In years past, beauty regimens relied heavily on enhancing appearances: a little makeup for blemish coverage, a blow dryer to tame frizz, and a splash of pink or red nail polish for a polished look. Having navigated the beauty landscape of the early 2000s with a straightening iron always at the ready and concealer in my handbag, I can affirm that beauty has historically emphasized the end result over the journey.
However, there’s a growing recognition today of how essential our beauty routines are for our holistic health and well-being.
“Nowadays, our beauty routines serve as a means of self-care, nurturing our skin, hair, and nails, while also enhancing our physical and mental sense of well-being,” states Pamela Friedman, CEO of CV Skinlabs. “Performing activities like deep conditioning our hair or indulging in a revitalizing mask is less about vanity and more about embracing a lifestyle that signifies our dedication to overall wellness and our aspiration to flourish for as long as possible.”
Personally, I have begun to see “beauty” as indulging in a soothing, natural face mask at night and enjoying a long, relaxing bath instead of fretting over blemishes or minor imperfections, such as chipped nail polish (seriously, who notices?).
Here are four ways beauty can transcend merely a fresh appearance; it can also rejuvenate your wellness.
Detox your body through beauty treatments
Whether indulging at a spa or creating a DIY experience at home, detoxifying is crucial in any beauty regimen, notes LaKeisha Entsuah, founder of Elements of Aliel. Consider soaking in a salt bath, employing dry brushing techniques (which also boosts circulation), or opting for a lymphatic drainage massage to fulfill both your detox and beauty goals.
Utilize natural moisturizers for protection
Regular application of a quality natural moisturizer can provide far more than mere hydration. “Applying moisturizer can also deliver antioxidants which guard against UV rays and help keep your skin clear from inflammation and allergic responses,” explains Friedman. Moreover, suitable moisturizers can shield your pores from pollutants and other harmful elements that threaten your skin’s radiance. Beauty, health, and wellness? Absolutely.
Nourish your skin from within
Your beauty regimen is not just about topical treatments; what you consume plays a key role as well, underscoring the importance of a wholesome diet. “If you’re not nourishing your body correctly, your skin and even the whites of your eyes will likely reflect that,” suggests author, nutritionist, and yoga teacher Lola Berry, who recommends consuming antioxidant-rich foods, avoiding refined sugars, and drinking ample water to maintain a fresh, radiant complexion.
Prioritize self-care
There’s a reason “self-care” has become a buzzword in wellness circles—it genuinely matters, particularly in relation to beauty. “Being deliberate about your beauty practices and product selections is a form of self-care,” says Entsuah. Allow yourself a soothing bath with beneficial natural products or spend a few moments to savor your routine, and you’ll undoubtedly notice positive changes.
