Mental Health & Personal Beauty Routines: More Than Just Skin-Deep

Over the years, an evolving perspective is building a bridge between one's mental health and commitment to personal beauty routines. There's more to rituals like skincare, haircare, or makeup application than meets the eye. Beneath the surface, these routines serve as therapeutic activities, offering significant benefits to one's overall mental health.

The Intersection of Beauty Routines and Mental Health

Aligning self-care with mental healthcare, personal beauty routines offer a unique way to mitigate anxiety, stress, depression and other relevant mental health conditions. From moisturizing the skin to meticulously applying a coat of lipstick, these beauty rituals provide a sense of control, order, and calmness during tumultuous times.

Therapeutic Beauty Routines

Psychologists advocate for the use of daily rituals as a grounding strategy in cognitive therapy. Skincare routines, for example, require focusing on one process at a time, fostering mindfulness that can divert attention from stressors.

Adopting beauty rituals can be an effective coping mechanism, developing a sense of control in managing mental health, explains Dr. Laura Hawthorne, a renowned psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy.

Personal stories also resonate with the idea. Jessica, a marketing executive shared her experience, My 10-step skincare routine every morning helps me start my day feeling rejuvenated. It helps me cope with anxiety and stress like nothing else.

The Double-Edged Sword of Beauty Standards

While personal beauty regimes can have positive impacts on mental health, society's beauty standards can often influence mental health negatively. Studies suggest that unrealistic beauty ideals and pressure can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and in worst cases, eating disorders.

Interestingly, an inclusive perspective about aesthetics can also have a positive impact; representations of diverse beauty can foster acceptance and boost self-confidence. As society continues to redefine its beauty standards, it is crucial to encourage those positive trends.

Recommendations for Beauty Routines

A routine as simple as cleansing and moisturizing your skin can be a form of self-care that fosters improved mental health. Incorporating meditative elements such as deep breathing during skincare application can enhance the effect. Other recommendations include:

• Mindful makeup application: Concentrate on each brush stroke, blending the foundation, or focusing on your hand movement when applying a lipstick.
• Meditative haircare: Comb your hair gently and slowly, focusing on the movement and sensation to enhance mindfulness.

Final Thoughts

It’s time we acknowledge the connection between beauty routines and mental health. A positive shift in the beauty industry towards wellness practices represents a significant step in de-stigmatizing mental health issues and promoting a healthier understanding of self-care and well-being.

The dialogue surrounding mental health is evolving, and it's crucial to include aspects that can contribute positively. So, let's embrace our beauty routines—not just for external allure—but for our mental health as well.