Why Your Skincare Routine Should Be an Act of Self-love and Care
I’ve always been interested in the connection between how we feel on the inside and how we look on the outside. In recent months – on top of life’s usual stresses and strains – Covid-19, lockdowns and a constant cycle of bad news is taking an additional toll on our bodies and our minds. It’s hard to switch off. We’re suffering more from sleep deprivation, anxiety and low mood as a result, and one of the first indicators can be the state of our skin.
The effects of stress on the skin
As the largest organ of the body, the skin is controlled by our immune and nervous systems. The mind-skin connection has been discovered and well researched. A research article called Brain-Skin Connection: Stress, Inflammation and Skin Aging, published on the US National Center for Biotechnology Information, explains that our brain and skin communicate with each other, and that when we’re under stress, both release stress hormones that can negatively impact the skin. This can lead to a vicious cycle of stress-induced inflammation. Stress also negatively impacts the skin’s ability to retain water, which can lead to dehydration and wrinkle formation, while chronic stress can lead to premature cellular aging. Another symptom of stress is poor quality of sleep, resulting in increased signs of ageing such as fine lines, uneven pigmentation, reduced elasticity and dull skin.
The positive cycle of skincare routine and emotional wellbeing
Of course there are many factors that come into play when it comes to improving our emotional wellbeing, but I firmly believe that our skincare routine plays a vital role too. The simple rhythmic actions of a skincare routine – cleansing, toning and moisturising, for example – can distract us away from a spiral of worry and unwanted thoughts and help us to settle the mind. An opportunity for mindfulness if you like, letting us focus on the sensations of the present moment. It’s the perfect time for us to switch off from the outside world and give ourselves the time and space to relax and recharge.
When we care for ourselves in this mindful way on a daily basis, we feel nurtured and content. In turn, our stress levels come down and this shows in happier, healthier skin. When our skin is glowing and healthy, we feel happier as a result – the two are in fact a positive, mutually reinforcing circle.
From routine to ritual
As human beings, we thrive on routines. They provide an anchor to our day, especially in times of stress, and can help us feel like we’ve achieved something. When we approach skincare not just as a routine but as a ritual, mindfully savouring every aspect of the process, we elevate the whole experience. The Greek word for beautiful, kalos, means beautiful both inside and out. I believe a self-loving beauty ritual has the power to uplift us, reflecting the effects physically through our skin and emotionally through our wellbeing. For me, beauty and ritual belong together.
Timeless Elixir Facial Serum – part of a self-loving beauty ritual
I wanted to create a truly outstanding serum; one that makes skin look and feel younger, softer and smoother, and is the perfect product for a beauty routine that boosts emotional wellbeing. I developed Timeless Elixir Facial Serum with leading cosmetic scientists using 100% natural ingredients, each one carefully selected for their power to combat the negative impacts of stress on the skin.
Tomato carotenoids lighten uneven pigmentation and brighten the skin; bakuchiol stimulates collagen production and increases the skin’s elasticity; and blueberry necta shields from blue light and acts as a strong antioxidant. This special combination of plant extracts and oils provides all the essential fatty acids to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin.
Finally, we added a pure natural fragrance that will uplift your senses as you massage the serum into your skin, helping you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
My hope is that when you use Timeless Elixir Facial Serum every day as part of your self-loving beauty ritual, you’ll discover not just happy, beautiful skin but a happier, more beautiful you.