Beauty might just be skin deep but when performed with mindfulness, it can replenish the soul as well. The healing power of performing a habitual beauty routine is lost on none, but introducing some stress-busting beauty rituals can also help soothe the mind during times of overwhelm.
So, what differentiates a beauty ritual from an everyday routine? The former refers to a series of calming activities performed with the intention of boosting relaxation, well-being and mindfulness. Often with its roots in ancient wisdom—remember your grandma’s weekend morning champi?—indulging in soothing beauty rituals can infuse de-stressing techniques into your regular skincare.
If you are looking for a mental reset on a tiring day, bookmark these five-minute beauty rituals that will have you feeling good as new—on the outside as well as the inside:
1. Hot oil scalp massage
If healthy, nourished tresses that exude radiance and vitality sound like something you would be interested in, it helps to note that a rejuvenating hot oil massage can also pamper your senses. To get started, comb through any tangles and dip your hands in the oil of your choice, evenly massage it all over your scalp and seal it in with a shower cap for an hour before rinsing it out with shampoo.
2. Ice facial
To counter nights when you have been tossing and turning in bed, treat puffy, sore skin to a refreshing hand of ice cubes run gently over the face for five minutes. If you are looking to dial up its benefits, you can replace the water in your ice with aloe vera or green tea that helps soothe the skin and refresh the mind.
3. Rejuvenating shower
Showering might seem like a mundane everyday skincare ritual that doesn’t necessitate much thought, but setting an intention before the shower can help elevate the sensation of cleansing and washing away negative feelings. Add some essential oils to your bath as a therapeutic aide for the senses and to trigger the release of feel-good neurochemicals.
4. Facial yoga
No fancy yoga mats needed for this one—simply stand in front of a mirror and use your index fingers in an upward motion while applying light pressure to stimulate blood flow and relax the muscles of the face.
5. Nail massage
If brushing hair can promote growth and get the blood circulation flowing, extending the same courtesy to your nails can offer the same benefits. Add a few drops of cuticle oil and using the thumb and forefinger of your other hand, gently massage it in for ten seconds. Beyond leaving your nails with a hydrated shine, the soothing rhythm of the massage will also ground your mind in the present.
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If you are looking to dial up the tranquility of your beauty rituals, here are the skincare products that can help elevate the experience: