great way to help stay mindful. Inhale the aromas of your luxurious products to create a sense of relaxation and serenity. There are also some scents that achieve certain moods.
If you know some basics of aromatherapy, you may be familiar with the energizing benefits of citrus fruits. Taking in scents of citrus from our Mandarin Cleansing Milk, for example, you might feel more calm and content. Putting its impressive skin benefits aside, the mere aroma of mandarin is known to be a powerful tool to reduce stress and anxiety.
Slow it Down
Also, take a bit of extra time to really massage each product into your skin. Doing this comes with a list of benefits. By simply slowing down what is typically thought of as a mundane routine and being more mindful, you will not only feel more present in the moment, but you’ll give your skin a deeper clean as well.
This is especially beneficial when you have quality products. Instead of spending a mere 30 seconds washing your face, put on your timer to be sure to spend at least 2-3 minutes doing it. High-end luxury cleansers like the Geothermal Clay Cleanser are loaded with beneficial ingredients that can do a better job at purifying and removing impurities if they are left on your skin for a longer amount of time. Spending the 2-3 minutes on just washing your face allows each product to absorb better.
Massage Your Skin
Being mindful with your skincare has many other benefits. By taking a moment to massage your skincare products in, you will feel more pampered. Many of us slip into our routines without truly being present. We don’t think about what we do and how we can maximize the results of our actions. Simply owning luxury skincare products is only the first step. What you do with them is what counts. Being consistent with our routines is important, but if we do everything mindlessly, we may not be doing all we can to truly improve our skin. While being mindful, massage your skin with your cream or oil and notice to be sure you’re applying your products to every spot of your face, ensuring total hydration. Massing will help penetrate the quality ingredients of your high-grade oils into your skin. Massaging will also increase blood flow and circulation, which will impart a natural, healthy-looking glow.
Try This Mindfulness Skincare Routine:
-
After cleansing and applying DEW Hydrating pH Perfector, dab ABO +/- Serum onto your forehead and both cheeks.
-
Using both hands, massage the product into your skin as you inhale and exhale deeply.
-
Repeat the above step with ABO +/- Eye Gel.
-
Finally, apply Creme E.R.3. Make sure you take your time massaging the luxurious formula deep into your skin for ultimate relaxation and a healthy glow.
Benefits of Being Observant
Creating a mindful skincare routine is the best way to intimately understand your skin and discover what it really needs. Even if you have a certain skin type, it can change over time — and by paying close attention, you are able to see these shifts and treat your skin accordingly. You might just notice that your skin that was once troubled with acne and constant redness is finally in the clear now, but needs more hydration than it once did.
Summary: Mindful Skincare is Essential
In an age where it seems everyone is constantly facing pressure and on the go, it is now more important than ever to take even just a few minutes a day to be mindful and really enjoy the present moment you’re in. Even if you don’t have the time to practice mindfulness through meditation, applying it to something as simple as your skincare routine is bound to improve your overall well-being.