3 Ways Mindfulness Practices will Help you Achieve a Clear, Healthy Complexion

Mindfulness habits for healthy, glowing skin

We often think of mindfulness practices as a way to alleviate mental stress. In recent years, discussions surrounding practices like meditation and mindfulness have increased as people look for new ways to cope with stress.

While most of us are aware that mindfulness practices can impact our mental and emotional health, many people don’t know that there are also physical effects that can come from making mindfulness a habit. It can improve everything from blood pressure, to heart health. One of the most visible improvements you can experience is an improvement in your skin. We wanted to share a few ways that mindfulness habits can help you  maintain luminous, healthy skin.

Mindfulness reduces stress

It is no secret that mindfulness is a tool used to reduce stress. Stress is a major cause of inflammation in the body. If you’re prone to breakouts or inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, you know that some of your worst breakouts can emerge at times when you’re experiencing high levels of tension. 

Stress is known to cause a spike in chemicals like cortisol which increases the production of glucose and then insulin. Insulin actually causes an increase in sebum which can cause an increase in clogged pores leading to pimples and other blemishes.

In addition, high levels of cortisol can weaken the immune system by reducing the amount of healthy bacteria in your gut which can lead to dehydration causing dry and more brittle skin prone to premature aging and slower healing. Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to significantly improve people’s skin with some people claiming that in just one month they’ve seen major changes.

Mindfulness improves sleep

Better sleep will improve your skin. Lack of sleep spikes cortisol which also makes skin weaker by damaging proteins that create the skin’s barrier. This can lead to collagen depletion which leads to slower healing making your skin prone to wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

There’s nothing more important than a good night’s sleep when it comes to preventing aging and maintaining healthy skin. In fact, your overall health depends on the quality of your sleep. Meditation and mindfulness are both great for helping clear your mind and create proper conditions for you to fall asleep and sleep soundly throughout the night.

Mindfulness practices can help you improve your diet

Clinical psychologists have found that mindfulness is a proven method to help curb addictions including overeating and binge eating. Mindfulness increases self-awareness which can help you identify triggers and poor behaviors and learn the root of the problem so you can stop them. Having a cleaner and healthier diet is a great way to improve your skin’s elasticity and radiance.

AVYA Founder, Dr. Tanuj Nakra, recommends a diet high in whole foods and vegetables. “I recommend a mostly clean diet to my clients and family. Eating nourishing foods is great for your overall health and can lead to improvements in your skin health as well,” says Dr. Nakra.

Mindfulness practices are just one of many self-care rituals you can incorporate in your life to improve your overall health.