Warning: Truly random thoughts ahead that will add nothing of substance to your routine...
A little background: I am a psychologist, so perhaps it's natural that since I started AB a few months ago, I've been fascinated by the link between skincare, particularly Korean-style skincare, and mental health. I loved the article by /u/Sharkus_Reincarnus on how AB helped manage depression. I started AB during a very difficult period in my life and it has also helped me cope emotionally and mentally, perhaps more than anything else I’ve done.
Specifically, I have found sheet masks to be one of my favorite ways to relax. I find myself thinking after a stressful day – “I can’t wait to go home and sheet mask” or “I’ve really earned a sheet mask today.” Or even – “I’m so upset right now, I NEED A SHEET MASK.” But why? Honestly, I don’t think sheet masks make a huge difference in my skin, and the effects for me are pretty temporary. The main thing I get from sheet masks is relaxation. But why are sheet masks relaxing?
Then one day it popped into my head – the mammalian diving reflex. Now, before I lose you completely, let me explain. I got to thinking about this because there is a technique that is taught in a program called dialectical behavior therapy for quick reduction of extreme emotional distress. Basically, the technique is to dunk your face in ice cold water. It sounds crazy, but many people find it really helpful when their emotions are dangerously out of control.
The theory behind why this works is that it triggers the mammalian diving reflex. Basically, we share ancestors with creatures who had to swim in the ocean for survival (like seals). In order to survive being underwater, we mammals developed a reflex that triggers a series of reactions when our faces touch cold water (sound familiar)? Our heart rates slow down, and the brain forces the body to relax to conserve oxygen. This in turn reduces anxiety and creates a sense of calm.
Now, this is just a theory, but … is this maybe partly why sheet masks are so addictive? Any why many people store their sheet masks in the refrigerator to make them even colder? Basically – do we love sheet masks because of a reflex from way back in our evolution that helped our seal-like ancestors swim in the ocean??
By the way, I am aware this is very different than the type of stuff that is typically posted here. I hope I’m not going too far off the deep end (no pun intended) in sharing this thought, in case there are other psychology nerds here who might find it interesting.
TL; DR: Theory: We are partly addicted to sheet masks because as mammals, we calm down when our faces are covered in cold water.
Submitted April 07, 2016 at 09:41AM by Sparky_J http://ift.tt/1N9UYr6 AsianBeauty
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