Erno Laszlo Blogs

How To Glow In The Morning, From The Inside And Out

Erno Laszlo Blogs

How To Glow In The Morning, From The Inside And Out

par Jannah Mahmoud le mars 14 2026
When the clock springs forward into daylight savings, you’ve got an early work meeting, or you didn’t sleep a wink for one reason or another, getting up in the morning can be a real struggle! Once you’ve forced yourself to open your eyes and attempted to peel back the duvet, the next challenge presents itself: “HOW am I going to stop myself from looking this tired!?”. I used to be the queen of the puffy eye, puffy forehead look and if I hadn’t had my eyelashes done, I looked like a little mole who hadn’t seen light for a few weeks. My mornings had no glow and my anxiety sky-rocketed. My glow up began when I started asking other women their secrets behind what helped them look so good at 8am. It soon became clear after 100s of responses, a morning routine was essential and I began to see a recurring theme in all the answers I received. I now religiously incorporate five steps into my mornings which have helped me glow from the inside out. A big thank you to all the marvelous women who shared their wisdom just so we can all glow that little bit brighter!  1. Water  For the inside: I know, there is no surprise that hydration is on this list. I start my day with a glass of water before I delve lovingly into my morning coffee. Always hydrate before you caffeinate. I even dissolve an orange flavoured effervescent vitamin C tablet in my water to make that first morning glass extra refreshing. Most of the women I asked favoured warm water and lemon.  For the outside: Discovering Hydra Therapy Memory Sleep Mask by Erno Laszlo was like finding a mirage of water in the desert for my skin. I didn’t realise on average 25% of moisture from our skin is lost overnight, and this sleep mask locks it all in!  2. Goal setting For the Inside: Our brains LOVE mini goals because when we set daily targets, this sparks a dopamine release in our brain. Dopamine, the feel good hormone, boosts our mood and when we tick off our to do list (make sure all of them are short term), we feel rewarded, boosting our inside feel good hormones even more. The feeling of accomplishment is glorious, and essential for increasing that glow.  For the Outside: I finally set myself the goal of finding products that actually worked for my skin… not just because they had been featured in a magazine or because my best friend liked them. During my research, all the women mentioned products they swore by and felt personally addressed their skin conditions, this level of personalisation felt a key factor in their glowingness. Set the goal to test out a few different products until you find the one that makes your skin sing in the morning. Discovering Erno Laszlo Hydraphel Skin Supplement was like meeting my skin choir!  3. Mindfulness Inside: The women that regularly meditated certainly looked ten years younger and had a calmness to them that was deeply inspiring. If you feel like you can’t set aside time in the day to meditate, try 6 belly breaths or use an app like the one I created, Happy Not Perfect. Just taking a moment to relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw and breathe into the belly starts to activate your rest and relax system, de-regulating your nervous system which in turn boosts your immune system and lowers inflammation! My journey into mindfulness has completely changed the way I look. A big bonus is that a regular meditation practice increases the length of your telomeres (proteins in the brain), which slows down the ageing process.  Outside: On days when I’m really busy, I use my moisturiser as my tool for mindfulness. When I begin to use the Erno Laszlo Firming Cream with spirulina, I take a moment to get really present and really feel the sensation of the cream, the gentle face massage, the smell. I close my eyes and even if it lasts for just a minute, I think about my feet grounded to the floor while I really immerse myself in the entire ritual.  4. Movement  For the inside: Most of the women attributed their ‘GLOW’ to regular exercise. Research shows that exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week, was as effective in boosting your mood as a low grade antidepressant. Exercise increases our blood circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins as well as feel good hormones. To grab the glow from this inside out trick you don’t even need to drag yourself to a HIT class, by just committing to raising your heart rate through a fast paced walk or yoga, the benefits will come. Finding movement you enjoy will only add to your Glow-Up. Fun over fast I say!  For the outside: Wearing exercise kit that I love encourages me to move. I used to dig in my cupboard for the baggiest tracksuit bottoms and jumpers I could find and it left me feeling so uninspired. I think, and this sentiment was shared amongst many of the glowing women I spoke to, your exercise kit should make you feel sexy! I am a firm fan of Lulu Lemon and I make sure before I get dressed in my clothes for the day, I put on workout gear first so I have no excuses in getting my exercise done. 5. Ask for a bit of help For the inside: For those days when things look gloomy no matter how much you exercise, cleanse, meditate or goal set, just pick up the phone. Call up that friend who is your biggest cheerleader and get a much needed motivational pep talk. Ask questions like, “What do you think my strengths are? I am having trouble identifying them” or admit “I feel like I’ve lost my spark today”. It’s so normal to have days when you lack motivation and sometimes we need our family and friends to remind us just how epic we really are. It’s that zest for life that provides us with the ultimate glow from within.  For the outside: For the days when no matter how much water you drink, your skin still feels a bit parched. Do not hesitate to ask for help from the MIGHTY, Eye Serum Mask. These little eye patches make you look like you’ve slept for 12 hours. I always rely on these little beauties to give me that GLOW when I’ve fallen off the wellness wagon elsewhere.These five tips have given me a morning GLOW like never before. Do let me know if they work for you or if you have any special thoughts you’d like to share about what makes you GLOW!  With love,  Poppy Founder of @happynotperfect  and Not Perfect Podcast with Poppy Jami‪e‬
Mindful Skincare: The Secret to a More Fulfilling Life?

Erno Laszlo Blogs

Mindful Skincare: The Secret to a More Fulfilling Life?

par Alexus Graham le mai 05 2023
It’s easy to go through life on autopilot, never stopping to notice or appreciate the present moment. If left unchecked, we’d spend every minute ruminating on the past or worrying about the future, rather than being in the here and now. This inability to be present can hold us back. It traps us in a cycle of worry, stress, and anxiety. Today, I want to share something life-changing that helped me combat this cycle: mindfulness. What is mindfulness? In a nutshell, mindfulness is a technique that involves grounding yourself in the present moment. It’s staying curious about your thoughts, emotions, or surroundings, and accepting the current moment for what it is. I find it’s an incredibly powerful tool for improving your mental wellbeing. There’s a wealth of research linking mindfulness to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as evidence it can improve your physical health. Becoming more present can make you more self-aware and calm. By taking a step back and observing how we feel, we can better understand why we feel and act the way we do. And by doing this without judgment, we can separate ourselves from fleeting emotions and thoughts, taking back control and eventually letting them go altogether. Simple daily habits Living a life in the present isn’t easy, especially when we practically condition ourselves to worry about our past and future. But mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated or intense. It can start with some super simple habits. Throughout the day, practice tuning into the present. Think of it like pressing the mute button on your life. Put down all the stress and anxiety you’re carrying for a minute or two. Some of my favorite ways to practice daily mindfulness are: Take 5 deep belly breaths when you first wake up. Notice any feelings of excitement or anxiety for the day ahead. This isn’t limited to the morning either—you can press pause and take deep breaths whenever you feel like life is getting to be a bit too much.   Brush your teeth with intention. Rather than jumping ahead to thinking about your first meeting of the day or where you’re going to pick up your daily coffee, focus on the action and sensations of brushing your teeth.   Do a five-sense exercise while you’re on your morning commute or walking in your local park. Think about what you can see, smell, hear, touch, and taste. Focus on the birds singing in the trees or the feel of the grass under your feet. Mindful skincare Another pocket of time that’s perfect for mindfulness is your skincare routine. Like brushing your teeth, you already set aside this time every day. So why not turn it into an act of self-care? Plus, by slowing down the process, you’ll also maximize the effects of your products and encourage brighter, clearer skin! My daily skincare ritual is the place where I always take a moment to relax and be mindful. I find it’s such a perfect way to start the day with intention and end the day with reflection. Here’s what a mindful skincare routine might look like to you: 1. Cleanse away any negativity. While you’re massaging your VTM Cream-to-Foam Cleanser into your face and neck, set positive intentions for the day ahead or, at night time, imagine you’re washing away any stress. 2. Massage around your eyes. As you gently work in my favorite eye cream—Phormula 3-10 Eye Intensive—to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, take a moment to practice gratitude for your day. What are you most thankful for? 3. Take a moment to relax. As you use your serums of choice, close your eyes and allow the aromas and essential oils to create a deeper sense of calm and relaxation. Pay attention to the fragrance you smell and the feel on your skin. Personally, I love pausing to appreciate the Madonna Lily found in VTM Micro-Essence. 4. Encourage glowing, happy skin. Take a few minutes to work a moisturizer into your face and neck. I’m currently using the Phormula 3-10 Skin Repair, which is like velvet on the skin. Appreciate the cold sensation and say any positive affirmations or intentions to get you ready for work or sleep. I know how difficult it can be to switch off the noise and stay truly present. But the more you complete these little habits, the easier it will be to detach from the negative thoughts and patterns that hold you back. With love, Poppy  
3 Simple Sleep Tips for a Happier, Healthier You

Erno Laszlo Blogs

3 Simple Sleep Tips for a Happier, Healthier You

par Alexus Graham le mars 10 2023
Considering we spend roughly half our lives asleep (or at least trying to be asleep), you’d think we’d give it a little more attention. But the truth is that many of us take our quantity and quality of sleep for granted. I know I have in the past!  Research shows that one in three adults don’t get enough sleep. And the impact of this on your life can be huge. Not only are you missing out on rest that will keep you physically able to maintain your life, but you’re also skipping out on giving your body time to repair.   So, with National Sleep Awareness Week in March, I wanted to share my top 3 sleep tips for a happier and healthier you. Work a few of these into your daily life and I’m confident you’ll come away a healthier, happier, and more energetic person!  1. Create a wind-down routine Everything you do in the few hours before bed will influence your sleep - for better and for worse. So try to create a bedtime routine full of habits that promote better rest. Your personal routine will depend on what you enjoy most. But it could include reading a good book, taking a relaxing bath or shower, moving your body with low-impact yoga, or meditation. Then there’s your evening skincare ritual. There is truth to the phrase “Getting Your Beauty Rest,” and here’s why: In the evening, skin cell mitosis (the division of skin cells) begins, and your skin starts to renew and repair itself. This is also why it is best to take off your makeup when you get home at night. Finding a routine that works for you is essential. Plus, there’s something so relaxing about massaging your skin and inhaling the delicious scents of different products.   For my night time routine, I have some favorite Erno Laszlo products I love to use:  VTM Cream-to-Foam Cleanser – Wash away the day with this gentle cleanser  AHA Resurfacing Sleep Serum – A must for dull, uneven skin  Phelityl Night Cream – A rehydrating miracle worker  Memory Gel Sleep Mask – Amazing for replenishing moisture lost while you sleep  Our minds and bodies love routine. And predictable night times will help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and distract you from any worries that keep you up. Over time, your body will also learn to associate these habits with sleep, making it even easier to drift off.   2. Ditch the devices It’s difficult to get a restorative night’s sleep if you’re glued to your devices until the second you switch off the light. Scrolling through social media, reading the news, or even checking your messages will keep you up for longer. It stimulates your brain, switching it into ‘on’ mode, and can take hours to counteract. Research shows that turning off your device at least 30 minutes before bed can improve sleep quality and duration. Another concern is the impact of blue light, which is found in the LED screens of most of your devices. Ordinarily, the sun goes down, and the darkness tells our bodies it’s time to sleep. In response, they start producing melatonin – a sleep-inducing hormone. Exposure to blue light confuses this process. It can decrease your levels of melatonin and trick your mind and body into thinking it’s still daytime.If you can’t avoid screens late at night, consider using blue light glasses. They contain filters that block or absorb blue light, reducing your exposure. If you do this, it could help you sleep 60 to 90 minutes more per night, which has been shown to make you happier and healthier.   3. Make time to journal Journaling is one of the best ways to set yourself up for a deep sleep. And it’s something you can easily incorporate into your bedtime routine. Writing down your thoughts in the evening helps put any unresolved feelings or stresses out of your mind and onto the page. It sounds simple, but it can be a brilliant emotional release, stopping you from ruminating on your day for hours in the dark. In fact, one study found that participants who journaled before bed fell asleep quicker and slept for longer. Even writing down tomorrow’s to-do list can be beneficial for switching off.High-quality sleep is one of the best ways to keep yourself feeling happy and healthy. So why not use National Sleep Awareness Week as inspiration to improve yours? If you try any of these tips out, let me know – I’d love to hear how you get on!With love,Poppy
New Year, Fresh Start: Setting Intentions For A Happier And Healthier 2023

Erno Laszlo Blogs

New Year, Fresh Start: Setting Intentions For A Happier And Healthier 2023

par Alexus Graham le déc. 30 2022
  I love the optimism that accompanies a new year. There’s something so empowering about having the entire year laid out before you, knowing that it’s within your power to choose your own narrative and outcomes.With 2022 drawing to a close, now is the perfect time to check in with yourself. Look at everything around you—your relationships with friends and family, your professional career, your love life, your outlook, your happiness, and your truths. What’s gone well for you this year? What do you want the next 12 months to be?To set ourselves up for success, fulfillment, and mental strength, we need to approach this new year in the right way. Usually, we half-commit to a resolution that we know deep down won’t stick. Hands up if you’re guilty of that—I know I am. Instead, let’s set intentions. Whether it’s making time for meditation, spending more time outside, or actually sticking with your skincare routine, intentions are my secret for personal progress. What do I mean? Let’s walk through the process and set you up for a fantastic 2023! Resolutions versus intentions When it comes to resolutions, we often set ambitious new goals without a second thought about how we’re going to get there. We say we want to lose weight, eat healthier, or learn a new language. But the lack of structure or strategy leaves us feeling overwhelmed. We wonder why we end up falling off the bandwagon by the time spring rolls around.Such an all-or-nothing approach might work for some people, but for many of us, it only sets us up to fail. It becomes something else to beat ourselves up about, rather than staying focused on the positive end result we’re actually craving.This is why I prefer setting intentions. Where resolutions are specific and loaded with ‘good’ or ‘bad’ connotations, intentions are much softer. They’re based on how you feel on the inside, and they bring you further along your journey to personal growth. They set you up for long-term success, fulfillment, and will help you feel more connected to yourself on a daily basis.   Lead with compassion No matter your goals for the year, I encourage you to approach 2023 with a more compassionate mindset. We often focus on all that we lack. But that negativity and pressure doesn’t get us anywhere, which is probably why only 9% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions. Try to be kinder to yourself when thinking about what to focus on this year. There are better ways to inspire and improve yourself than by coming up with a list of what you’re lacking in your life. Why not focus on what brought you joy last year and think about how you could expand this more in 2023? Setting your intentions Here’s a quick list of tips to start your intention setting well: Uncover your why. There are going to be moments over the next year that test your motivation and resilience, which is why it’s important to figure out exactly why this intention is so important to you. What will it help you achieve? How does it fit into the bigger picture of your personal growth? Start small. Giving yourself 10 intentions right off the bat is only going to overwhelm you and stunt your progress. The trick is to start small and devote all your time and energy to seeing each goal through. Maybe give yourself a new intention every month or every quarter.  Keep yourself accountable. Self-improvement is a huge test of our discipline. With no one watching over us, it’s all too easy to stop when the going gets tough. I personally find it helpful to write my intentions and affirmations down and keep them somewhere I’ll see them every day, such as on my bathroom mirror or at the front of my journal. This way, I’m frequently reminded of what I want to achieve. Sharing your goals with someone you trust is also just as useful for holding yourself to account.  Setting your affirmations There will be times when you falter. After all, self-improvement is a journey with ups and downs. That’s why I pair my intentions with affirmations. They’re the boost of motivation I need to stay committed. But what makes a good affirmation? Start with “I” or “my” so they feel personal to you. Keep them grounded in the present moment. We want to channel some ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ energy here. Make sure to link it to your intention Tie your intention to a daily action. This way, it becomes another part of your day—a new habit.  Let’s look at an example you might have. Say your intention is you want 2023 to be a brighter, happier year. Here’s what it could look like: Intention: Happiness. May I find happiness with any experience. Affirmation: I choose happiness, even in the small and tough moments. How to use: As you moisturize using Erno Laszlo’s Firmarine Moisturizer SPF 30 (a personal fave), repeat your intention and affirmation to yourself 10 times, allowing the words to really sink in.By repeating the affirmation, you help your brain spot new opportunities aligned with your intentions.  I hope you take this next month to prioritize yourself and think about where you’ve been and where you’d like to go next. When it comes to setting your goals for the next year, remember to be kind and compassionate to yourself. Approaching your self-development from a positive, empowered perspective is always going to bring better, longer-lasting results.  Think of your skincare routine as a chance to slow down, realign, and focus on your intentions, recentering your mindset before moving forward.  With love, Poppy
Restore Some Calm To Your Mind & Skin Over The Holidays

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Restore Some Calm To Your Mind & Skin Over The Holidays

par Alexus Graham le déc. 22 2022
The holiday season is right around the corner, and just the thought of it is enough to send my heart racing. When it comes to this festive period, I always feel equal parts excitement and terror. I’m sure I’m not the only one! As a chronic people pleaser, all the extra organizing, expectations, and crippling fear of everything not going to plan can quickly send me spiraling.  And where’s one of the first places I notice this additional festive stress? My skin. No matter if it’s dry, puffy, inflamed, or breaking out in spots, I know I need to channel more Zen into my life when my skin is acting out. If you often find yourself running around the grocery store, panicking because you’ve forgotten to buy the cranberries or gift wrap, then don’t worry. We’re here to share some super easy tips and tricks to keep your mind and skin as relaxed as possible over the coming months. #1 Try not to compare your experience to othersEvery year, the holiday season brings with it some huge expectations. We want to have the most picture-perfect, joyful time ever. This leads to us building up this expectation to deliver. And social media only exacerbates this, with everyone seeming to have the time of their lives. But my first tip to minimize stress over the coming months is to let go of some of this unnecessary weight on your shoulders. A lot of this comes down to how we manage our expectations. Remember, what you see on social media is only the highlight reel of people’s lives. The holiday season doesn’t have to be some grand, show-stopping experience. You could do all the right preparation and planning, yet still feel inadequate compared to someone else’s perfectly manicured Instagram feed.  Instead of trying to match these sky-high expectations, embrace it as a time to focus on yourself, recharge, and reconnect with your loved ones. Anything else is simply an added bonus.  #2 Stay well rested Every doctor and therapist will agree that sleep helps everything feel more manageable. It’s our most vital way of recharging, allowing us to better handle the stresses that come our way. Trust me, all the additional socializing and organizing will feel a thousand times easier if you’re consistently sleeping well.  In one study, 21% of adults reported feeling more stressed if they didn’t get enough sleep. Those who slept for less than eight hours a night said they experienced higher stress levels than those who slept a minimum of eight hours. So, no matter how busy your life gets over the coming weeks, make sure you’re allowing yourself enough time to rest and reset.  And what better pairing for a good night’s sleep than an indulgent under-eye pick-me-up? The Multi-Task Full Circle Eye Serum Mask is a favorite of mine for injecting some extra moisture and brightness back into my face. The silky hydrogel patches help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and under-eye bags. Plus, they’re versatile! You can use them before bed as a way to wind down or during your morning skincare routine to create the perfect base for the day’s makeup. #3 Brush off those stressful thoughts Anyone who knows me is well aware of the fact I’m all about connecting my skincare routine with mindfulness. This holiday season, use your cleansing ritual to say goodbye to any stressful thoughts or anxieties. Think of it as visualization meets cleansing. Studies on the brain show that our thoughts produce the same mental instructions as our actions. By visualizing your worries melting away, your brain will begin to believe that’s exactly what’s happening, leading to a greater sense of calm and inner peace. I have the perfect product recommendation for this. The VTM Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is a mild product that will leave your skin feeling soft, refreshed, and soothed. And I adore it! Packed full of nourishing amino acids, it’s ideal for re-energizing the skin after a late night, or prepping it for a day of festive activities. What starts as a velvety cream becomes a luxurious foam, so set aside a few extra minutes to massage it into your skin and release your worries and stresses.  #4 Set aside time for yourself With more plans to juggle and people to see, it becomes harder to set aside time for ourselves to decompress and recharge. Extended disruption to our day-to-day lives can leave us feeling unsettled, which in turn can lead to poor sleep, more turbulent emotions, and troubled skin. So wherever possible, find little pockets of time for yourself. This might include getting outside and going for a daily, mindful walk - alone or with the people you love. Walking increases blood flow and circulation and is great for your central nervous system, which is responsible for your stress response. It’s the ideal way to restore some calm and alleviate the festive stress.  You might also want to block out an evening to run a hot bath and put on a face mask. The rest of the world can wait for a few hours! Hot baths have been shown to reduce inflammation, a key symptom of excess stress. They’ve also been known to improve sleep quality—a perfect full-circle moment back to tip #2.  And why not use the Vitality Treatment Mask to make it an even more relaxing, indulgent experience? This product has been shown to increase skin hydration levels by up to 48%, making it a real treat for a self-care night in. It’s creamy, cooling, and a miracle worker for your skin’s complexion.  No matter what you’re doing over the holidays, or how manic life might get, always make some time for yourself. Even if it’s only for a few minutes every day, remember to show your skin and your mind some extra love. And always keep in mind that this festive season is about having a good time—whatever that looks like to you! With love, Poppy
Ingredient Spotlight: Apple & Ginger For All Around Wellness

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Ingredient Spotlight: Apple & Ginger For All Around Wellness

par Alexus Graham le oct. 07 2022
Two of the fantastic main ingredients in Erno Laszlo’s Phormula 3-10 collection are ginger and apple. Both are fabulously repairing in nature to nourish and, rejuvenate aging skin. But what makes these super ingredients so good for both your physical and mental health? It all comes down to the gut-brain connection. I’m sure we’re all familiar with those pesky gut feelings we get when we know something’s not quite right. Or the butterflies in our stomach before that first date or job interview. These are all indicators that our emotions influence how we feel physically. But what if I told you this relationship goes both ways? The gut-brain connection Your gut is there for more than just digestion. It’s also the main hub of your ‘microbiome’ - the collection of bacteria in your body. And it also happens to share a lot of structural and chemical similarities with your brain. We have something called the ‘enteric nervous system’, which is made up of millions of nerves lining the gut. It’s these nerves that lead some people to call the gut our ‘second brain’. But that’s not the only connection; there’s a much more direct one. The gut-brain axis is the communication system connecting - you guessed it - your gut microbiome and brain. And neurons pass along the nerves, such as the vagus nerve which runs from your brain down to your colon, sending messages back and forth. As well as this physical connection, your gut and brain also connect chemically. Many neurotransmitters are produced by gut cells. In fact, large amounts of serotonin (the happy hormone) come from the gut microbiome.   What about apples and ginger? Learning that our gut microbiome can impact brain function is brilliant. It’s empowering to know that how you fuel your body can also be the perfect antidote for your mind! So where do apples and ginger come into it? The general rule is this: the greater the variety of bacteria you have, the healthier your gut will be.   Apples contain an impressive 100 million bacteria. And there is some research that says organic apples specifically have a wider range of microbes, increasing the diversity in your gut. They also contain a fibre called pectin, which helps maintain good bacteria in your gut. In fact, there are at least eight different types of fibre in apples, and all of them are good for your gut health! Ideally, you could eat the entire apple - seeds, core, stem, and all - but I’ll leave that choice up to you. Similarly, ginger incorporates into the healthy bacteria in your gut. It multiplies them over time, until you’re able to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines. Which basically means ginger can help improve gut disease. It’s also been found to remodel the microbiome, changing the composition of gut microbes to improve overall gut health. The gut-brain connection shows us how daily choices can influence our health and wellness. It highlights the importance of taking a holistic approach to health. And the cherry on top? A healthier gut will show on your face! Radiant, blemish-free skin is one of many rewards for taking care of your gut, along with a clearer, more positive outlook. With love,Poppy   Shop our Anti-Aging Repair Phormula 3-10 Collection now and learn more.  Phormula 3-10 is powered by Epigene-6™, a proprietary complex made of apple, ginger, and niacinamide) to target the six signs of aging. Phormula 3-10 Eye Intensive revives the eye contour, softening the look of fine lines for a smooth, bright-eyed appearance. Phormula 3-10 Serum Concentrate supports skin rejuvenation, improves complexion vitality, and leaves skin soft and supple.  Phormula 3-10 Skin Repair rejuvenating moisturizer formula melts into the skin, delivering vital moisture. If you have any questions, slide into our DMs on Instagram! We're always here to chat!  
How To Keep Your Mind & Skin Calm During The Holidays

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How To Keep Your Mind & Skin Calm During The Holidays

par Stephanie Orzel le nov. 23 2021
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Use your skincare to restore calm this holiday season Just thinking about the looming holiday season sends my heart racing. I can’t be the only one who greets the festive period with part excitement, part terror. Thoughts of all the extra organizing, expectations, and crippling fear of everything not going to plan can quickly send me spiraling.  And where’s one of the first places I notice extra stress? My skin. Whether it’s dry, puffy, inflamed, or breaking out, I know I need to find more zen when my skin is acting out. If you’re someone who also finds themselves running around the grocery store, panicking because you’ve forgotten to buy a critical ingredient (there’s always one), then fear not! This article will share some super easy tips and tricks to keep your mind and skin as relaxed as possible over the coming months. #1 Get a good night’s sleep Every doctor and therapist will agree that sleep helps everything feel more manageable. It’s critical to helping us recharge and better handle whatever stresses may be thrown our way. Trust me, all the additional socializing and organizing will feel a thousand times easier if you’re consistently sleeping well.  In one study, 21% of adults reported feeling more stressed after not getting enough sleep. Those who slept for less than eight hours a night said they experienced higher stress levels than those who slept a minimum of eight hours. To set yourself up for a night of high-quality rest, why not create a ritual to prepare and prime your mind for sleep? I personally LOVE Erno Laszlo’s Rising Star Sleep Set.  The kit includes the Hydra-Therapy Memory Gel Sleep Mask - perfect for indulging your skin and restoring moisture overnight. There’s also a pink quartz Gua Sha facial massage tool. Massaging your skin helps increase dopamine and serotonin - feel-good chemicals - so what better way to treat your skin and mind?  You can then use the Multi-Task Serum Eye Mask in the morning to hydrate and brighten.   #2 Wash away your stressful thoughts If you know me at all, you know I’m all about connecting mindfulness with my skincare routine. This holiday season, use your cleansing process as a way to wash away any stressful thoughts or anxieties. Think of it as visualisation meets cleansing. Studies on the brain reveal that thoughts produce the same mental instructions as actions. By visualising your worries washing away, your brain will begin to believe they actually are, restoring greater calm and inner peace. To target whatever skin concerns you may have while calming your mind, the Big Break Soap Set is incredible.  Is your skin feeling dry? Use the Phelityl Cleansing Bar, perfect for hydration and glow. Does your skin feel congested? If that’s the case, the Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar uses charcoal to detoxify. And, finally, if you’re just looking for an all-round pick me up, the Brightening Cleansing Bar will work wonders. #3 Make life easier The holiday season can be stressful, but your skincare doesn’t have to be. Despite how busy the season may get, schedule in non-negotiable time to relax. Block out an evening to run a hot bath and put on a face mask. The rest of the world can wait! Hot baths have been shown to reduce inflammation - a key symptom of excess stress. They’ve also been shown to improve sleep quality. A perfect full circle moment back to tip #1. The Vitality Treatment Mask is a favourite of mine to pair with an indulgent bath. It’s been shown to increase skin’s hydration levels by up to 48%, making it a real treat for your complexion and relaxation. No matter what you’re doing over the holidays, or how manic life might get, remember to always take time for yourself.  Even if it’s only a few minutes every day, put aside the time to treat your skin and mind. Sometimes this is all it takes to recharge and keep yourself at your best. This time of year should be fun, so go out there and have a blast! With love,PoppyFounder of @happynotperfect  and Not Perfect Podcast with Poppy Jami‪e‬
Why Gratitude Actually Works

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Why Gratitude Actually Works

par Elizabeth Lacek le oct. 25 2021
You might hear the word gratitude thrown around a lot. We’re told to be grateful regularly, but you never really hear why we should feel that way. It can be easy to discount gratitude as ‘just another wellness cliche’. Plus when you’re in a tough spot in life, trying to look on the bright side can feel near impossible. But you can’t underestimate the beautiful effect being grateful can have on your physical and mental health. It’s a cleanser for the soul, but what is the science behind it? Let’s look at the research behind why gratitude practices can truly work wonders for your mind and body. The Science of Gratitude Plenty of researchers have looked into what gratitude can actually do for us. The mountain of evidence is quite impressive!  One study found that students who were higher in gratitude were less stressed and depressed, and had higher perceived social support by the end of term. While another showed that grateful individuals experience more positive emotions and have greater satisfaction with life. It isn’t something to keep bottled up, either. Expressing your gratitude to others can improve your mental health and keep negativity at bay. In one particular piece of research, participants who wrote about what they were grateful for appeared far more optimistic about their lives after ten weeks. They also exercised more and had fewer doctor visits than those who focused on sources of aggravation or neutral events. Furthermore, gratitude can also lead to greater sleep quality and duration, as well as less sleep latency and daytime dysfunction. And sharing those feelings with your partner can help you feel more positive towards the relationship and more comfortable expressing any concerns. Why Does Gratitude Work?  Practicing gratitude can fundamentally change the neural structure of our brains, altering the way we see and perceive the world. Gratitude - like so many other behaviours - is a habit. And consistently practicing it helps train your brain to look out for everything that’s going well in your life. Over time, we can strengthen these neural pathways, with positivity and optimism becoming our go-to mindsets. It also has an impact on our biology at the neurochemical level. When we express gratitude or receive it from others, our brains release dopamine and serotonin, two feel-good hormones. These enhance our mood immediately and will have so many brilliant knock-on effects on your wider health and wellbeing. It’s amazing what can happen when you practice gratitude. Gradually, you begin to observe the good things in your life rather than habitually leaning on the negative. Building Your Own Gratitude Routine Erno Laszlo and I are passionate about helping you reduce your stress, be grateful for your wonderful life, and enjoy more radiant skin as a result! So, how can we all fit some gratitude practice into our hectic lives? My first tip is to link gratitude with another habit. We’re so much more likely to keep up with our practice if it’s connected to a staple part of our existing routine. Why not try linking your gratitude practice with your skincare?  Keep a note on your mirror that says “what am I grateful for today?” Whenever you’re massaging in your Hydra-Therapy Gel Cream or Firmarine Night Cream before bed, challenge yourself to think of 3-5 things that made your day. Another tip is to get others involved. Before bed, ask your partner what they’re grateful for, and have them return the question to you. Make this a daily habit between the two of you, encouraging you to always finish your days on a positive note. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking more about what you’re grateful for. It not only feels good, science has officially proven all the multiple benefits of this simple practice. Whether you’re thankful for your family, friends, career, home, or anything else, I’d love to hear how you include gratitude in your routine! With love,PoppyFounder of @happynotperfect  and Not Perfect Podcast with Poppy Jami‪e‬
5 Easy Ways to Relax Your Mind on National Relaxation Day

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5 Easy Ways to Relax Your Mind on National Relaxation Day

par Rebecca Tufaro le juil. 29 2021
We all have moments where life gets on top of us. 100 deadlines hit at once, we have to do months of work in one week and the inbox feels overflowing - I am sure you can relate. This is why Erno Laszlo and I are passionate about providing simple, easy ways to relax and take a step back from it all, such as turning your daily skincare routine into a mindfulness moment. Promoting pockets of relaxation before you start your day and go to bed.  But, in honour of National Relaxation Day on August 15th, we thought we’d give you a few extra ideas to up the relaxation and decrease the stress. I’m confident you’ll love them because they’re just so easy and effortless to fit into your daily life! #1 - Belly Breathing for One Minute One of the first physiological signs of stress is quick, shallow breathing. It’s a telltale sign of our sympathetic nervous system (stress response) kicking into action.  Belly breathing, however, forces you to slow your breathing down and tricks your body into thinking you’re relaxed - even if you aren’t yet! The phrase “fake it ‘til you make it” comes to mind. It triggers your parasympathetic nervous system to step up and return you to a place of calm and relaxation.  After you apply your serum or VTM Micro-Essence, take a moment to belly breathe. Put one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. As you inhale deeply through your nose, feel your belly push out. Then, as you exhale through your mouth, feel your belly fall, and gently use your hand to push all the air out. Repeat this for 1 minute, really taking your time to go through the motions, release tension and welcome in a peaceful calmness with each breath. You’ll be amazed at how you feel afterwards.  #2 - Walking The simple act of walking holds so many incredible health benefits for our minds and bodies - from loosening up our muscles and bodily tension to distancing us from the stressors that threaten our inner peace. Research shows that walking also promotes the release of endorphins (brain chemicals that make us more relaxed and improve our mood). Just a quick 10-minute walk can improve your mood. So whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, try to get outside today and move your body. Even better, see if you can get out in nature and away from the hustle and bustle. Dr Erno Laszlo was passionate about the benefits of connecting the mind, body and skin and used to encourage Marilyn Monroe to take a short walk every morning after her skin care routine!  #3 - Napping I’m here to reassure you that there’s nothing wrong with a mid-afternoon siesta. It can actually make you more alert, reduce stress, and improve your cognitive function. According to some studies, you can expect more benefits from getting 20 minutes of sleep in the afternoon than you could from an extra 20 minutes in the morning. And experts also say that lying down and resting is a mood booster - whether you actually fall asleep or not! Why don’t you try out the power of napping today? Perhaps you could apply the VTM Pink Mask and take a 20 minute Zzz while the mask works its magic? Not only will this help you feel great, but also look great.   #4 - Relaxing Food Food changes how we feel quickly and studies prove that certain foods help us relax.  So in light of National Relaxation Day, why not start the day right with some oatmeal? Not only does it help you avoid sugary cereals, it also naturally boosts your serotonin levels - a chemical often found in antidepressants. Then you can finish your breakfast off with some yogurt. The probiotics have been linked to reduced brain activity in areas associated with stress.  For lunch, maybe try a salad full of leafy greens like spinach. These contain folate, which produces dopamine, the feel-good chemical in our brain. And for a mid-afternoon snack, opt for some dark chocolate - at least 70% cocoa. Dark chocolate has been linked to decreased cortisol levels (a stress hormone), lowered blood pressure, and improved circulation. All are great ways to keep your brain (and gut) happy, healthy, and relaxed!    Relaxed gut, happier skin :)   #5 - Being Around Great People Our emotions are contagious, with studies demonstrating our innate tendency to mimic the moods of others - for better or worse.  Meaning if you encounter a co-worker who’s in a bad mood, frowning and moaning about their day, you’re more likely to experience a drop in your own mental state. But if it’s someone beaming with love, positive vibes and energy, well, you can’t help but become affected by that in the best way! So on national relaxation today especially, consciously choose to surround yourself with people who make you feel great and peaceful.  Whatever you find relaxes you, I hope you indulge in even more of it today. If you would like a personalized meditation then please find details of the competition we are running on our social media @ernolaszlo ! Days like this are a great reminder to slow down, check in, and look after ourselves first. You cannot pour from an empty cup so take advantage of an entire day to refill you! If you try any of these tips, let me know how it goes! With love, as always! Poppy Founder of @happynotperfect  and Not Perfect Podcast with Poppy Jami‪e‬
How to Achieve a Calmer Mind and Glowing Skin in Just 60 Seconds

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How to Achieve a Calmer Mind and Glowing Skin in Just 60 Seconds

par Rebecca Tufaro le juil. 16 2021
Life’s been crazy. You’ve been going non-stop, and it’s all starting to catch up with you. With your mind and thoughts constantly racing, struggling to switch off, your skin’s showing signs of fatigue and one too many late nights.  You need a break - a moment to give both your skin and mind some well-deserved rest and recuperation. Does that sound eerily familiar? I’ve mentioned before that I love using my skincare as a window into my mental health.   Taking time each day for some much-needed self-care is crucial.  Combining mindfulness practice with your skincare routine makes it so much easier to carve out time in your day to check in with yourself, allowing you to nurture and nourish your skin and soul simultaneously. Making this part of your skincare routine significantly boosts your chances of actually fitting it in. Rather than following a strict schedule of twenty minutes a day or five times a week, this doesn’t need to be a big undertaking or commitment. And there’s something empowering about this more low-maintenance, everyday approach to mindfulness. It’s why I’m so thrilled to see Erno Laszlo release their incredible VTM Micro-Essence - the newest member of the VTM family. This is the perfect pairing for those mindful, skin-care moments we can all benefit so greatly from, and I can’t wait to share why I love it so much already! VTM Micro-Essence A restorative essence lotion, Erno Laszlo’s VTM Micro-Essence is brilliant for boosting radiance, energizing and purifying your skin. It keeps you looking and feeling your best, having been shown to improve skin tone and texture over time. Its microfluidic technology means there are thousands of encapsulated oil droplets floating in the clear gel. As soon as the product touches your skin, the release of meadowfoam and raspberry oil gives you the cool rush of weightless hydration alongside the nourishment of an oil serum.  Other ingredients include Madonna Lily for balancing aging and uneven skin that’s been damaged by UV rays, marine extract to perfect pores and reduce texture, and a multi-mineral complex for rejuvenating tired skin. Hungarian Facial Mindfulness Massage So how do you get the very best out of this incredible product? I’ll let you in on a little secret: all you need is 60 seconds to indulge in a full sensorial experience.  I love this technique because the relaxing massage helps to ground me in the present moment, the structured breathing calms my nervous system and quiets any racing thoughts, and the beautiful texture of the product leaves my skin feeling hydrated and replenished. Here’s a quick step-by-step on how you can perform a Hungarian Facial Mindfulness Massage at home in just a minute: 1. Warm some VTM Micro-Essence between your fingers. 2. Take a deep inhale. 3. Gently press the product all over your skin. 4. Take a deep exhale. 5. Repeat this a few more times. 6. Take a deep inhale. 7. Gently slide your hands in a downwards motion across your face. 8. Take a deep exhale. 9. Take a deep inhale. 10. Gently slide your hands in an upwards motion across your face. 11. Take a deep exhale. 12. Take a deep inhale. 13. Gently tap your fingers around your skin, going upwards from your jawline and downwards from your forehead. 14. Take a deep exhale. And there you have it - a quick yet indulgent way to treat your mind and skin to some much-needed TLC!  I wholeheartedly recommend you add it to your routine and see what wonders it works for you. If you do give it a try, I’d love to hear about your experience. With love,  PoppyFounder of @happynotperfect  and Not Perfect Podcast with Poppy Jami‪e‬
Summer is Coming: Staying Healthy in the Sun

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Summer is Coming: Staying Healthy in the Sun

par Rebecca Tufaro le juin 23 2021
The temperature’s rising, we’re spending more time outside, and the sun’s finally starting to show itself. Summer is coming and we should be thrilled about it. But there’s also the niggling worry of what negative impacts the sun might be having on our health.  Is the Sun Our Best Friend or Our Worst Enemy? There’s so much conflicting advice out there - that we should spend as much time as possible soaking up the sun for its valuable nutrients, that we should avoid direct sunlight at all costs to protect ourselves from its damage, that we should be striking a perfect balance between the two. Quite frankly, it’s confusing. The Sun on Our Health The list of benefits our bodies get from sunlight is impressive: from more happy hormones and lower stress levels to a boosted immune system. And nearly all roads lead back to Vitamin D. The sun's rays help our bodies make this powerful nutrient and it can work wonders for our health and wellbeing. 1 billion people worldwide suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, while 50% of the population has an insufficiency. Since it isn’t always readily available in our diet, 50-90% of our vitamin D must come from direct sunlight. Let’s look at some of the core health benefits of sunlight and vitamin D: Sunlight increases serotonin levels, boosting our mood and promoting calmness and positivity. It supports our immune system, potentially reducing our susceptibility to illnesses. The sun has been suggested to shrink fat cells and aid in weight loss. Early morning sunlight has been linked to higher quality sleep. Vitamin D improves the uptake of calcium and phosphorous in our gut, leading to strong and healthy bones. Low Vitamin D levels have been linked to osteoporosis, cancer, and depression, amongst other health issues. And keep in mind that this list is by no means complete! Essentially, spending time in the sun can be critical for our health. But how long should we be spending soaking it up? Scientists suggest the optimum dosage of sunlight is 5 to 15 minutes - going up to 30 if you’re dark-skinned. You can obviously stay out in longer doses, so long as you’re taking the necessary precautions. The Sun on Our Skin It’s no secret that, while good for us in many ways, too much sun can also be detrimental to our health. Sun-damaged skin basically means the top layer of your skin cells are damaged. And this increases your chances of skin cancer, worsens its quality and complexion, and speeds up the aging process, meaning more wrinkles, leathery texture, and dark spots.  So, What’s the Solution?  Strike a balance. We should be able to open ourselves up to all the incredible health benefits being out in the sun can give us, while also protecting our skin as much as possible.  It’s time to find yourself a really good SPF.  My personal favourite is Erno Laszlo’s Firmarine Moisturizer SPF 30. I can put it underneath my makeup and not only does it make for a great base, but it protects my skin while also repairing it.  Its ingredients include Spirulina Maxima - a blue-green algae that’s rich in iron, amino acids, and essential minerals - that works to repair the skin. And the sea water helps draw out toxins for a rejuvenated, healthier-looking complexion. All of this on top of protection from the sun’s UV rays! We all want to get out there and enjoy the sunshine, boosting our wellbeing, mental health, and happiness. While it’s critical to look after our skin, doing all we can to prevent the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, it doesn’t have to be a pain or stop us from enjoying ourselves. Happy (almost) summer, everyone! With love, PoppyFounder of @happynotperfect  and Not Perfect Podcast with Poppy Jami‪e‬  
Happy Not Perfect: The Interview

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Happy Not Perfect: The Interview

par Jannah Mahmoud le mai 21 2021
Poppy Jamie, Author of 'Happy Not Perfect,' interviews with 'Cheddar Wellness' to discuss how to apply the FLEX method to turn your thoughts from negative to positive, and tips for embarking on your journey towards self help.@ PoppyJamie@ HappyNotPerfect
5 Simple Ways to be Kinder to Yourself 

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5 façons simples d'être gentil avec soi-même

par Rebecca Tufaro le mai 14 2021
We all have an inner critic who plagues our minds with doubts, constantly reminding us of our worries and deepest darkest fears. This inner critic also has a habit of repeating every mean thing you’ve ever been told at the most inconvenient moments… like just before you’re about to give a presentation, before an important job interview, when you’re on a first date, or at 3AM when you’re desperately trying to get a good night's sleep. Some people like to call this devil inside the “ego” but I actually advise people to name this voice a proper name. For example, I’ve appropriately called my inner critic, Regina, based on Regina George from the film, Mean Girls. My friend has named hers Maureen, and another Petunia after the character from Harry Potter.  One thing’s for certain, you do not need to be dictated by this mean voice. You wouldn’t dream of treating a friend in the same way. You instead boost them up, try to lift their spirits and remind them of all their talents when they’re having a bad day. So it’s important that you start treating yourself with the same kindness. Think about how your health and skin would improve if you became better at listening to your body’s signals and started responding with love and compassion. When you are kinder to yourself, you glow from the inside out!   As Roald Dahl wrote — 'If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.' Check out my 5 top tips on how to become a kinder you: 1. Get Curious  When you hear that inner meanie niggling at you, ask yourself these four questions from the wonderful and inspiring thought leader and author Bryon Katie.  Is this thought true?  Can I be 100% sure it’s true?  When believing this thought, how does it make me feel?  Who would I be without this thought?  By getting curious and asking ourselves those four questions, you will quickly begin to see that the majority of critical thoughts we have are in fact not true. 2. Forgive Yourself Often We are all guilty of blaming ourselves for things we said, could have done or should have done “better”. The woulda, shoulda, coulda’s are all self critical thoughts that keep us trapped in the past. Practice self forgiveness and remember Maya Angelou’s quote, “when you know better, you do better”. Remembering we’re only human and can only do the best we can and it’s inevitable that we will make mistakes, releases a lot of pressure. Forgive, forgive, forgive, and free yourself from a past that you cannot change. You forgive friends when they mess up, so don’t you think it’s time to forgive yourself? 3. Write a Grateful Diary to Yourself  It is too easy to find faults in yourself, our minds are constantly being interrupted with thoughts like: ‘I don’t like my ears… or the way my hair curls, or my chubby ankles’. It’s time to put a stop to the constant critical commentary about the way you look. Start writing a daily gratitude ritual for yourself. Begin your day noting down three things you like about yourself and it’s amazing how impactful this is in changing the relationship you have with yourself. Self respect starts with self appreciation.  4. Move Your Body  You will always feel better once your body has had an opportunity to move. I always say an outside GLOW starts from within and our physical health. Put self care at the top of your to do list even when you don’t think you have time for it. Women are notoriously bad at neglecting themselves and relegating their health needs to the bottom in service of others. Start being kinder to yourself by looking after your body and setting aside time to do this. You only have one. 4. Celebrate Yourself  Celebrate the small wins often. Have you finished the washing up and managed to squeeze in a work call? High five yourself for every little achievement no matter the importance. Being your own cheerleader means becoming your own source of encouragement and enthusiasm when you’re faced with challenges. By marking all your accomplishments throughout the day, from washing your hair to securing a work promotion, your brain will start releasing more feel-good endorphins. This becomes a snowball effect and quickly, you’ll have even more energy to achieve more. Go get em!  Please let me know how you get on with incorporating these tips into your day. Everytime I take time out to Double-Cleanse and use my Erno Laszlo Hydraphel Skin Supplement, it is like a daily sprinkle of kindness to my skin! Having a skincare routine like the one Erno Laszlo created is like a ritual of kindness in itself. Invest in your skin and show yourself you deserve it! You do!  Big kiss,  Poppy Founder of @happynotperfect  and Not Perfect Podcast with Poppy Jami‪e‬
Radiant Thinking: How Our Mind and Skin Interact

Erno Laszlo Blogs

Radiant Thinking: How Our Mind and Skin Interact

par Rebecca Tufaro le avr. 30 2021
Great skin doesn’t happen just because you’ve found the perfect moisturizer - though that obviously helps! Radiant skin is an inside out, outside in process. Everything you put into your body makes a difference.  Just compare your skin on a dehydrated, hungover day to a morning after 8 glorious hours of sleep. It’s night and day. This is why we need to take a more 360-degree, holistic approach to our skin, paying attention to the mental, physical, and everything else in between. Nutrition and hydration impact the quality of our skin, but an idea less explored is how our mental health and thoughts affect the glow factor of our face.  Your mindset and skin are more interlinked than you might realise... Mind and Skin - What’s the Connection?   This connection comes down to a key hormone called cortisol. Cortisol forms a crucial part of our fight-or-flight response, increasing energy, repairing tissue, and halting non-essential bodily functions.  Cortisol is good when it’s regulated. But if we’re struggling with our mental health, battling chronic stress or anxiety, cortisol production dials up to 11.  When we’re stressed, we pump out a load of excess cortisol. It’s like a panic button; suddenly, our body increases oil production from our skin’s sebaceous glands, clogging pores and causing breakouts. It speeds up the ageing process and can heighten issues such as rosacea or psoriasis. So stress inevitably leads to bad skin. Now we know this, it’s our secret weapon. We can use our skin as a mechanism for better caring for our mind - and vice versa. I've spent the past five years campaigning for better mental health education, creating tools to help millions globally care for their minds better. More and more, I’ve realised the crucial part skin plays in this conversation. It can be a great motivator to help us care for the unseen mind. Regularly making time to slow down and look after your skin can help carve out equally critical time to check in with your thoughts. Emotion Regulation Think about how your face feels when you’re really angry. Is it scrunched up? How about when you’re stressed? Do you touch your face more when you’re nervous or apprehensive? This only promotes the transfer of bacteria across your face and results in even more breakouts. When we’re happy, we do the opposite. In the good times, when we can’t stop laughing and smiling, we’re exercising our face muscles in the right way. Our emotions just radiate from our faces. The happier and more regulated you are, the happier your skin will be too. If we can better regulate our emotions - such as by using the FLEX method in my book, Happy, Not Perfect - we’re more equipped to manage high-stress situations. We improve our mental health management and help our skin look even better in the process. A Case for Reconnecting Our Mind and Skin When we feel stressed and are struggling mentally, we often just push through. We ride the wave and keep going because “it’ll pass eventually”. Yet, when we have really bad skin, we immediately do something about it. It’s because our skin is visible. The problem is staring back at us every day. What we fail to realise is that taking care of our minds and mental health is in its own way taking care of our skin, too. If we’re taking care of ourselves, we’re more likely to be emotionally balanced and have regular cortisol levels. Less cortisol, less spots. Not to mention that eating healthier, drinking more water, and getting enough sleep and exercise as habits in and of themselves can boost our skin’s appearance. Let’s take sleep as an example. Studies suggest chronic poor sleep quality is linked to ageing, diminished skin barrier function, and lower satisfaction with our appearance. Sleep deprivation affects blood flow to your face, resulting in a duller complexion and boosting inflammation.  A study carried out by the University of York found that sleep-deprived participants also experienced a 50% increase in unwanted thoughts. And like we saw earlier, this dip in mental health in turn can trigger unwanted effects on our skin. So it’s important to grab every morsel of sleep you can! Keep yourself hydrated, get outside for daily exercise, watch your sugar intake. All of these will make for a healthier mind, and much happier skin. How to Reconnect When I first began to explore this theme, I stumbled upon Dr. Erno Laszlo’s incredible work in the 1920s. He was one of the first pioneering doctors to encourage clients to embrace mindfulness in their pursuit for better skin. And his advocacy for the mind-skin connection is still revolutionary nearly 100 years later.  Challenging skin can be an incredible reminder to slow down and commit to our mindfulness practice.  In his work with Marilyn Monroe, Laszlo suggested she go for a walk every day to accompany her skincare routine. Why not try it? Get outside and take three deep breaths to relax your nervous system. Being outside in green space has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol - meaning less stress, reduced inflammation, and fewer breakouts.  Slow Down Your Skin Care Routine  We all know mindfulness can be really difficult to stick to. So use your skin as a much-needed window into your mental health. Making more time for your skin regimen can carve out some much-needed space for mindfulness and meditation. At night, use your skin care routine as an opportunity to really slow down and indulge. Take that moment purely for yourself. Shut the bathroom door and leave all your daily stressors and distractions outside. Massage the products in. Notice how everything feels - the fingers on your face, the water splashing against you. Take deep breaths as you go.  Whenever I massage in the Erno Laszlo Firming Cream with Spirulina, I make a special effort to smell the light tones and use them to relax me deeper into the moment. At night, the smell of the Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask is divine, while the putty-like consistency feels like pure indulgence on my skin. This is something I implore you all to try ASAP. Use your face mask moments as an opportunity to introduce twenty minutes of extra meditation in a week. For so many years, I thought that putting on a face mask was a treat best saved for special occasions. But now I make an effort to connect that treat for my skin with some downtime for my mind. What I LOVE about connecting mindful moments with skin care is that by hooking new habits onto activities we already do, we're far more likely to remember and stick with them.  This is really just scratching the surface of the relationship between our mind and skin. Erno Laszlo and I are both passionate about connecting skin health and mental health so everyone can look and feel their best. And remember, self-care is selfless. When we feel better about ourselves, we’re more relaxed, our energy and emotions are contagious, and everyone around us benefits too.  Stay tuned, because over the coming months, we have so many exciting announcements in this psycho-cosmetology space. Our mission is to be your partner for life, helping you glow from the inside and out!  With love,  PoppyFounder of @happynotperfect  and Not Perfect Podcast with Poppy Jami‪e‬

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