5 ways to practice mindfulness while doing your skincare routine.

There was once a time I didn't pay attention to my skin. I used to believe it was a distraction from the things that really mattered – like my phone, or my bed, or literally anything else. 

Nowadays, I not only understand the importance of caring for my skin, but I now know it is the most important part of caring for myself too. I not only cherish the moments I can lather my skin with some good ol' TLC – I prioritise and commit to it. 

I know, I know – much easier said than done. Finding 10 minutes let alone 30 seconds in the day to set aside purely for yourself is hard. But it is crucial, because there's no such thing as being able to fill someone else's cup when yours is running on empty. 

And pouring time into your skincare routine is also the most fabulous way to learn and develop the habit of mindfulness. If you're rolling your eyes at me, I don't blame you – but I promise caring for my skin, caring about what I put on my skin and taking moments to love my skin has allowed me to slow down and be that touch more present in everyday life.

Here are 5 ways I've incorporated mindfulness into my skincare routine:

1. Slow down your application. 

The famous sunscreen phrase to "slip, slop, slap" was genuinely the method I used to apply my skincare once upon a time. When a friend told me I wasn't even paying attention to what I was doing, it made me realise how absent-minded I was applying it! 

Now, I no longer rush the process. Instead, I take the time to slow down and let my skincare routine be an act of self-love. I've noticed changes in my skin too by applying specific products in the way they're actually intended, some of them important to pat-and-press on rather than rub in! I've really been able to appreciate my hard-earned products more – whether that be through paying special attention to the ritual of applying them, their textures or their smells. 

My morning always starts with a deep cleansing wash where I spend a minimum of 60 seconds massaging my face. After toning, I pay special attention to getting moisture and sun protection back into my skin.

I never used to care about what exactly I was putting into my face. It was only when I learnt that Q10 – the coenzyme our body naturally replenishes – will diminish as we age, that I realised how essential that ingredient is in my skincare routine.

For all those who don't know what exactly Q10 is (which was me too once), it's a beneficial element for the skin as it prevents premature skin ageing and is vital to regenerate and repair the skin (simply because it is a potent antioxidant that fulfills the skin's most basic functions). 

After having the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream in my evening routine for a few weeks now, I really liked how it specifically contains skin-identical Q10 with creatine – working together to repair skin cells and regenerate overnight to help with firmer, healthier-looking skin (within 7 days!!). 

(Also if you like to keep your day and night moisturiser in the same family, this NIVEA Night Cream also comes in a Day Cream formula. The Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream is SPF 30 for UVA/UVB protection, also contains creatine, and gives lasting nourishment for soft and supple skin for up to 24 hours.)

Image: Supplied.

NIVEA has been dedicating itself to giving the best skincare since before I was born, so to say I trust what they create is an understatement.

The best part about it is it is truly good for the skin because when Q10 is directly applied to the skin, research has shown it to have an anti-aging effect by reducing oxidative damage caused by UV rays. 

Overall, I've really paid attention to what goes into my skin and it's made me appreciate it that much more. 

My advice is also to even close your eyes when slowly applying your product to your skin, and to connect with our five senses. It turns what can be considered a repetitive daily task into an energising ritual. And honestly, what is better than that?

2. Get yourself in the right mood with music or the right podcast. 

I devour podcasts daily. It's the best way to learn, find happiness and set your mind right. 

For my skincare routines, I love, love LOVE Fill My Cup (hosted by Allira Potter) and I listen at the end of my day so I can set myself up for a good night's rest. 

Listen: Fill My Cup's Allira Potter gives the floor to Psychologist Chris Cheers, to share how we can find mindfulness in the small things. Post continues below.

I consider my evening routine to be the most sacred part of my day. It may be the last thing I do, but it determines how restful my sleep is and how I feel for the next day – so I prioritise spending at least 10-15 minutes of my evenings on it. 

After turning on a podcast, I do my best work in double-cleansing, toning, serum layering, then it's moisturiser time (come at me, Q10). Slow and steady with all of my steps too, of course. 

Considering our skin restores and revives itself overnight while we sleep, it is ESSENTIAL to use the best of the best.

3. Start a masking-meditation ritual.

You might be thinking introducing a mask meditation into your routine requires hours of devotion, but I promise it doesn't. 

A couple of minutes a day (or two to three times a week) has been especially helpful in reducing my stress and anxiety. 

A face masking session really only requires 5 to 15 minutes of meditation while you let your mask work its lovely little magic. I love a guided prompt, so I use meditative podcasts (and music) to instil positive thoughts and I've found it's given me that daily pep in my step. 

Of course, you don't have to meditate while wearing a face mask, especially if you are not in the headspace for it. My friends and I love to debrief on the couch while wearing one and it's been as equally rejuvenating for my soul.

4. Breathe. 

Okay, okay, I know. Everyone breathes. But taking the time to breathe deeply while applying your most loved products to your skin is, in short, transformative. 

Deep breathing can have such a calming impact for stress and anxiety. It's such a good relaxation technique before drifting off before sleep. 

5. Always do, use and incorporate what makes you feel good.

Using the products, tools, techniques and methods that work for you is one of the best ways to be mindful of yourself and your skincare routine. 

Whether that's a funky little dance to Lizzo while cleansing, or a mindful podcast that makes you feel calm, mindfulness is about putting yourself at the centre – even if that is just for only a small portion of the day.

Because any time you dedicate to self-care is a win for you.

Fight the signs of ageing, with the new and improved NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream SPF 30 and Night Cream. Join the NIVEA Q10 7 day challenge to give your skin energy and boost your skin's own anti-age defence.

Visible results in 7 days based on NIVEA's self-assessment study (1 week).

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses when exposed to the sun. Re-apply frequently.

Feature Image: Mamamia.