The beauty industry has attempted to take this intangible, philosophical concept of beauty and push it into this narrow understanding of physical beauty. And I think that’s why we’re never really satisfied with physical beauty,” says beauty expert and journalist Jessica DeFino. “We keep buying more, wanting more, trying new things, and applying new things because we’re searching for this satisfaction that cannot come solely from the physical. We’re searching for beauty in an industry that is only serving it to us by its definition.”
In this article we hope to share tips to help you feel beautiful—no beauty product required:
1. Incorporate therapy and healing practices.
Sometimes (or perhaps often) fixing your outside is just a thinly veiled attempt to fix the inside. The problem is that this is never going to solve the root issue. And one thing most experts emphasis is the importance of finding and treating the cause of something—not the symptoms.
2. Acknowledge that toxic beauty standards are harmful.
In our modern world—filled with endless content and social media—it feels like we can’t escape being inundated with what the media thinks our “ideal” beauty standards should be, these standards are inherently toxic.
if only clean beauty would care about toxic beauty standards the same way it cares about toxic beauty ingredients, because when you look at the physical and mental harm caused by beauty standards versus beauty ingredients, there’s no contest: Beauty standards are so destructive to our psychological harm and to our physical bodies.”
Low self-esteem over physical appearance can lead to depression, anxiety, and self-harm. And while simply acknowledging it may not feel like much, but it’s a step in the right direction.
3. Meditate and move (outside if possible).
No beauty product can replace the simple act of taking care of yourself. That’s why finding lifestyle practices that help your mind will help you overall. “It’s really simple: I tend to think like, whatever sustains you sustains your skin; whatever heals you heals your skin,” says certified beautician, DeFino.
For her, she focuses on two parts. The first: Meditation. Meditation actually is scientifically proven to strengthen your skin barrier and reduce moisture loss. So that’s my No. 1 tip,” she says.
The second is moving, particularly in nature when possible. “I try to sweat a couple of times a week because sweat is very good for your skin,” she says. “And I love to spend time in nature as much as I possibly can because that’s also super supportive for your skin micro biome and reduces stress.”
So there you have it, the amazing tips to help you help feel and be more beautiful, naturally.
