You need just 60 seconds of mindful skincare daily to boost your mood, top dermatologist explains the science

Skincare tips: Don't start with your serum or moisturiser. First, place your hands on your face and breathe calmly. This grounding technique activates your parasympathetic nervous system, telling your brain to relax (Image: Pexels)

With our busy schedules, skincare often becomes just another chore — wash, moisturise, and go. But what if the same 60 seconds you "waste" daily to refresh your skin could also be a moment to reset your brain?

Mindful skincare introduces a new awareness of your body. It's not about buying more products, but more presence. When you touch your skin with intention, you create a unique mind-skin connection that affects your emotional state. Touching your skin with intention triggers the immune system to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of calm, security, and relaxation.

Serotonin releasethrough light, steady motion tells our brain and nervous system that we are safe. Touching your skin grounds your thoughts and body. This mindful 60-second practice provides an invisible armor, benefiting your skin and soul.

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Dr Prashant Agrawal, Senior Dermatologist, Formulator, and Co-founder of SkinInspired, tells Moneycontrol that the fusion of dermatology and neuroscience shows that even a brief, mindful touch can strengthen your skin’s barrier, regulate mood, and improve emotional resilience. The result is healthier skin and a happier mind — all from one intentional minute a day.

1. Begin with presence, not with products

Don't start with your serum or moisturiser. First, place your hands on your face and breathe calmly. This grounding technique activates your parasympathetic nervous system, telling your brain to relax. Consider it a "reset button" for your face.

2. The 60-second rule of cleaning

Instead of quickly splashing water and rinsing, dermatologists advise washing your face for at least 60 seconds. This allows active ingredients to remove oil, makeup, and sunscreen effectively, cleansing your pores without drying your skin. In sixty seconds, you achieve cleaner skin and a moment of calm from the day's chaos.

3. 60 seconds of moisturizer = Mood reset

You don't need a 10-step skincare regimen to feel better. A single conscious minute of massaging your moisturiser — experiencing the sensation, heat, and texture — can help decrease cortisol (the stress hormone), relax muscles, and improve blood flow. A tiny habit with a massive effect.

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4. Touch triggers dopamine activation

Mindful touch is neurologically beneficial as well as calming. Soft stroking on the dermis stimulates C-tactile nerve fibres, which are connected to the brain's reward system, resulting in a surge of dopamine that brightens your mood instantly, making skincare a source of bliss instead of a burden.

5. Facial massage = Micro meditation

Massaging areas near your eyes, jawline, or temples with your fingertips not only helps reduce puffiness but also releases tension. It creates a meditation loop: your mind focuses on repetitive soothing strokes, subduing frantic thoughts. A face-friendly alternative for those who struggle with traditional meditation.

6. Break the pattern of stress-breakouts

Stress and skin issues often go hand-in-hand, leading to breakouts. By incorporating mindful touch, you're telling your body to relax, helping to calm inflammation, reduce oil production, and prevent stress-induced skin problems like acne and eczema.

7. A ritual of self-compassion

Psychologists believe self-touch is often forgotten as a self-soothing habit. By gently stroking your face, you're telling yourself, "I'm taking care of you." This small act shifts your mindset from judgment to care, providing emotional nourishment.

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8. Bedtime reset to enhance sleep

Ending the day with a mindful skincare routine signals your body that it's time to relax. Gentle, calming strokes reduce heart rate, soothe tense muscles, and calm the mind, preparing you for deep, restful sleep. A good night's sleep also allows your skin to repair itself more effectively.

9. From routine to ritual

The difference between "routine" and "ritual" is intent. When you treat skincare as a conscious ritual rather than another worry, that moment becomes the highlight of your day. This shift transforms skincare into skin-soul care.

Skincare isn't just SPF, sheet masks, or serums — it's about how you connect with yourself through touch. A 60-second mindful skincare practice can calm your nervous system, elevate your mood, and give your skin the love it needs. Next time you reach for your face wash or moisturizer, don't just apply it. Feel it, savor it, and let it rewire your mood.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.