Skincare & Self-Care: 5 Ways a Routine Supports Your Mental Health
A consistent skincare routine can boost emotional well-being. Here’s how — and why it works.
Published:
2 minute read
When we think about skincare, we usually focus on physical results. But building a consistent skincare routine can have surprising benefits for our mental health, too. According to dermatologist and SLMD Skincare founder Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), even simple rituals can provide structure, mindfulness, and a much-needed sense of control.
Here are five ways that skincare can positively impact emotional well-being — and help you feel more confident, inside and out.
#1 Routines create stability
Having daily rituals — like a morning and evening skincare routine — helps establish predictability. Research shows that consistent habits support mental health by:
- Reducing stress
- Providing structure and control
- Promoting a sense of security
Even a short skincare routine can offer a moment of calm and order, especially when other parts of life feel chaotic. Starting with something simple — like a gentle daily cleanser (we love the SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser) — can help build the foundation for lasting habits.
#2 Skincare supports circadian rhythms
Your skin’s natural renewal processes follow a 24-hour cycle — and so does your mental health. Sticking to consistent AM and PM skincare routines helps:
- Signal to your body when it’s time to wake up or wind down
- Improve sleep quality (especially when paired with relaxing rituals)
- Support skin repair and hormone balance at night
Evening routines can be particularly beneficial for winding down and preparing your body — and your skin — for rest. Try adding a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer at night — like SLMD Facial Moisturizer — to nourish skin while reinforcing wind-down cues.
Dr. Pimple Popper's Self-Care Skincare Essentials
#3 Rituals release feel-good chemicals
Science shows that even thinking about self-care can spark a cascade of positive brain chemicals. Taking a few minutes to care for your skin:
- Triggers endorphins and dopamine
- Reduces cortisol (the stress hormone)
- Reinforces a sense of worth and self-respect
Looking for a boost? Try lighting a candle, playing music, or incorporating facial massage to make your skincare feel more like a spa ritual.
#4 Skincare promotes mindfulness
When you wash your face, apply serum, or moisturize, you’re staying present. That’s mindfulness — and studies show it improves mood, focus, and emotional regulation. To increase the mental benefits of your skincare routine:
- Slow down and tune in to how your skin feels
- Focus your attention on each step
- Practice gratitude for the time you’re giving yourself
These small adjustments can transform a basic task into a moment of emotional grounding.
#5 Managing skin concerns builds confidence
Whether you’re dealing with acne, dryness, or uneven skin tone, taking action reinforces a sense of agency. Even small improvements in skin health can:
- Increase self-esteem
- Build resilience
- Restore a sense of control over your body and routine
Dr. Lee created SLMD Skincare to make effective, ingredient-based routines accessible — so that more people can feel empowered to care for their skin at home. For chronic concerns like acne, the dermatologist-developed SLMD Acne System offers a complete, step-by-step routine — designed to simplify skincare and boost confidence over time.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
As a dermatologist, I’ve seen how skincare routines impact more than just skin — they help people feel more confident and in control. It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself, every day.
