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How to Practice Facial Meditation to Pamper Your Skin
April 20, 2020
Did you know that your lifestyle, which includes your mental state, may play a role in the appearance of your skin? Ever heard of stress pimples (or self-isolation acne as it has been coined these days)? Taking care of how we feel internally can be just as important as the topical skin-care products that we apply. Facial meditation combines both of these principles. It’s a practice that involves meditating while applying your skin-care products to help promote a state of presence and peace of mind. To find out more about how facial meditation works and its benefits, we spoke with Begoña Sanjuan, co-founder of skin-care and wellness brand Ayuna.
What is facial meditation?
“The skin and brain connection is much stronger than we previously thought,” says Sanjuan. “There is scientific data on the existence of this interaction which says that they communicate directly with one another through the nerves and chemical messengers. This means, our thoughts and emotions can play a role in stimulating the production of certain substances that can influence our skin.” This is why Ayuna created its own facial meditation experience called Beautifulness. “This discipline introduces the teachings of mindfulness into the realm of beauty to stimulate the skin-brain connection through personal care,” says Sanjuan. “We know that reducing stress levels is also a key for skin so by calmly and attentively observing thoughts, emotions and skin sensations, we train ourselves to really connect with the present moment and in turn allow ourselves to be kinder to ourselves.”
What are some of the benefits of facial mediation?
“Taking the time to be conscious while doing skin-care enhances mindfulness techniques that make the person more aware and present,” says Sanjuan. This presence can help remove the focus from daily stressful events, which can help to promote a calmer state of being, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. The idea is that the more you practice mindfulness and being present while applying your skin-care routine, the easier it’ll be to engage in those practices throughout the day whenever necessary. Practicing meditation and presence while doing your skin-care also takes the focus away from one’s own appearance and makes it more about the act of self-care and acceptance.
How do you perform facial mediation?
Ayuna recommends incorporating at least one minute of facial meditation during one’s daily skin-care routine. The practice, Beautifulness, is based upon three main pillars: Cleanse, Meditate and Touch. Start by cleansing your skin of any impurities with your face wash. During this time it’s important to also cleanse your mind of any negative self-talk about your appearance. After you’ve cleansed, take a minute to focus on your breathing, become aware of how your skin feels and silence the mind from distractions. Finally, thoughtfully massage your remaining products into skin.
Sanjuan says the best way to perform a facial meditation session is by engaging your sense of smell, which gives your mind something to focus on throughout the process. If you need some recommendations, we rounded up some of our favorite-smelling skin-care products that will help you reach maximum zen.
Products to Include in Your Facial Mediation
Lancôme Tonique Confort Rehydrating Comforting Toner With Acacia Honey
This silky, soothing and moisturizing toner gently purifies and hydrates dry skin types. Made with moisturizing acacia honey and sweet almond oil, the sweet scent is just an added bonus.
Ayuna Cellular Oil Skin Revival Serum
Formulated with essential oils and organic ingredients, this serum not only smells great but it also works to revitalize your complexion by targeting your skin on a cellular level. Ideal for dull, dehydrated, dry and mature skin types, it stimulates your skin’s rejuvenation process to promote luminosity, vitality, firmness and suppleness.
Garnier SkinActive Water Rose 24H Moisture Cream
Experience the soothing scent of rose water as you moisturize your skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this sheer water cream instantly absorbs into skin offering long-lasting hydration without the greasy finish.
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