07 · 09 · 2021
This article covers some examples of how to take holistic care of your skin. It’s important to remember and understand that everyone is different. It‘s essential to adjust any recommendation to what fits your life and lifestyle. After all, it's all about your well-being. Do what makes you feel good.
In the morning. In the evening. Every day, 365 days a year. When we exercise, eat, sleep, and hang out with friends. No matter when or where- our skin is always with us. It’s aware of everything we do and don’t do and will gently remind us if we forget it.
In the EU, Swedes spend most on skincare (the Swedish National Association for Skin Therapists, 2021). Annica Joensuu, CEO of the Swedish National Association for Skin Therapists (SHR), believes that the increased interest in skincare is due to the general interest in taking care of oneself. For many, skincare and makeup have become a hobby. But unfortunately, new trends and an overload of new products can lead to increased overconsumption.
The relation between stress and mental health has been an essential part of the conversations during COVID-19. By aligning a holistic beauty routine with the rest of our lives, one can proactively take charge of the well-being of our skin (Mintel, 2021). Changes in the skin partially occur due to stress, the food we eat, and lack of sleep. A range of factors is evaluated to determine the best for each individual.
One way to start is by choosing clean beauty products and listening to ourselves and our bodies. With that said, remember that skincare isn't a quick fix; it’s a lifelong relationship. Tired skin comes and goes, but there's a lot we can do to prepare ourselves. To begin with, the products we use should be based on four elements: skin type and conditions, lifestyle, and the season of the year (which has a significant impact on the skin).
Skincare works from the inside and out, making it essential to supply your body with the proper nutrients. A varied and balanced diet is the first step toward healthy skin and a perfect glow.
- Try to avoid processed fast food and excessive sugar (in drinks and pastries).
- Make sure to eat proteins and complex carbohydrates (found in peas, beans, and whole grains).
- Almond milk: “The Healthy Skin Drink.” It contains plenty of Vitamin E, the beauty vitamin that keeps skin moisturized.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: pH Balancer. It balances acidic foods to maintain a healthy pH, which is essential for healthy, glowing skin.
- Chia Seeds: Omega Powerhouse. A good source of cell strengthening omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and may protect the skin from sun damage.
- Water: The Forgotten Beauty Nutrient. It holds tons of power to maintain beauty. Water makes up to 60 percent of our body weight and 70 percent of our skin. Dehydration releases stress hormones, which leads to an increased risk of inflammation in the body.
- Drink your oils. It will give you much healthier skin. Edible oils include açaí, avocado, chia, flaxseed, and sacha inchi.
- Look for skincare tailored to you and brands that are transparent with their ingredients. Read the labels before purchasing a product.
- Enjoy the sun, but don’t forget to protect yourself from UV rays. Try to avoid dyes, mineral oils, cyclic silicones, and parabens. Use at least 30 SPF on your face and body.
- Spoil yourself. Add masks and serums to your daily and nightly skincare routines.
- Exercise regularly. Take a walk in the park or ride a bike. Working out is one of the key ingredients to beauty. Find your habits and see the effects on your body and mindset. Your blood circulation will improve, and your pores will open as you sweat. Increases strength and glow!
- Don’t stay up too late. Based on the latest research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society, we need at least 7-8 hours a night. Keep your bedroom clear from cell phones, tablets, and TVs. This is valuable time. Make it count!
- Too much stress may hurt you. Prioritize and schedule daily activities, events, and downtime to prevent breakdowns. Every day matters.
In conclusion, holistic beauty is a proactive approach to achieving healthy skin – a balance between body, mind, and soul. Start incorporating one aspect at a time into your routine or lifestyle and build on each of these beauty habits. Remember, Skincare isn't a quick fix. It’s a lifelong relationship.
As dull as it sounds, living a balanced lifestyle must be a conscious decision.
To further highlight the subject, we asked Caroline Hainer, Beauty editor at Icon Magazine and beauty journalist, to share some thoughts.
– It is not always easy to maintain healthy habits in all parts of your life: sleep, diet, skincare, and whatnot. Everyday life tends to sneak up and demand things from us. As dull as it sounds, living a balanced lifestyle must be a conscious decision. However, I have found that establishing smaller changes and actively observing and cherishing the results pushes me towards bigger changes. For example, setting time aside for a nice workout makes me sleep better and enjoy post-workout food more. This in turn makes me more conscious of what I eat and more aware of how my body feels.
– Swedes are innovative and skincare is an innovative field. But we are also slaves to fashion and trends, and beauty is the new fashion. Skincare and makeup have long since replaced fashion and designer wear. But only the real heroes will survive. As with fashion, so also with skincare.
Statistics:
Now Fashion, Laboté (2020) The Rise of Holistic Beauty. https://nowfashion.com/the-rise-of-holistic-beauty-28560 (Hämtad: 2021-06-22).
Läget, JMK (2021) Svenskar spenderar mest av alla i EU på hudvård. https://sites.jmk.su.se/laget/4159-svenskar-spenderar-mest-av-alla-i-eu-pa-hudvard (Hämtad: 2021-07-07).
Cosmetics Design, Mintel (2021) Total wellness now “integral” to beauty routines. https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Article/2021/01/19/Holistic-health-and-wellness-in-beauty-integral-for-consumers-after-COVID-19-says-Mintel (Hämtad: 2021-07-07).
Sites Inspiration:
https://sageandylang.com/blogs/news/the-epitome-of-beauty-holistically
https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/22-best-foods-for-healthy-skin/
https://www.susannekaufmann.com/blogs/journal/holistic-beauty
Photography:
Louise Enhörning