Seeded in lockdown — which probably already feels like forever ago — a slower, more conscious approach to our daily routines gave us cause to reflect on our values and goals. Forced to ‘stand still’ for a minute, the pace of existence began to feel overly fraught: we’d confused being busy with feeling fulfilled and the grind took a toll on our health and wellbeing.
Acting a bit like a ‘reset’, the pandemic triggered a shift in the collective mindset — forcing us all to assess what’s important and learn that the planet still turns (and we feel more ‘in sync’) when our diaries have room to manoeuvre. This, coupled with the strain that capitalism is placing on the global economy, the climate and our {wellbeing}, means slowing down, accepting change and striving to look and feel healthier — not younger — has altered the way we approach our routines: taking time, carving our rituals and really tuning in to what our {skin} and {bodies} tell us is eclipsing ‘quick fix’ culture.
This quiet revolution – one in which we embrace the privilege of ageing, celebrate the signs of passing time and do our best to protect and preserve (not reverse) is the essence of ‘slow beauty’ — sacrificing instant impact in pursuit of lasting benefits (we’re calling it ‘sk-insurance’).
It’s all about cherishing and protecting what we’re blessed with — rather than pummeling skin with an onslaught of actives that shred its defences. Think: gentle {retinoids}, elasticising {oils}, unifying treatments and a strict, non-negotiable stance on {sunscreen}. It links to the current ‘skin cycling’ craze, which sees active ingredients used on rotation with ‘rest and recovery’ days in-between — and heralds the (timely) demise of unrealistic ‘skin goals’. Glass skin… doughnut skin… these ‘buzzy’ trends are giving way to something more real and attainable. It’s all about investing time and energy into making the best of what you’re blessed with; celebrating your idio-skin-cracies and embracing signs of life well-lived.
And there’s a potent self care element as well. When you spend time massaging your scar-healing rosehip oil into your face you’re in touch — quite literally — with yourself. That connection — that self-awareness — enables you to gauge the tension in your jaw; the puffiness; the underlying pimples and in turn, intuit how you’re doing, while treating your skin to a stint in the (FaceGym).
From {supplements} that work behind-the-scenes to nanocurrent {tools} that have a cumulative impact, it’s time to adopt a less frenzied approach to your beauty routine — after all, we’d rather be the tortoise than the hare? Slow and steady wins the race, so bide your time, invest in protection (SPF SPF SPF) and never underestimate the power of a {gua sha} (more on that, here)…
And most importantly: learn to love your laughter lines, your freckles and your greys — they’re the legacy left by the good times enjoyed and the tough times endured so rather than striving to deny time’s passing, try learning to appreciate the past, be present in the present while laying the foundations for a healthy, happy future.
Here are a few of our slow beauty heroes…