Time out

Skincare that focuses on inner peace is changing attitudes to ageing

- Sally Hunwick

While the science of skincare continues to evolve and improve, there’s a renewed focus not only on the products themselves but also how they’re applied. New science says that the amount of time we take to work a formulation into our skin – especially when we use specific, research-backed techniques to apply it – could have benefits that reach beyond our complexion.

“In a world that is turning faster and faster, time becomes the ultimate luxury,” says Chanel’s international scientific communications director, Armelle Souraud. But it’s a luxury we need to give ourselves, says the research, because even as little as 10 minutes spent solely on our complexion could be key to ageing well.

While scraping together some time for ourselves each day can feel like an elusive goal, Souraud says it’s well worth it for the knock-on effect to our inner well-being. Get into the habit and you will help boost a feel-good response that creates feelings of connectedness, contentment and a sense of calm.

“The beauty ritual is a great moment to care and reconnect with oneself,” agrees Souraud. “This escape offers a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, whether at work or at home.” Certainly, Gabrielle Chanel herself believed in the ethos. “Beauty care must begin with the heart and soul, otherwise cosmetics will be useless,” she once said.