Do gratitude and skin care go together?
When you’re writing down those things you’re grateful for, it’s common to include things like your own health, the health and wellbeing of those you love, your warm home, and your steady job.
But your skin?
Have you ever written down, “I’m grateful for my skin?”
Probably not. But you might want to!
Gratitude and Skin Care?
Most of us are far too critical. We look in the mirror and find all our flaws. We think about how we’re looking older. We see more wrinkles, sagging, and hyperpigmentation. We wonder what we can do to “fix” these problems so we can look younger again.
It’s time to make a change. At least, according to many beauty influencers. And we think they’re right.
The trend goes like this: Instead of worrying about everything that’s wrong with your skin, how about giving thanks for it?
We already know that gratitude is good for you. Studies have connected expressing gratitude to the following health benefits:
- Better mental health
- Fewer negative emotions and more positive ones
- Overall greater happiness
- Better relationships
- Fewer aches and pains
- Improved sleep
- Boosted self-esteem
- Increased resilience
- Reduced stress
- Lowered blood pressure
Considering all this, it makes sense that gratitude might be good for your skin as well.
Why Gratitude and Skin Care Go Together
Gratitude helps improve the skin’s condition by improving other aspects of your health.
A good night’s sleep, for instance, is known to improve the health and appearance of the skin. (See our post, “Why A Poor Night’s Sleep Could Make You Look Older.”) Since gratitude improves sleep, that means it could also help reduce the look of aging.
We also know that stress has a direct effect on the skin, creating inflammation, reducing defenses, increasing breakouts, and damaging the outer barrier. (See: Signs of Stressed Skin and 10 Ways to Fix It.”)
Indeed, scientists have discovered a direct relationship between stress and the onset or aggravation of many skin diseases like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Reducing stress, then, has a positive effect on the skin’s condition. And gratitude helps reduce stress.
Including gratitude in your skincare routine, then, seems like a good idea, right? It can help reduce stress, allow you to sleep better, and make you happier, all of which can’t help but improve the condition of your skin.
5 Ways to Incorporate Gratitude Into Your Skincare Routine
It’s the season to be thankful, which means there’s no better time to practice daily gratitude. We recommend that you include your skin in your list of items to be grateful for.
It’s about shifting your perspective. Rather than train your brain to seek out everything that’s wrong with your skin, it’s time to help it change its attitude.
But just how do you do that? Here are five ways.
1. Add your skin to your gratitude journal.
We highly recommend you keep a gratitude journal during this holiday season. Take a few minutes every morning or night to list out 3-5 things you’re grateful for.
This is a simple practice that can have great consequences on how you feel. Include anything and everything you’re grateful for, then add your skin to it. You could say something like:
- I’m grateful for the skin that protects my body.
- I’m grateful that my skin feels soft to the touch.
- I’m grateful that my skin is healthy.
- I’m grateful that my skin helps me receive sensory messages from the world.
Use your imagination. Have fun!
2. Add gratitude to your skincare routine.
It’s time to change up your skincare routine. Rather than seek out all your flaws while you’re cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, name the positive things instead. What do you like about your skin?
This may be difficult at first because you’re so used to finding the negative. But give it some time. You’ll start to notice the good stuff, like:
- I’m grateful for my plump lips. They look lovely when I add my favorite color of lip gloss.
- My cheeks are my best feature—smooth and soft.
- My neck has a few wrinkles, but it still looks long and elegant.
3. Be thankful for your skin when you go out.
Your skin is the one barrier that exists between you and the outside world. Its biggest job is protecting you from everything outside of you. It keeps out bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, while also shielding you from UV rays and pollution.
The skin is constantly working to protect you from infection, allergies, damage, and more. So when you step out the door, give a quick “thank you” in your head for the work your skin is doing to keep you safe.
4. Express gratitude by asking the skin what it needs.
At least once a week, in the evening, take a moment to be grateful for your skin by asking it what it needs.
This may seem silly at first, but we’re usually so busy with our lives that we never take a moment to sit and “listen.”
And listening can teach you a lot.
Light a candle if you like, close your eyes, and try this:
- Say, “I’m grateful for my skin and everything it does for me.”
- Let that statement resonate in the air.
- Now ask your question, “Skin, what do you need from me?”
- Don’t be surprised if your skin cries out for something. “Moisture!” “A gentler cleanser!” “A clay mask!”
Once you get your answer, give your skin what it needs! You may find that this practice helps greatly improve your skincare routine.
5. Express gratitude by treating your skin to a wellness facial.
We often express gratitude to those we care about by giving gifts. You can do the same with your skin.
If you find yourself resisting this idea, it could be because you’re not convinced your skin is worth it! It’s time to change that. If you’re grateful for your skin, you can show it by treating it right.
Head out to a nearby spa for a facial, or simply create one of your own at home. The key is to take some time to pamper the skin. Use a moisturizing mask with some soft music, or create your own exfoliating scrub. Wear some green tea bags over your eyes for 10-15 minutes, or use an oil-absorbing mask to help reduce the appearance of your pores.
You can also use our Calming Moisture as a mask, applying a little extra and letting it sink into the skin to soothe, nourish, and moisturize.
Dress in something comfortable and cozy, and take the time to let this experience sink in. It will help you reduce stress and relax, which will not only benefit your skin but the rest of you as well!
Have you expressed gratitude for your skin?
