5 Skin Practices to Maintain Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time that celebrates and highlights the importance of self-care in maintaining good mental health. As a brand created by two clinicians, we have always believed that taking care of your skin is an essential component of self-care, and can contribute to better mental health practices.

     Research shows that taking care of our physical appearance results in feeling better emotionally. Skincare routines provide us with an opportunity to take a break from our busy lives, slow down, and focus on our own needs. By incorporating self-care practices like skincare into our daily routines, we can reduce stress, improve our mood, and increase our self-confidence. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that engaging in self-care practices, such as skincare routines, can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Feldman et al., 2004).

    We’re proud that Daily Supplement Serum was created as a solution that encourages a more mindful approach to self-care. We believe that taking care of your skin is not just about indulging in a luxurious experience but is an integral form of healthy mental health practices.  Añuli simplifies skincare routines by eliminating the clutter and overstimulation of vanity tables, reducing the anxiety of unmet perfection, and replacing it with more intentional health habits. 

We challenge you to take 5 proactive steps to use skincare as a way to promote mental health practices. 

A decluttered space aids in a decluttered mind. Create a rule to prevent an overflow of products that will eventually overwhelm or overstimulate. While it may feel good to indulge in the latest beauty promotion or get swept away by a Tik Tok viral product, your shelf is groaning from the weight of excess. Practice a decluttering habit like ‘one out, one in’, or a seasonal cleanse of personal care items that no longer spark joy. Use that opportunity to do something great for others. Find local charities and women's shelters that welcome donations of unused (and gently used) skincare products. Beauty recycling programs are great for disposing of empty and expired bottles. 

Create a playlist of calming music to listen to during your self-care routine. Experiment with different sound frequencies, like rain or 432 Hz. Some people may prefer instrumental music, while others may find that calming vocals help them relax. Use music as a form of meditation by focusing on the sounds and vibrations rather than your thoughts or surroundings.

Take time to truly enjoy your skincare routine by being present. Focus on the sensations and olfactory experience of the products you're using. Consider incorporating therapeutic techniques, like deep breathing or visualization, into your skincare routine to enhance the relaxation benefits. Allow positive thoughts centered on self-care affirmations. Treat yourself to high-quality products that you truly enjoy using to heighten the experience. 

Whether a beauty tool or your hands, experiment with different facial massage techniques and find what works best for improved circulation and reducing tension. Our faces carry prolonged emotions in our brow, lip and jawline areas. Implementing facial massage in your daily routine  is a proven method for relaxing tight muscles and elevating your mood. When you can, extend your massage by a couple of minutes to give extra TLC on a tightened brow or a clenched jaw. Don’t be afraid to add extra drops of DSS to provide additional glide! 

Your  health is a journey that should never be taken alone. While that road looks different for every individual, we support avenues that involve trusted professionals and experts. As a brand created by two clinicians, Añuli encourages seeking out mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors that have the necessary training and experience to help you navigate the complexities of mental health conditions. Skincare should never be the band-aid or the cure-all if you are struggling with mental health. 

We advocate for our inner circle to let May be the month of creating practices for being your best self. Don’t forget to find your joy, and as always, affirm it in the skin you are in.