Skincare, Self-Care, and the ‘Science of Touch’ for Neurodiverse Individuals:
In an overwhelming & overstimulating world, self-care rituals can serve as a grounding practices particularly for neurodiverse individuals. Mount Sapo’s approach to skincare; rooted in simplicity, natural ingredients, and gentle curiosity—not only nourishes the skin but also helps regulate the nervous system and manage emotions.
Neurodiversity and Self-Regulation:
Neurodiverse individuals, including those with ADHD and autism, can often experience heightened (or reduced) sensitivity to their environments, therefore finding ways to regulate emotions and the nervous system can be fundamental in managing daily life. Simple sensory routines like body brushing & gua sha can offer both physical and emotional benefits. Engaging the body’s sensory system, we can promote a sense of calm and reduce feelings of overwhelm; tactile practices have the power to calm the nervous system, making them particularly beneficial for neurodiverse individuals.
Dry Brushing the Body:
The ancient practice of dry brushing or ‘garshana’ is a simple yet powerful self-care practice that can help individuals regulate their sensory experiences. Brushing with firm, consistent strokes on the skin not only improves circulation and exfoliates, but it also provides sensory input that can calm an overactive nervous system and desensitize the body to certain unpleasant sensations (for example menstrual cramps) by improving lymphatic drainage and detoxification. The repetitive, predictable motion of body brushing is also a soothing ritual, helping to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of grounding. It can leave your skin a bit thirsty; Mount Sapo’s All-Over Oil is a lovely way to replenish some moisture into your freshly detoxed skin.
Gua Sha:
Similarly, gua sha; a traditional technique that involves using a smooth stone to gently massage the skin offers both physical and emotional benefits. For neurodiverse individuals who struggle with emotional regulation, gua sha can serve as a calming practice that helps release built-up tension, both in the muscles and in the mind. The slow, deliberate movements of gua sha help stimulate the lymphatic system and release muscle tightness, while the repetitive motion encourages relaxation, much like a form of self-massage or meditation. Mount Sapo’s All-Over Oil, with its lightweight, silky texture, is the perfect complement to gua sha. The oil enhances the glide of the stone across the skin, providing a nourishing, calming experience that is both sensory and soothing.
Skincare Rituals- Benefits for Neurodiverse Individuals:
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Nervous System Regulation
Routines like body brushing and gua sha help to regulate the nervous system by providing steady, rhythmic touch. This can be an effective way to self-soothe and calm the mind, reducing overstimulation and promoting a sense of inner calm. -
Emotional Balance
Neurodiverse individuals often face challenges with emotional regulation, where emotions can feel intense or difficult to manage. A consistent skincare routine—whether it’s applying oils, body brushing, or using gua sha—offers a predictable, soothing ritual that encourages emotional balance and a sense of control over the body and mind. -
Grounding Through Touch
Touch is a powerful way to reconnect with the body and ground oneself in the present moment. For those who feel disconnected from their body or struggle with sensory overload or desensitisation, gentle skincare practices provide a tangible way to regain a sense of grounding; fostering body awareness and bringing attention to the physical experience of being in the body (think body scanning to relax before bed). -
Mindful Rest
Neurodiverse individuals often find it difficult to slow down or rest, particularly when overstimulation or emotional dysregulation takes over. Mount Sapo’s emphasis on rest for the sake of rest aligns perfectly with the needs of the neurodiverse community. Structured moments of rest can be a key strategy for self-care. Taking time to apply a nourishing product like the All-Over Oil becomes a mindful moment—a time to pause, breathe, and allow both the mind and body to rest.
Skincare as Self-Compassion:
For neurodiverse individuals, the relationship with the body can sometimes feel complex, with sensory challenges or heightened emotions making it difficult to find peace. Mount Sapo’s approach to skincare, with its focus on natural ingredients and mindful, sensory-based routines, creates space for self-compassion. Each skincare ritual becomes an opportunity to treat the body with kindness, to listen to its needs, and to respond with care.
The simplicity of Mount Sapo’s products, simplifies routines, reduces decision fatigue, and allows users to focus on the experience of applying the product, rather than being overwhelmed by a complex regime.
Put Simply:
Mount Sapo’s benefits will go deeper than simply improving your complexion. Practices like body brushing and gua sha, combined with Mount Sapo’s nourishing oils, create calming, sensory-rich experiences that help manage the challenges of neurodiversity. Mount Sapo’s multifunctional products help us reconnect with our bodies, cultivate self-compassion, and find joy in everyday self-care.
Ode To Them will now be stocking Mount Sapo All-Over Oil & All-Rounder Balm!