The Self-Care Tip All The Experts Recommend

Studies into self-care show that dedicating time to ensuring you are in the best health, mentally and physically. It also can improve well-being, lower mortality rates and reduce healthcare costs too. In a world where we are constantly looking at a screen, competing against others over social media and being told to stay busy, carving out moments for self-care has never been so important. Google searches for self-care tip continue to rise and, even with the odd drop, show no signs of completely dropping off the radar.

Getting 8 hours of sleep, eating a healthy diet or exercising regularly are all proven ways to alleviate stress in our lives. However, entering this list on the recommendation of experts is also a regular and structured skincare routine. Dermatologists have been endorsing the benefits of caring for our skin, even sharing their own routines to give an insight. But the one self-care tip they are all unanimous on is this – a good skincare routine can do wonders for your complexion and your mental health.

Why is a skincare routine a form of self-care tip?

While cleansing, toning and moisturising may seem like aesthetical activities, especially when you are short of time. They present so many more benefits than that. An article published by the Huffington Post quotes Dermatologist, Marie Jihn, as saying:

‘By having a set routine, one knows what to expect, and this is a relief. The more a routine it becomes, the less stress it becomes.’

Routine helps us to feel in control. It gives us a structure that we can rely on, regardless of how chaotic the outside world seems to be. Waking up every morning knowing exactly what to expect allows our brains to forgo feelings of stress and anxiety. Essentially, our bodies can go into some form of autopilot without setting off a worry spiral about where the day will take us. This saves us time, energy and breaks bad habits that bring no benefit to our day.

For these reasons, a skincare routine can do wonders for our mental health. Closing the door, blocking out external distractions and focusing on each task individually provides a few moments of peace at the beginning and/or end of the day. It gives you time to breathe. Your mind time will be able to switch off from the stressors of the day and relax. It gives your hands something to do in times of high anxiety – tasks that are repetitive and require very little mental strain to complete.

How to build a self-care skincare routine

Understanding the best products and methods to use on your skin every day requires research. Our skin types vary from person-to-person but also season-to-season. Products spring up across the market daily, promising to offer us a glowing, dewy complexion to challenge any magazine cover girl. Building a skincare routine should be unique to each person. And it requires some understanding of what type of skin you have and the problems you face.

Different skin types

Normal – A term used widely to identify well-balanced skin or eudermic to dermatologists. Sebum and moisture levels are balanced, without being too oily or dry. This type of skin normally has good blood circulation, soft texture and very few blemishes.

Dry – Dry skin is generally caused by a lack of either NMFS (natural moisturising factors) such as amino acids or epidermal liquids such as cholesterol and fatty acids. It feels tight, rough and has a dullness that is hard to alleviate. There are varying degrees of dry skin, leading up to clinical eczema and dermatitis.

Oily – Here, the skin produces excessive sebum which is also known as seborrhea. This is caused by many factors, including stress, hormones, irritating makeup or genetics. Those with oily skin cits enlarged pores, paleness and acne as their main complaints.

Combination – Those with combination skin cite different issues in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin and the cheeks. Many complaints from other types, including enlarged pores, excessive sebum and dryness are also found in combination skin.

Suggested skincare routine

The products and the ingredients you choose to apply to your skin, will vary depending on the skin type you have. The suggested steps to follow remain pretty similar:

1. Wash your face with a good quality cleanser
2. Apply a few drops of toner and swipe across your face
3. Apply a serum that is rich in antioxidants
4. Apply an eye cream to the under-eye area
5. Use a hydrating moisturiser – lightweight for the morning and thickened in the evening

From here, it is important that you understand the ingredients that will help tackle the issues you’re facing every day.

Catering your skincare routine to your skin type

Natural skincare ingredients are hailed for their ability to help you achieve healthier, smoother and glowing skin. And, once you understand the type of skin you have, it becomes easier to see these benefits after a consistent routine.

• Oily

Those with oily skin should avoid washing their face excessively. This may cause the skin to produce more sebum in an effort to replace that which has been removed. Avocado oil, such as that used in the Malée Verdure Moisturising Body Cream, is rich in oleic acid and Vitamin E. It will strengthen the skin and help restore a natural oil balance. It is also rich in antioxidants which are shown to reduce the most common signs of ageing.

• Dry

Cocoa seed butter, such as that used in the Malée Verdure Conditioning Body Scrub, is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and minerals such as magnesium and iron. It has long been used in African culture to nourish the skin. And it can-do wonders for those dealing with dry, cracked and sensitive skin. It is non-irritating and can be used directly on the driest patches.

• Fine Lines

All skin types can be faced with the challenge of fine lines and ageing. Sweet almond oil, used in our award-winning Malée Verdure Moisturising Oil, is rich in Vitamin E, fatty acids, proteins, potassium and zinc. It helps your skin to shed old cells. It absorbs deep into pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Like cocoa seed butter, it is non-irritating and can be used in sensitive skin too.

Conclusion

Carving out time for yourself and having a structured skincare routine in place can do wonders for your mental health. It provides a few moments of peace and allows you to ground any stress or worry you may be feeling. By understanding your skin type and knowing the ingredients that will show the biggest benefits. You can create a routine that benefits your mental health and leaves you glowing all year round.

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