Okay, let’s be honest, life’s a bit of a rollercoaster right now. And guess who gets the front-row seat to all that stress? The world spins faster, digital demands amplify, and our skin, a silent witness, reflects the inner turmoil. Breakouts, dullness, a persistent tightness – these aren’t just cosmetic issues; they’re whispers (or screams) from our bodies saying “Girl, chill!” So, let’s give it (and you) a break.
First up, ditch the shoes. Seriously! Get outside and walk barefoot. On grass, sand, dirt – whatever. It’s called “grounding,” and it’s basically like giving your skin a high-five from Mother Nature. It turns out, according to the NIH (2015), that touching the ground can actually help calm down that whole inflammation, which is a major stress trigger for your skin. The School for Aromatic Studies (Jade Shutes, date unknown) lets us know how the aroma of soil stimulates that good ‘ol oxytocin release. Both these things also just feel good, right?
Now about that skincare routine…Our skin craves simplicity, especially when overwhelmed by inner turmoil. Embrace “slow beauty”. Trade complex routines for gentle, natural ingredients. Consider infusing adaptogens into your skincare – ashwagandha, ginseng, or holy basil. They help your skin adapt to stress. Still too much? Make “1-Minute Longer” a daily practice any time you shower or wash your face. Lather up for one minute longer – intentionally focus on how your soap or moisturizer feels on your skin and smells.
Last, let’s talk about screen time. We’re all glued to our phones, but your brain (and your skin) need a break. Try this: put your phone down for, like, five minutes…long enough to focus on something OUTSIDE of your personal space. Look out a window, watch a bird, whatever. Just disconnect for a sec. It’s a mini reset for your nervous system and mind.
Make a cup of tea, light a candle, and watch it flicker, whatever floats your boat in today’s society. Do something that helps you detox from all the things…stare at something, say a light switch or picture on a wall, then think on your most recent hilarious memory. A good laugh is food for the soul and basically a free facial! Ultimately, whatever you choose to do, understand that true beauty isn’t about flawless skin; it’s about the resilience that shines from within. Your largest organ is your personal mood ring. When you’re stressed, it shows. So, ditch the pressure to be perfect and focus on feeling good. Instead, go get dirty in a container garden!
Article Written by: Kim Cross | Kim is a the owner and Happy Skin Formulator of Zhi Bath & Body, a natural skincare shop based on Charlotte, NC. She has been in the beauty industry for the last 30 years as a stylist and skincare formulator.
References:
- Shutes, J. (date unknown) https://aromaticstudies.com/emotional-
well-being-the-scent-of-soil/
- Oschman JL, Chevalier G, Brown R. The effects of grounding
(earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing,
and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and
autoimmune diseases. J Inflamm Res. 2015;8:83-96. Published 2015
Mar 24. doi:10.2147/JIR.S69656
