Self-care In Testing Times

While beauty may seem only skin-deep, conscientious enthusiasts are well aware that a passion for all things personal care is way more than looking good. It is about treating your body right and taking care of it to feel beautiful inside and out, finds Shruti Shukla. Read on for feel-good beauty practices, the role of diet in promoting holistic wellness, and testimonies from team Femina

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These are strange times. We began the year raging into a new decade with an untameable pace, and a huge amount of stress. Three months into 2020 and we found ourselves cooped up inside our homes, again, with elevated levels of stress. The fact remains that one’s mental wellness directly impacts one’s physical being. As a result, this mental unrest is bound to take a toll on your overall health. While pale skin, outbreaks, and hair fall are some of the first and most visible signs you may come across, the problem goes much deeper.

Taking care of yourself at this time can significantly shape how you feel. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Simal Soin, founder of Aayna Clinic, says, “Under these exceptional circumstances, it is easy to slip into despair and depression due to a lack of routine. Remaining healthy is of topmost priority, and this is the time to develop a self-care regime. Maintaining a good skin and hair care routine can boost your self-confidence, and help productively utilizing your time.”

How Anxiety Affects Your Looks

Acne and oily skin are the most common side effects of stress. “When our body is stressed, it releases cortisol—the stress hormone. It weakens the skin’s immune system, leading to oxidative (free radicals) stress. This manifests itself as wrinkles, fine lines, and lack-lustre skin. It also increases inflammation in the body and conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis can flare up,” explains Dr Geetanjali Shetty, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at Cetaphil India.