The psychology of skincare.

Do you have memories of your skincare “firsts” growing up? Smearing on clay face masks with friends at a sleepover, using a bright orange cleanser that stung your face in hopes of diminishing your acne bumps, or staring at yourself in the bathroom mirror, curiously experimenting with different potions and lotions? The new self-awareness that blossoms as we leave behind childhood often propels us into caring for our skin, our hair, and our nails beyond basic hygiene. Skincare experimentation (including “borrowing” an eye cream from older sis or mom along the way) feels almost like a right of passage in our journeys towards adulthood.

Healthy skin is important for our wellbeing. Through a practice of caring for our physical selves, we are also validating our self-worth and building our confidence. When we make a habit of investing in our skin and appearance, this can signal to the brain that, yes — I as an individual have value and am deserving of care. By tending to our skin, hair, and nails — the most visible parts of us — we help curate a sense of self: an identity based on how we care for and present ourselves. Mental health benefits aside, we can all certainly agree that we don’t want to exist in skin that is inflamed, infected, dry, painful, or perhaps worst of all… itchy!

Skin health is inextricably linked to general health, and feeling well in our body and skin is…