Have you expressed thanks to the universe today? Psychologists recommend making this a regular habit to strengthen your connection with the force that created and sustains us. Experts also note that this practice has a surprisingly beneficial impact on … your skin.
Yes, you heard correctly. Many tools once confined to esoteric traditions—crystals, reiki, gratitude meditations—have long since made their way into the beauty industry. A decade ago, the editor of American Glamour used such methods to treat her own cellulite. Others installed phone apps that sent daily reminders to thank their skin, and the results were striking.
Influencers now openly share how gratitude journals help them stay present, practice self-love, and feel genuine appreciation for their skin. “I love repeating this: gratitude is a core part of my personal self-care,” says director Christina Grasso.
She has posted photos showing, behind expensive creams on her shelves, handwritten notes for a morning beauty ritual: “List five people in your life you are grateful for,” “Set an intention for today.” Skin care and personal care are deeply connected. Why not give it a try?
“I’m fortunate that, thanks to generous gifts and my work, I have access to a fully equipped beauty cabinet. But no product can buy happiness or true self-confidence,” says Grasso. She describes her cosmetics as “complementary care” and insists that primary care is “doing the inner work, of which gratitude is a part.”
Grasso explains how she arrived at this idea. About ten years ago, she underwent treatment for an eating disorder. “Someone told me about the power of affirmations. At first I laughed at the idea, but then it intrigued me—can we really retrain our brain, challenging cognitive distortions and processes?” she shares via email.
This isn’t an exaggeration: research shows that affirmations—positive statements—boost brain activity in areas linked to reward and evaluation, and can even encourage future positive behavior.
Affirmations offer more than we might realize, says Dr. Howard Murad, a pharmacist and founder of Murad Skincare. He believes they can actually change your skin. In addition to his product line, his clinic offers “Dr. Murad’s Inspirations” for download. You receive positive statements on your phone, including his favorite saying: “Why spend the day badly when you can spend it well?”
“The 11 statements I recommend today are based on a clinical study that produced positive, measurable results related to stress reduction,” says Dr. Murad. Lowering stress leads to better sleep, which improves skin condition. After “eight weeks of saying these 11 statements twice a day and recording them in their diary for five minutes,” participants saw “a reduction in dark circles under the eyes, redness, and even wrinkles,” according to Dr. Murad.
Studies confirm that gratitude exercises reduce anxiety and depression, and have long-term benefits. “And anything that lowers stress levels improves skin health,” says Dr. Amy Wexler, a psycho-dermatologist (board-certified in both psychiatry and dermatology) who studies the mind-beauty connection.
“Inner work on ourselves and gratitude manifests as a completely new kind of skin glow that even the world’s best highlighter can’t give you,” says Summer Fridays co-founder Lauren Gores. “When someone feels good and joyful, it shows on their face; the skin’s protective function works better,” the psychodermatologist explains. Keeping a gratitude journal helps skin “stay hydrated, regenerate cells more effectively, and generally look brighter.” So the metaphorical “lit from within” look is actually grounded in science.
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“Inner and outer are reflections of each other,” says Lala Delia, a certified spiritual practitioner and author of Vibrate Higher Daily. “For example, acne on the face can indicate a problem that ‘wants to be noticed’ but you’re ignoring it. Dull skin can result from neglecting your soul’s goals. It’s important to add more love, more mercy, raise your vibration, and allow yourself to express that part of you,” says Delia.
Where to begin your gratitude practice for your skin? Start with a morning meditation, a few deep breaths, and say to yourself: “Thank you, skin.” Reflect on how your skin works tirelessly to protect you, and find something positive in any perceived flaw.
Regardless of your skin’s condition, speak these words to it:
“Thank you, skin, for communicating with me every day and helping me make the best choices for my health and well-being.”
“Thank you, skin, for being so resilient.”
“Thank you, skin, for cleansing yourself in the best way you know how.”
This approach helps you see your skin through a lens of love, filling you with gratitude—and it’s completely free!
Of course, don’t neglect your daily beauty routine, but also remember the immense power of the word “thank you”—it can make you shine with beauty.
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