How I’m Rethinking Skincare as Part of My Mental Health Routine

*Collaborative Post written by Maddie

I used to see skincare as a chore.

One of those things I did because I was “meant to,” usually while also brushing my teeth with one hand, wrangling a child with the other, and rushing to get something, anything, done before bedtime. And like so many of us, there were definitely times when I didn’t do it at all. Skin? I was just happy if I managed to change out of the clothes I’d been wearing since 6am.

But over the past year or so, something shifted. My skin started to change (hello, mid-30s), but more than that, my mindset changed. Between the juggle of parenting, trying to live a bit greener, and the mental load that never really switches off, I found myself craving something small that felt like it was just for me.

And oddly enough, skincare became that space.

Beyond the Creams and Cleansers

I want to be really clear here: this isn’t about having perfect skin. I still get hormonal breakouts. My face goes red when I’m stressed. I’ve got a permanently tired look that no amount of serums can erase (thanks kids). But I’ve come to see skincare not as a way to “fix” anything, but as a chance to check in with myself, emotionally, mentally, physically.

That change in perspective has made all the difference. Having said that, seeing the benefits from using clinical skincare does make me feel better about myself.

Instead of rushing through my routine, I’ve slowed it down. I’ve stopped trying to squeeze in ten steps. And I’ve become more interested in what my skin is trying to tell me, rather than how to make it look a certain way.

Skin and Stress: Yes, It’s a Thing

It turns out, skin is deeply connected to our internal world. Stress can affect our hormones, our barrier function (that protective layer on the skin’s surface), and our ability to heal. I learned through research, including from professional sources like NOON Aesthetics, that our skin and nervous system are closely linked.

Which makes sense. When I’m having a rough week, my face lets me know. I get drier patches, redness, even the occasional flare-up that reminds me I’ve not been sleeping well or drinking enough water (guilty).

But instead of seeing those signs as a problem, I’m trying to view them as a message. A nudge. An invitation to slow down.

Creating Moments of Calm

These days, my skincare routine is one of the only times I stand still. I light a candle if I remember. I take deep breaths. Sometimes I listen to music or just enjoy the silence (a rare treat in this house). I’ve started using lukewarm water instead of rushing with cold splashes. I pat my skin dry instead of rubbing it raw. And while I still love learning about ingredients, I don’t obsess. I just try to be gentle, to my skin, and to myself.

Here’s what my current routine looks like:

• A simple cleanser that doesn’t strip my skin (barrier health is so important, more on that below)
• A hydrating serum or cream depending on the weather and how my skin feels
• SPF in the morning, because future me will thank me for it
• And sometimes an exfoliant or mask once a week, if I remember (and that’s OK too)
• Learning more about exfoliation vs retinol also helped me understand why less can be more, and how choosing between gentle renewal and targeted actives depends as much on how my skin feels as on what it looks like.
  

It’s not fancy. It’s not flawless. But it’s consistent, and more importantly, it’s become a signal to my brain: you’re taking care of yourself now.

Learning About the Skin Barrier

One of the things that’s helped me reframe how I approach skincare is understanding more about the skin’s barrier, that top layer that protects us from pollution, dehydration, and irritation. When it’s compromised, our skin can become sensitive, inflamed, or prone to breakouts.

Professionals in the skincare world, like the team behind NOON Aesthetics, talk a lot about maintaining a healthy barrier. And it’s not just about using the “right” products. It’s about not overdoing it. Not over-exfoliating. Not layering on too many actives. Not expecting instant results.

Which, funnily enough, is kind of a metaphor for mental health too, isn’t it? You can’t push yourself to the limit every day and expect to stay resilient. You need to rest. Protect. Nourish. You need to listen to what your body, and your brain, are telling you.

It’s Not About Vanity

For me, skincare used to feel a bit indulgent. A bit extra. Something I didn’t always feel I had time for, or didn’t think I deserved to prioritise.

But I’ve realised it’s the opposite. These small acts of care, washing your face, applying cream with intention, giving yourself 10 quiet minutes, are not vain. They’re not wasteful. They’re signals to yourself that you matter.

And when you’re pulled in all directions as a mum, partner, carer, worker (and everything in between), that message can be a powerful one.

Final Thoughts

I’m still figuring it out. Some nights I forget, or can’t be bothered, or get interrupted by a toddler needing “just one more cuddle.” But more often than not, I’m showing up for myself in this one small way. And it’s helped, not just my skin, but my state of mind.

So if you’re feeling frazzled, tired, disconnected, maybe don’t start with big resolutions or a total routine overhaul. Maybe just start with water. With a gentle cleanser. With a moment of stillness.

Because sometimes, the quietest routines are the ones that bring us back to ourselves.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.