Why Skin Doesn’t Just Need Products - It Needs You Too
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So here’s something I’ve been quietly doing for a while now, just for me, no fancy apps or influencers involved.
A couple of years ago, I started messing about with facial massage, tapping, and (a bit randomly) cupping. At first it was just curiosity, but now it’s become a proper little ritual I do most nights. Nothing glamorous. I’m usually in my pyjamas. Either watching TV or in bed before I read my book. It’s become one of my favourite parts of the day and if I miss it for whatever reason - I’m a bit gutted.
I feel calmer. My face feels less puffy. And I’m starting to believe that the ‘glow up’ that you see all over instagram and Tik Tok is something you feel.
The Stress Shows Up On Your Face (Because Of Course It Does)
When I’m stressed or frazzled, I don’t just feel it in my head, I feel it in my face. Tight jaw. Puffy eyes. I used to just slap on another product and hope for the best. But over time, I realised that no cream was going to fix what was going on inside.
It’s not just woo woo either. There’s actual science behind this. When we’re stressed, our body releases cortisol (the stress hormone), which messes with our skin - breakouts, dullness, sensitivity. Touch, breath, movement, these things help bring your nervous system back into balance, and that balance? It shows. In your skin, and in your mood. I've included a bunch of studies below if you want to learn more about the science behind this.
I thought I'd share a couple of people who have really influenced me and whom I've been learning loads from:
The one and only Atifa Balding - the creator of the Collective Hug and our Beauty Within Rituals event - weaves in gentle movement, stretching and facial massage into almost all of her sessions. You can check her out on instagram here. And she has some new sessions coming to the Digital Wellbeing Library soon.
Sakina is a facial cupping expert inspired me to give it a go...I love it. I do this 3 times a week. Again either in front of the TV (much to my husbands delight as he here’s that sucking sound) or in bed. This does require you to buy the facial cupping moulds. This is not an AD as I’m not getting paid zilch but it’s sooooo worth it. I feel soooo good when I do this at night. I take them on holiday as I hate missing my ritual.
Want to Learn This Stuff From Someone Who Actually Knows What They're Doing?
If this sounds like your kind of thing, you’ll love our Beauty Within Rituals. Every couple of months, we host a super relaxed 40-minute online session with the incredible Atifa Balding - she’s an expert in face yoga, facial massage, yoga, and about ten other things that help you feel more connected to your body.
It’s not a polished wellness event. It’s more “bring your cuppa, wear your pyjamas, and let’s be gentle with ourselves for once.”
Ati talks us through simple, feel-good techniques that you can use straight away. I always leave feeling calm, glowy, and a little more like myself.
Tickets are just a fiver—and yes, it’s worth every penny.
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Studies
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Facial Massage and Circulation
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Study: "Analysis of facial massage effects on the immune system and skin condition"
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Lymphatic Drainage and Puffiness
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Study: "Manual lymphatic drainage: Exploring its role in skin care"
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Tapping (EFT) and Cortisol Reduction
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Study: “Cortisol Awakening Response and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): A Randomised Controlled Trial”
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