Trending in Beauty: A Complete Guide to Mindful Skincare

Are you looking to create greater mindfulness in your life? It is, after all, a powerful aspect of your holistic health and happiness, and it has application in virtually every sphere of your life.

A mindful approach is like functional meditation; it helps you to remain calm and centered, even as you go about your daily activities. What is especially valuable is that when applied, mindfulness positively influences your perceptions of those activities for richer experiences, more reasoned decisions, and deeper levels of gratitude.

Mindfulness could be described as a state of nonjudgmental attentiveness, which refers to your ability to be fully present, acutely aware of your space and what you’re engaged in. It is a way of approaching all aspects of your daily life. The more you can view every moment through this intentionally positive lens, the more beneficial your outcomes.

How does mindfulness apply to your skin care?

Mindful skincare is as simple as approaching your daily routine in a conscious, intuitive manner. It involves thoughtfully assessing your varying skin needs, elevating your sensory awareness, anchoring your experience with deep breathing, and choosing products that align with your skin’s needs for optimal self-care. Consider the following guidelines for a more mindful approach to your skincare:

Evaluate your skin from a holistic perspective

Mindfulness means taking the time to ensure the safety of anything you consume, directly and indirectly, through your skin. Our largest organ reflects the quality of our overall self-care, including what we eat, if we are well hydrated, whether we get enough sleep, and how we manage stress, among other factors.

To cultivate healthy, glowing skin from the inside out as well as the outside in, we want to positively address all these lifestyle-related connection points. You will also want to take note of any complexion issues, such as dry or aging skin, oily conditions, acne, etc.

Again, as you treat your skin, you treat yourself. With a lovingly mindful approach to daily personal care, your skin operates as your true North, a beacon reflecting your overall state of well-being.

Seek healthy product options

When it comes to selecting healthy skincare products, it helps to know what to look for as well as what to avoid. It’s easiest to start with brands that have already made a public declaration to exclude potentially dangerous chemicals and allergens in their products, instead focusing on natural, recognizable plant-based ingredients, like essential oils, aloe, shea butter, vitamin C, coconut oil, etc.

It’s a case of buyer beware, as most mass-market skin care products contain potentially hazardous chemicals, catering to the needs of the manufacturer, not the consumer. Scanning labels helps you to determine product safety and efficacy. Here are a few examples of safe, healthy personal care products:

Andalou Naturals Brightening Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Strengthen Pumpkin Renew Cream

Andalou Naturals Hyaluronic DMAE Lift & Firm Cream Age Defying

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Ageless Peptide plus Anti-Wrinkle Serum

Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Overnight Retinoid Cream

Mineral Fusion Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense

Know how to disqualify questionable products

Just as you seek out brands investing in healthy, nourishing formulations, it also helps to be able to recognize those that include unhealthy chemicals in their products. Watch out for the following ingredients:

Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben)

This family of chemicals can cause irritation, redness, itching, and dermatitis, and they may also mimic estrogen and disrupt hormones, potentially affecting reproductive health.

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)

These petroleum-based chemicals can compromise the skin barrier, paving the way for toxins to enter. PEGs may also be contaminated with carcinogenic byproducts during manufacturing, like 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide.

Formaldehyde 

Despite being a known carcinogen and allergen, this chemical is still used in skincare and beauty products, mainly as a preservative to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life.

Fragrance 

Products with “fragrance” as an ingredient may contain thousands of legally undisclosed chemicals that can promote skin irritation, allergic reactions, and damage to your skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness and sensitivity. Fragrance-related chemicals in skincare products include allergens, endocrine disruptors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Synthetic fragrances can also trigger flare ups in conditions like eczema or rosacea.

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) 

These synthetic preservatives accumulate in the system, posing dangers like skin irritation, endocrine disruption, and potential carcinogenicity. BHA is classified as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” by the National Toxicology Program, and both are considered possible carcinogens by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Triclosan

Initially used as a pesticide, this chemical is an endocrine system disruptor, which may affect the concentration of thyroid hormones. Triclosan also affects your body’s endobiotic metabolism, a natural body process for breaking down and eliminating internally produced substances like hormones, bile acids, and bilirubin, etc.

Breathe deeply for greater sensory awareness

Once you have settled on the safe, beneficial products your skin needs, you can go right to the heart of mindfulness in any endeavor―your breath. This most essential element of mindfulness helps set the stage for a more intuitive personal care routine.

Your deep inhales and exhales help to create a calm, quiet state in which you become more aware of your experience in the moment. As part of this deeper sensory awareness, focus on your caring actions as well as product textures, aromas, and how they look, feel, and act on your skin.

Reconfigure your routine mindfully

Anchored by sensory awareness and mindful breathing, you can thoughtfully revise what may have been a rushed or inconsistent routine. Now, rather than hurrying, operating on autopilot, or viewing self-care as a chore, you become joyfully dedicated to the process, making it as nurturing an experience as possible. You might even enjoy some soft, earthy music in the background.

Imagine transforming a basic beauty routine into an intentional, holistic experience that feels soothing and uplifting physically, mentally, and emotionally as you create space, breathe deeply, and connect your mind and emotions with your skin.

Cultivating a mindful approach to your skin care regimen is healthy and beneficial. Once you have evaluated your individual skin needs and determined the safest, most effective product options, enjoy the creative process of establishing a more meaningful and rewarding beauty or personal care experience. It’s a beautiful way to treat yourself―every single day.