Washing your face every night before bed may be a skin-care must in terms of keeping acne-causing bacteria at bay, but in rushing through the process, you may be missing a lot of other benefits. For some beauty gurus, pampering the skin is a great way to wind down after a long, stressful day, practice necessary self care and maximize the beauty benefits of sleep. And finding the time to actually relish each step without a sense of urgency, a practice called mindfulness meditation, could deliver additional benefits. According to board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Debra Jaliman, incorporating meditation techniques into your beauty and skin care routine can benefit the mind, body and skin. "These techniques improve your overall mood and slow down the aging process," she says.
Curious to know how to reap the benefits of meditation just by doing what you're already doing every day? We share a few easy tweaks to your daily beauty regimen, ahead.1. Turn off distractions
The first step in creating a relaxing, meditation-like environment is to tune out the distractions. Turning your phone on silent mode---or better yet, leaving it in the other room---can ensure your mind is better focused on your beauty routine, aka yourself. 2. Play some relaxing music
Another way to set the mood? Play some relaxing music. Music is often used in meditation as a way to soothe the mind, draw attention to the body and help keep distractions at bay. Using meditation music during your beauty routine can help create a more spa-like environment that allows you to keep your focus on your beauty intentions while offering peace of mind. 3. Light some candles
While we don’t always have time to put together the perfect meditation environment (i.e. sage the room, make a crystal grid, turn on an essential-oil diffuser—you get the picture) lighting some candles can be a quick and easy way to make magic happen. So, whether your beauty routine involves a relaxing bath, hot shower or an at-home facial, light a couple of candles, dim the lights and allow yourself to succumb to the relaxing environment.Try: Tocca Beauty Candela - Montauk 4. Focus on your breathing
Another key component of meditation? Your breath. Whether you’re practicing deep, cleansing breaths or focusing on your breathing patterns, using your breath to guide you through a meditation can make the difference between a relaxing meditation and a distracted one. And, get this: Using your breath in beauty also counts for something.”When we take deep breaths, we boost circulation, leading to healthy, glowing skin,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Skin cells are their healthiest when they have enough oxygen,” she adds.Try: This Works Stress Check Breathe In5. Give yourself a facial massage
In addition to setting the mood and focusing on your breathing, there are a few beauty routine “add-ons” that can help create a meditation-like experience. Case in point? Facial massage. Whether you’ve used a jade roller up and down your complexion, or used your fingers to soothe tense muscles with your favorite facial oil, you know just how relaxing—and beneficial—facial massage can be, especially if you go slow. “Massaging the face stimulates the facial muscles, which brings more oxygen to the target area,” says Dr. Jaliman. “As we massage, we heighten the blood flow which increases collagen production. The more collagen produced, the healthier and brighter your complexion will look,” she adds. When giving yourself an at-home facial massage, focus on the speed and movements of the massage. Slow it down and be mindful. Take deep breaths and allow your roller or fingers to clear your mind, improve your skin’s circulation and create an invigorating experience for the body.Try: Jade Roller Beauty Jade Roller PRO6. Take a detox bath
Our favorite way to wind down at the end of the day? With a relaxing detox bath—surrounded by candles, of course. Baths are the perfect crossover between beauty and meditation as they offer the mind and body similar relaxation benefits. While you’re at it, add some soothing essential oils to the mix. According to Dr. Jaliman, “When inhaled, eucalyptus and peppermint can relax your nasal passage and help relieve sinus congestions during allergy season.” In addition, “Breathing in peppermint oil is a great way to get an instant energy boost [much like meditation] and it can revive tension headaches.”Try: Herbivore Botanicals Detox Bath Salts7. Incorporate essential oils
Speaking of essential oils, adding natural scents to the bath, or diffusing them while going through the motions of your daily beauty routine, can be a great way to awaken the senses and allow your mind and body to be present in the moment. Some of our favorite beauty meditation scents? Eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and lemon.Try: REN Atlantic Kelp And Microalgae Anti-Fatigue Bath Oil8. Connect to your skin
In meditation, we are often asked to focus our attention on different parts of the body. This type of mindfulness helps keep our focus inward and wards off any mind-wandering. And, guess what? The same concept can be applied to your beauty routine and skin. Whether you’re cleansing your complexion, applying a face mask or swiping a toner-soaked cotton pad across your complexion, take a moment to notice each area of your skin. Connecting to your body in this way not only allows you to slow things down, but it helps soothe the mind, too. 9. Go slow and be mindful
Above all, going slow and being more mindful are two ways to turn any beauty routine into a meditation. Meditation isn’t just about sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed. It’s about relaxing the mind, body and soul. And, as a form of self-care, our beauty routines can help us achieve a more relaxed state of being. 
