Exploring Psycho-therapeutic Functions through Skin Beauty Care Experiences

This study explored whether skin beauty care can function not only as an external aesthetic practice but also as a psychotherapeutic resource. A qualitative design was employed using problem-centered interviews with ten adults who had received regular skin beauty care for more than six months. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method. Five themes emerged: sensory-based relaxation and emotional ventilation, empathic relationships and psychological support, external transformation and recovery of self-efficacy, self-awareness and stress reduction, and structured stability and psychological well-being. These findings indicate that skin beauty care extends beyond cosmetic enhancement, fostering emotional stability and contributing to well-being. Participant experiences also showed parallels with Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), particularly in emotional awareness, expression, and reorganization. This suggests that skin beauty care, even in non-medical and everyday contexts, may activate therapeutic mechanisms that support emotional healing. The significance of this study lies in providing empirical evidence that skin beauty care can operate as a preventive and supportive mental health resource. Beyond aesthetic outcomes, it highlights the potential for developing integrative professions such as the “beauty psychotherapist,” thereby expanding the academic scope of beauty studies and contributing to interdisciplinary practice.