The Overlapping of Self-Care
Having a self-care routine is crucial to an individual’s health. The World Health Organization defines self-care as: “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.”. Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy, etc. A common form of self-care is skincare. Taking care of your skin health can help prevent acne, wrinkles, and skin cancer. A basic skincare routine should consist of at least a cleanser and a moisturizer with SPF. However, other forms of self-care can improve your skin health. “Having a skincare routine changed my life,” says Marla Vogt. In addition, skincare can improve other forms of self-care.
Skincare is interrelated with various forms of self-care. A common type of self-care is physical care. Having a healthy diet and incorporating exercise into your life can benefit your skin health. Fruits and vegetables contain lots of antioxidants and vitamins essential for skin health. Vitamins like beta carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium provide moisture leaving a radiant look on the skin. It is essential to make sure that you consume healthy fats and get enough fiber in your diet. Fish, avocados, oils, and other healthy fats contain omega-3s and omega-6s. These polyunsaturated fats also help produce natural oils on the skin barrier, which hydrate and plump the skin. Fiber helps deal with skin inflammation by improving circulation in the blood and providing those oxygen-rich nutrients for your skin. Exercise can also be beneficial to your skin because when an individual works out, they often sweat. Depending n the person, it can either be gross or rewarding. Either way, sweating provides many benefits for our skin. These include opening up our pores and secreting harmful toxins and dirt buildup. After a workout, it is also essential to cleanse your skin to reclose those pores. Another common side effect that comes with working out is a red complexion. While you may feel like a tomato, it means your blood is bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the face. Later on, that red complexion will transition to a glowing appearance.
Mild exercise like yoga can provide the same benefits to your skin as an intense form of exercise and reduce anxiety; regulating stress is also crucial for skin health. Keeping up with a skincare routine provides excellent benefits in boosting your mental health. It is evident that clear skin can boost your confidence and positively impact body image, but also, a mindful skincare routine in and of itself can reduce stress and strengthen your self-worth. Practicing forms of self-care that make you and your skin feel good can be a way of thanking your skin for its protection.
All these benefits sound impressive. However, finding good skincare can be a challenge in terms of pricing. Leading us to our last point of interest: financial care. According to a SkinStore survey, American women spend an average of $8 a day – $5 on skincare products and $3 on makeup. This amounts to just under $3000 a year. Over a lifetime, it’s $146,0001 or about 10% of their income earned over their life. This statistic sounds intimidating. However, it does not have to be you. You can find many affordable and effective skincare products online and in your local drugstore for less than $25. “Clinique is my favorite skincare brand, says Mia Leyton, “It can get pricy, but it did wonders for my skin, so it is worth it!”. If you want to learn more about specific price points and products, check out caretipsfromcaroline’s blogs.
In conclusion, practicing a self-care routine can benefit other forms of self-care in your life. Practicing other forms of self-care also improves your skin health. Don’t be afraid to start a routine today!
Caroline Montgomery, Grade 12. Interests/hobbies include choir, drama, volunteering, reading, and spending time with friends. Caroline plans to attend...
Zarin Zaman, Grade 12. Interests/hobbies include Key Club, Pennridge Nova Upstanders Club, Mini-Thon, hanging out with friends, going on long drives, and...