You can have the best products, the most thorough skincare regime and a professional makeup artist at your disposal every morning, and still not be reaching those glowing skin goals. Why? Because, more often than not, your skin is a reflection of what's going on inside your body. Beauty begins with radiance from within. It starts on the inside and works its way out, so no skincare routine is going to reach its full potential unless you're taking care of yourself. That means giving your mind, body and soul the attention they deserve - something that often falls to the wayside in our busy lifestyles. Want that lit-from-within glow? Here's how to master it.
How Your Mood Affects Your Skin
Your mood is written all over your face - literally. If you're feeling particularly sad or even depressed, your body will often produce higher levels of a chemical called cortisol. Cortisol has a stress effect on the skin and damages collagen, leading to visible signs of ageing including fine lines, wrinkles and even pigmentation. Stress can also seriously alter your hormones, causing your body to produce excess sebum which is a direct cause of adult acne. On the flip side, serotonin (a hormone that the body produces to make you feel happy) has been known to give the skin a serious glow!
Be The Best Version Of You
We know getting happy is easier said than done, but here are a few of our favourite ways to boost our happiness and become our very best selves...
1. Allow Yourself Some 'Me' Time
De-stressing is so important, so try to take a little time each day to do something you love. We know time is of the essence, more so now than ever, so even if you're just taking 15 to listen to your favourite music,
apply a face mask or read an uplifting book, a little goes a long way! It may sound counter-productive but think about "me" time in the same way you think about work or chores - when you know you have to get something done, you prioritise it. Start putting yourself first and really allow yourself the time to do something you know will make you happy as often as you can afford to. Take a dance class, learn a new recipe or practise yoga- try something new and give yourself time to enjoy it! To make sure you find the time for it, schedule it in your calendar and treat it like an important meeting that you simply cannot miss.
2. Meditate
Meditation is really having its moment this year, with more and more people reaping the benefits of daily practice. It's a common misconception that meditation is about completely switching off when, in fact, it's about becoming comfortable observing thoughts without engaging in them. Over time, this habit can have an incredible impact on stress and anxiety levels and truly boost your radiance from within. Meditation gives you time to recharge your batteries and helps you get in touch with what makes you happy and at peace. With so many apps available now, such as Headspace and Simple Habit, daily meditation practice has truly never been simpler.
3. Get Your 8 Hours
When we start the day on the wrong foot, it can be hard to shake that bad mood. By prioritising your sleep schedule, you'll (hopefully!) wake up on the right side of the bed. Adequate rest will not only boost your mood, but it will also give you greater focus and clarity throughout the day. Your productivity levels will be dramatically increased, reducing your chances of workplace stress. Sleep also affects your appetite hormones, so by getting enough sleep, you're less likely to go reaching into the office cookie jar come 3 pm.
4. Let The Sun Shine
Vitamin D is an incredible mood booster. If you have the chance to boost your Vitamin D levels by getting some time in the sun, we recommend you do so - fresh air and nature can work wonders for your mood too! The brain releases more serotonin, that mood-boosting chemical we talked about earlier, when we spend time under the sun, so even 15 to 20 minutes outdoors can boost your happiness levels dramatically. Getting the advised amount of Vitamin D can be difficult in the winter, so a Vitamin D supplement or multivitamin can have a similar mood-enhancing effect.
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