If the pandemic has turned your self-care routine upside down, you’re not alone.
In a recent marie claire for Dove ‘Care Factor Survey’ 2022, we took a temperature check on Australian women to see how they are feeling about themselves—and their self-care.
The results are, well, interesting.
When asked how confident women were in their appearance, only 13 per cent of women surveyed said they feel ‘very confident’, with just over half citing they feel only ‘slightly confident’, and 35 per cent saying they are ‘not at all’, or ‘not very confident’.
And, concerningly, many women cited it had been ‘weeks, months or years’ since the last time they felt confident in their appearance.
“It was three years ago, when I had a healthy lifestyle that I last felt confident,” admits Clare, 40. “I used to walk a lot, and my skin and hair was in very good condition.”
For Jane, 38, it’s more about fitting in self-care in the midst of the daily grind. “The last time I felt confident was last week when I dressed up and put on makeup to go out for brunch with my girlfriends,” she reveals. “It’s so hard to get out of the bed with kids and time constraints prevent me from looking confident and great.”
The Care Factor
According to the Black Dog Institute, self-care is usually the first thing that gets sacrificed during busy and stressful times.
“People often think that taking time for themselves seems indulgent. But looking after your own wellbeing will help you get through…challenging time(s), and will help you better care for others,” according to the organisation.
Interestingly, the pandemic had both positive and negative impacts on the Care Factor Survey respondent’s self-care and beauty routines.
Some women’s routines became more simplified due to salon closures, with DIY hair colour, manicures, skin care and hair removal all increasing. Other women’s self-care routines disappeared completely.
But on the positive flip side, another cohort used the ‘extra time’ lockdowns and isolation brought on themselves, increasing their self-care rituals and at-home beauty routines.
What women said:
“I take more time for rest and make sure my skin care routine is natural, calming and moisturising.”
“I simplified my routines, switching to natural, well-priced and sustainable products that work.”
“Being a mum, being able to do my hair nicely after having a relaxing shower or completing my skin care routine is about the most self-care I can fit into my busy schedule.”
“I’ve invested more time in my skin and hair. My hair was shocking during the pandemic, so I’ve been trying to repair the damage caused, and moisturising my face and body more. I’ve found as I’ve gotten older, my hair is thinning and breaking more, and my skin is dehydrated.”
“I am taking care of my skin more. During the pandemic and working from home, I had more time to pamper my skin and saw great results, so have continued doing so. I am also more consistent at applying my skin care products.”
Related: 5 Top Self Care Women’s Priorities In 2022
The Benefits of Self-Care
So, what is self-care and how can it help you?
The Black Dog Institute says “self-care refers to the activities and practices that we deliberately choose to engage in on a regular basis to maintain and enhance our health and wellbeing.”
These might be emotional self-care, physical, mental, social, spiritual, practical and professional forms of care.
And a little self-loving has a lot of benefits, with researching revealing “self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy”.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health., “even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.”
What women said:
“Taking more time to care for myself has given me a great understanding of the importance self-care and a healthy lifestyle can have on your confidence.”
“I do a lot less now. I used to spend a small fortune on beauty products, but now everything is simple, great products that work, and focused on keeping my skin clean and hydrated. I wear very little makeup these days but feel good.”
“Me time for me is in the shower, doing a cleansing facial, hydrating my skin, applying an indulgent hair treatment… taking time out for me.”
“A new job and new beauty routine means I’m looking better and feeling more confident.”
“A new exercise, routine, activewear wardrobe, a great deodorant that works and doesn’t leave wet patches, and I’m looking the healthiest and best I have in years.”
The self-care kit
Beauty should be a source of confidence with self-care at the centre. Whether you’re looking for a deodorant to keep you feeling fresh and dry all day, want to repair damaged hair, or you want a body wash to help keep your skin hydrated, Dove products are created to protect and care for your skin and give you that extra confidence boost you need. Plus, all Dove skin care products are cruelty-free, accredited by PETA.
Little self-care helpers that can make a big difference
What does self-care look like to you?
What works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to spend some time working out your own self-care feel-good factor.
Take some time for YOU today, for self-love, self-care, and happiness. You’ll thank yourself for it.
Brought to you by Dove.
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