Life is filled with ups and downs, and often, it’s the downs that grab our attention. But what if the key to better mental health - and even better skin - lies in paying more attention to the small, positive moments we so easily overlook? These moments, often called glimmers, can have a profound impact on how we feel, how we heal and how our skin behaves.
Glimmers are those fleeting moments of joy, calm or connection that make life feel... lighter. They might be as simple as the warmth of the sun on your skin, the breeze rustling through trees or a stranger’s unexpected kindness. While these small moments may seem minor, they play a major role in supporting emotional well-being and skin health - especially for those of us dealing with eczema or sensitive skin.
What Are Glimmers?
Glimmers come from the world of mental health and are tied to polyvagal theory, which explains how our nervous system reacts to the things happening around us. Glimmers are the opposite of triggers. While triggers can activate feelings of panic, stress or anxiety, glimmers work in the other direction, helping to soothe and regulate our nervous system.
Triggers vs. Glimmers: What’s the Difference?
Most of us are more familiar with triggers, which can send us into a spiral of stress or unpleasant emotions. This is because triggers stimulate your fight-or-flight response, where stress hormones like cortisol flood your system. Glimmers, on the other hand, are like gentle nudges toward positivity. Glimmers activate your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calm, healing and emotional balance.
Both triggers and glimmers are natural parts of how our bodies experience the world - but by focusing on glimmers, we give ourselves a chance to soften the noise and shift toward stillness. And when your nervous system feels safe, your skin does too.
The Science Behind Glimmers, Stress and Skin Health
When you experience a glimmer, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals don’t just lift your mood - they influence skin health by lowering inflammation and encouraging recovery from flare-ups.
➜ Nervous System Regulation: Glimmers help engage your parasympathetic nervous system, sometimes called the “rest and digest” system. This state allows your body to recover from stress by slowing your heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and reducing overall tension. In short? It’s the sweet spot where skin can do its best healing work.
➜ Neuroplasticity: Your brain has the remarkable ability to reshape itself, a process called neuroplasticity. By consistently focusing on glimmers, you can strengthen neural pathways associated with positive emotions, making it easier over time to find calm, joy and emotional resilience—factors that help with managing chronic skin conditions like eczema.
➜ Reducing Stress and Supporting Sensitive Skin: Research shows that small, positive daily experiences can act as a buffer against chronic stress. For those with eczema or sensitive skin, that’s a game-changer. Stress is one of the biggest triggers for flare-ups, so nurturing calm through glimmers is a powerful form of skin-friendly self-care.
How to Find Glimmers Daily (and Why Your Skin Will Thank You)
The beauty of glimmers is that they’re already around you - you just have to learn to spot them! Here’s how to bring more of these moments of joy into your day:
➜ Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is one of the best ways to notice glimmers. Slow down and tune into your senses. It really is that simple.
➜ Look for Silver Linings: Even on hard days, there are likely small, positive moments to be found. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight bathes your favourite houseplant or the satisfaction of checking something off your to-do list. Pausing to appreciate these moments can help shift your perspective.
➜ Keep a Glimmer Journal: End your day by writing down at least one glimmer you noticed. By keeping a record, you train yourself to look for these moments more often. Over time, you’ll have a collection of small joys to reflect on during tough times (or skin flare-ups).
When you find a glimmer, take a moment to close your eyes and breathe deeply. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the feeling of calm or happiness it brings. That groundedness is exactly what your nervous system and your skin is craving .
Why Glimmers Matter for Your Mental Wellness and Skin Journey
Learning to notice and cultivate glimmers is a way of practicing gratitude and staying present—two powerful tools for mental and skin wellness. At Salvida®, we believe friendly skin starts with a friendly mindset. Glimmers remind us that joy doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. It often exists in the smallest, most ordinary moments.
By shifting your focus to these moments, you’re not ignoring life’s challenges - you’re balancing them with reminders of what’s good. Over time, this practice can improve your overall mood, reduce skin flare-ups, and help you approach life (and skincare) with greater ease.
Every day is an opportunity to find a glimmer. The more you notice them, the more they’ll show up in your life - and on your skin.
Salvida® friendly skin