How mindful beauty can
WHILE the festive season means parties, celebrating and fun, it can also put a strain on your mind and body. In all the organising and entertaining, it’s easy to forget to take time out for ourselves and really relax.
This is where taking a mindful approach to your beauty routine can be a big help.
Mindfulness is the popular meditation technique that encourages people to live in the moment. It is NHS-approved and has multiple benefits, from boosting mood and resilience to improving the immune system and even reducing cellular ageing.
The beauty industry has been quick to incorporate mindfulness into products, techniques and treatments designed to make it easier for us to keep calm. Our guide to mindful beauty is what you need to prevent a festive meltdown.
TOP TREATMENTS Sound bath
Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice
Despite the name, there’s no water involved in this Tibetan-inspired treatment. You simply lie down and are “bathed” in relaxing sounds from gongs, chimes and singing bowls, which help the brain reach a state of deep relaxation.
Lush offers it own version called The Sound Bath which uses tuning forks, church bells and singing bowls to immerse you in soothing sounds while you have a facial and head massage.
Priced at £80, see uk.lush.com
Mindful massage
Soothe away stress and bring your mind and body back to the present moment with Espa’s Mindful Massage. This holistic re-balancing treatment combines guided breathing and visualisation with a therapeutic full-body massage to release tension and relax the mind.
From £85. To find your nearest Espa spa visit espaskincare.com
The cannabis facial
This groundbreaking facial uses cannabidiol (CBD), a substance found in cannabis that has hugely beneficial anti-inflammatory, calming and protective effects on skin. It is non-comedogenic so won’t block pores and is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help calm and soothe stressed and over-sensitive skin.
To begin, three drops of CBD oil are dropped under the tongue. While CBD is not intoxicating, it acts on the brain’s serotonin receptors to relax and calm.
The skin is double cleansed and massaged with CBD oil, focusing on key pressure points that will detox stressed skin and restore a natural glow. The treatment finishes with a de-stressing mask and a light CBD moisturiser.
From £120, call 020 7436 4441.
SOOTHING SAVIOURS
From relaxing bath salts to aromatherapy roller balls, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to beauty products that are designed to help you unwind.
Kiss the Moon Dream Bedtime Bath Salts, £20 (kissthemoon.com)
Made from relaxing lavender and calming cedarwood oils, this will turn your bath into a luxurious