We all need some sort of getaway to recharge after a long, tiring day, a routine that gives us a sense of normalcy. It could be a deep conversation with a close friend, an intense workout session, or a hot bath to melt away stress. And for some, it’s the relaxing ritual of a skincare routine.

In recent years, the importance of maintaining a regular skin care regimen has been embraced not just by women, but by men as well. This practice isn’t just about skin care; it’s also a powerful tool for mental health.

Yes, skin care therapy can have a significant impact on your mental health.

What is skin care therapy?

Skin care therapy involves a routine or set of treatments designed to maintain and enhance the health and appearance of your skin.

According to Dr Ruby Sachdev, aesthetic physician and consultant at Gleneagles Hospital, Bengaluru, apart from the physical benefits, skin care therapy also has a significant impact on mental health.

She adds, “When you see visible improvements in your skin, this often leads to a boost in confidence and a positive self-image. Additionally, the soothing nature of a skin care routine provides a calming effect.”

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Ritika Agarwal, psychology consultant at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, said, “Skin care and mental health are interconnected in the sense that poor mental health can affect your skin (dryness and acne) and vice versa. Given that the skin is the largest organ of the body, it means that taking care of it makes you feel better both physically and mentally.” india today,

According to the expert, following a skincare routine ensures that you find time to take care of yourself. It also helps you find stability in a busy day when you feel like you’re always on the go.

In general, consistency and stability in routines are associated with a decrease in feelings of anxiety and loneliness. In addition, focusing on yourself and your skin care gives you the opportunity to stay mindful while feeling calm and relaxed.

A morning skin care routine can help you prepare for the day ahead, while an evening routine can help you unwind and leave the day’s stresses behind.

Dr Nikhil Nair, a psychiatrist at NCR-based Sharda Hospital, also believes that skin care therapy and maintaining a regular skin care routine has significant benefits for mental health.

“These practices promote self-care, boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and create a sense of control and mindfulness, ultimately improving your overall mental health,” he explains.

Now, think about this: when are you most lost in your thoughts, worrying about everything? For many people, this is the quiet time right before bed.

But indulging in a skincare routine at that time can shift your focus, keep you positively occupied and help break the cycle of anxiety. It not only calms your mind but also improves the quality of your sleep.

Ritika Agarwal explains, “Research has shown that the anticipation of a positive event activates an area in the brain that is associated with a sense of well-being, and this creates a simple, natural excitement. So, when you look forward to a skincare therapy, you activate this natural feel-good neurotransmitter, which makes you feel happy.”

She adds, “I often suggest to my clients that if they feel they don’t get enough time with family or friends, they should organise a spa night as a group activity to increase the sense of connection and bonding and reduce feelings of loneliness, add a fun element to your day and also reduce stress by spending time with people you love spending time with.”

Meanwhile, it is a known fact that looking good and feeling good can improve feelings of self-confidence. “When people feel good about the way they look, their general sense of self-worth and public persona can improve,” says Priyanka Kapur, a Mumbai-based psychologist and psychotherapist.

Good skin means good mood.

“When the skin feels good, the body and mind feel good too. Think of the skin as your body’s ‘check engine’ indicator,” says Ritika Agarwal.

A study conducted in 2023 found that resting after facial skin care had a greater effect than resting for the same period of time.

The brain, heart, respiratory and muscle relaxation induced by facial skin care was 42 percent, 13 percent, 12 percent and 17 percent higher respectively than the relaxation state induced by facial skin care. It was also observed that the perception of facial skin care was clearly associated with positive emotions.

“Taking care of your skin triggers the release of endorphins, feel-good hormones that promote feelings of happiness and relaxation,” says Agarwal.

It may have side effects

Priyanka Kapoor explains that focusing on skin care can lead to perfectionism, a condition in which people are overly concerned about having beautiful skin. This can lead to anxiety and stress, especially if expectations are not reasonable.

What’s more, the pressure to use a variety of products can lead to stress and decision fatigue, as well as a lack of understanding of whether or not the products are actually good for the skin.

Mental health aside, using harsh products or excessive exfoliation can damage the skin’s protective layer, leading to irritation, redness, and sensitivity.

Also, frequent overuse of products, especially products with active ingredients, can cause more harm than good. And, we all know how expensive these skincare products are. Always remember the saying – too much of anything is bad.

Ritika Agarwal further explains that the reason behind your skin care can also be important, as the beauty industry and social media create unrealistic standards of beauty and create pressure to have perfect, flawless skin.

If these unrealistic standards of beauty are your goal, you may find skin care therapy stressful rather than relaxing.

It is also important to identify your underlying mental health issues. If you feel that you are still struggling to deal with your mental health despite taking time for yourself, you should seek guidance from an expert.

How to do it correctly?

“To effectively adopt skin care therapy, it is important to create a routine that suits your skin type and addresses your specific concerns,” says Dr. Ruby Sachdev.

Doctors recommend starting this routine with the basics: cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen daily, as well as incorporating targeted treatments like serums or masks for issues like acne, pigmentation, or aging.

Keep in mind that consistency is key, and following your routine regularly will yield the best results for your skin and mind.

It is also important to keep a few things in mind:

• Avoid excessive exfoliation or use of harsh products that can damage the skin barrier.
• Always patch-test new products to make sure they don’t cause irritation or allergies.
• Remember that skin care is not one-size-fits-all; what works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to tailor your routine to your specific needs.