Use skincare as a means to relax in times of stress

The tools you need for some inner peace may be, quite literally, at your fingertips

Perfect Model Woman with Healthy Skin. Spa Beauty, Facial Treatment and Cosmetology Concept

When we think about modern skincare, we usually think about results and aesthetics, but salons and spas have used skincare to bring about relaxation since the age of dot. It’s likely that we are all feeling a bit topsy-turvy at the very least, and in times of strain, finding a way to properly relax can become increasingly difficulty especially when you’re potentially in a loud environment from which you can’t escape.

Your skincare is your toolkit to healthy skin, but it’s also a bit like an art box. If you put your mind to it, you can use your skincare as a means to relax, outside of your typical skincare routine.

When I’m in times of stress, what calms me down is a bit of facial massage. Facial massage is great for your skin as it works on the lymph and muscle, both often neglected in many skincare routines, and it also promotes blood circulation to improve the oxygen and nutrition getting to your skin. I suppose when many think of facial massage, they may think of Gwyneth Paltrow and giving up a huge chunk of their life to learning to massage their face but I mean it when I say it is simple and doesn’t have to take all day.

Your first step of facial massage is to wash your hands and cleanse your face. For a bit of slip, you’re going to lash some facial oil or a slippery serum on to your face. Choose one with a fragrance that you like. Smells may not change cells, but they can help to change your mood. Without the slip of an oil or serum, you’ll tug at your skin, potentially causing irritation, and it’s simply not as relaxing either.

Begin by using the flats of the fingers and gently stroke outwards from the centre of the face towards the lymph nodes at the jaw and temple. Remember that direction, from the centre towards the jaw or the temple, and you’ll be flying.

You need to use very little force, just enough to feel it in your muscle. One particularly soothing motion I love is to turn your hands upside down and place the flat thumb pad just under your brow, gently sliding it up and out, following your brow. It feels delicious.

Then, you’re going to move on to the kneading, pumping motions once your muscles have been warmed up. You’re going to use your pointer, middle and ring finger (or the knuckles of the same) to roll and knead the muscle, moving in the same direction. Go very gently. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll get from so little.

Another way to relax is to make the most of your cleanse. Incorporate massage motions into your cleanse, close your eyes, light a candle and just enjoy the sensation of refreshing yourself into the day, or cleansing the day away. Finishing with a facial mist sounds a tad wishy-washy to those who aren’t into skincare, but if you have one around that you impulse-bought, pick it up and give it a go. Spritzing throughout the day feels like a treat. It’s cooling and soothing, and I find that it can help to boost my mood if I’m going through a more stressful time.

If you’ve any skincare with essential oils, now is the time to rely on your sense of smell to aid you in feeling a bit happier and more calm. Again, like with the cleansing, do a bit of skincare mindfulness and lean in to enjoying the sensations, the scents, the feelings. There’s no need for anything new. Like with everything right now, you have more resources in your arsenal than you realise to feel that bit more tranquil.