Taking care of your skin is taking care of yourself!

On World Mental Health Day , we wanted to reflect on the true meaning of self-care, a gesture that goes far beyond outward beauty.

We live in a fast-paced world, where stopping is almost an act of courage. But we believe that taking care of your skin is a way of taking care of your mind , of slowing down and returning to the present.
Taking care of yourself today is an investment in the future, in our bodies, our skin, and our inner peace.

We spoke with Dr. Filipa Farinho , a psychologist and anxiety specialist, about the role of self-care in mental health and the importance of small daily acts of kindness towards ourselves.

1. What does self-care mean to you?

Self-care is about listening. It's about stopping to understand what your body, mind, and heart are asking of you.
It's not about doing more, it's about treating yourself with kindness, with the same affection you would show someone you love.

2. How does self-care influence mental health?

Self-care regulates the body and, consequently, the mind.
Simple gestures, resting, eating well, having healthy routines, pampering ourselves, help the nervous system to come out of alert mode, since a message of calm is sent to our nervous system. When the body feels safe, the brain can lower its guard and regain emotional balance. There is also a relationship between self-care and the concept of self-esteem; moments of self-care can be interpreted as "I am worthy of this moment," "I matter," "I have value."

3. What simple practices do you recommend for everyday life?

• Take short breaks throughout the day and breathe deeply for a few seconds;
• Write down in a notebook the thoughts and emotions that went through your head during the day;
• Set boundaries and say "no" whenever necessary.
• Create small self-care rituals — applying lotion, taking a longer bath, going for a walk, disconnecting from screens.

What matters is not what you do, but how you do it, with presence and intention.

4. What message would you leave for those who find it difficult to take care of themselves?

Take care of yourself even if you don't feel like it. Self-care isn't a reward for good days; it's what helps us get through the difficult ones. It starts with a small gesture: taking a deep breath, washing your face, looking at yourself with affection, putting on a perfume you like.

Try to understand what's making it difficult for you to take care of yourself? Sabotaging thoughts? "I don't deserve it," "I don't have time," "I have other priorities"... often in consultations, guilt about stopping arises a lot in patients who live with anxiety. It's important for you to challenge that guilt.

Ask yourself: What costs are associated with not taking care of yourself?

Your physical and mental health need your care. No one will do it for you. That's your responsibility.

Respect yourself. Take care of yourself!