Can skincare be a form of meditation?

Can skincare be a form of meditation? Apparently yes, going by the deep-rooted ethos of ‘mindful beauty’. A holistic approach to skin wellbeing, ‘mindful beauty’ encourages us to find a balance in our lifestyle and connect with the ingredients being used.
It’s trending because consumers are increasingly seeking wholesome and simplified solutions that nurture their skin, soul and also the environment. Examples can range from using earth-friendly products with minimal processing or synthetic chemicals to creating routines that enhance our physical and mental wellbeing.
It’s often said that beauty is skin deep, an inner job, and that you need to be beautiful inside out. An essence of who we are beyond just physical appearance, we look and feel good when our skin radiates physical and emotional health from within. That’s why it’s even more imperative to advocate inner beauty—on the lines of ‘mindful beauty’—of both the mind and the body.
According to Jubilee Raina Saraf and Sarah Raina, co-founders and sister-duo behind Poshte, a conscious beauty and skincare brand, “Inner beauty also encompasses kindness, compassion, confidence and authenticity. These traits reflect our inner state and affect how we interact with the world. By nurturing our inner selves through practices such as balanced aahar (food), restful nidra (sleep), yoga and positive mindfulness, we enhance our physical and emotional wellbeing.”
In that context, skincare can serve as our moment of meditation in several ways. It can be in the form of sensory engagement, elevating experiences and intentionality, besides compassion and joy. “The textures and scents involved in applying skincare products can stimulate our senses, grounding us in the present moment. The use of aromatherapy oils, such as Kashmiri lavender, is known to offer deep relaxation,” explains Sarah.
There are many other ways to elevate our skincare experience. For example, incorporating a Kansa wand into the skincare routine can enhance skin wellbeing. Its gentle massage promotes relaxation, improves circulation and detoxification, making it an effective way to foster both inner peace and outer radiance.
Choosing quality natural ingredients also allows us to be conscious consumers. Each application becomes a moment to appreciate the earth’s offerings, promoting gratitude and mindfulness. “As skin wellbeing is a display of care and compassion for ourselves and the people we care for, taking out time for ourselves fosters a positive relationship with our bodies, reminding us to honour our needs. What’s even more joyful is the opportunity to rekindle bonds with our cared ones through skincare routines,” points out Jubilee.
How best to adapt and incorporate the trend of ‘mindful beauty’ in everyday routines? Choosing quality over quantity, listening to your body and sticking to natural ingredients could be some ways. Sarah suggests, “Opt for fewer, high-quality products that align with your needs. This reduces clutter and encourages a more intentional and disciplined skincare routine.”
Designing a skincare routine that incorporates moments of mindfulness, such as spending a few minutes in the morning practising Pranayam and gratitude towards your body, could be of help as well. “Paying attention to how your skin responds to different products and adjusting routines accordingly is yet another form of skincare meditation,” says Jubilee.
The benefits of all these could go a long way in enhancing your wellbeing and helping cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. Such mindful beauty practices can also help reduce stress, promote a sense of peace and boost longevity.
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