Simple changes to your skin care routine can make all the difference to your skin. These 10 easy resolutions will have you well on your way to clearer, healthier glowing skin.
1. I will cleanse my face every night before going to sleep.
Take time every night to thoroughly cleanse your face, even if you don’t wear makeup. Doing so will help remove excess oil that may contribute to the development of blackheads, or clogged pores. And don’t forget about your neck, jaw line, and in front of and behind the ears. These are places commonly overlooked during cleansing.
2. I will stop exfoliating my skin with abrasive scrubs.
Thorough cleansing is good; vigorous scrubbing of the skin is not. Avoid abrasive scrubs, scrubbing pads, and rough washcloths if you have acne. Instead, use a soft cloth or your bare hands. If you feel you need more exfoliation, try an alpha hydroxy, salicylic, or glycolic acid product, which removes dead skin cells without abrasive ingredients. However, if you are using any prescription acne medications, such as Retin A, Azelaic acid, or Accutane, do not use any additional exfoliating products.
3. I will remember to do my skincare regimen every day.
Consistency is key in skincare. To get the results you’re looking for, you should do your skincare regimen everyday, or as directed. It’s easy to forget, especially when life gets busy. To help you remember, try using your products at the same time every day. Or get into the habit of applying your topical treatments at the same time that you do something else like just after brushing your teeth or as soon as you get home from work.
4. I will stop popping my pimples, or otherwise picking at my skin.
Popping pimples is bad for the skin. Every time you pop, squeeze, or pick at a blemish you run the risk of damaging the follicle wall and increase the chance of scarring. Picking at your skin will lengthen healing time and can push infected material deeper into the dermis. Remind yourself of that when you feel the need to squeeze a breakout.
5. I will get a facial at least four times a year.
Prebook a seasonal facial today with your skin specialist. Ideally you should get a facial every month, but if you can’t, at least get one every three months. If it’s in your schedule, you’ll make time for it. Whether you need deep cleansing or deep moisturizing an esthetician can get better results than you can get at home. In addition, most day spas offer a number of peels and other procedures, such as microdermabrasion, that can deal with specific problems, like discolorations and sagging skin.
6. I will wear sunscreen every day
Sun exposure, even 15 minutes of it midday, can damage skin and lead to fine lines, discoloration and loss of elasticity down the road. These conditions age you before your time. Sun exposure is cumulative. That means you will not see today’s sun damage today. When you do see it, it will be too late. Experts suggest you wear a daily SPF of 15 and use SPF 30 if you’re skiing or at the beach.
7. I will throw away old makeup and skincare products.
Take some time to go through all cosmetics and skin care products. Recall when the item was purchased, or look for an expiration date. If there is no date, there are other signs it needs to be tossed out, like eye shadow that has oil build-up or is dusty. Pressed powders and bronzers are sanctuaries for oil, bacteria and dirt. If mascara feels clumpy and dry, throw it out. Mascara is best when used in three months. A quick smell test does the trick for lipstick: If it smells funny, toss it.
8. I will give my skin a boost with new products.
Try a new brand of cleanser, toner or moisturizer. If skin your skin looks dull, its time for a boost. Add a facial “serum” like SkinAgain oZ-tone to the routine, a product that’s more concentrated and not as heavy as lotions and moisturizers. It’s never too early to start using eye creams and gels.
9. I will put down the martini and the cigarettes!
This is probably the most important resolution to make. Excessive drinking and smoking leads to pre-mature aging. Free radicals and toxins released into the body break down essential vitamins and collagen that is produced naturally, thus leading to wrinkling of the skin.
10. I will exercise regularly.
Regular exercise can contribute to a radiant complexion. Working out can have dramatic results on your skin by reducing acne breakouts, getting rid of toxins, facilitating collagen production and nutrient delivery and increasing circulation.
Just like a sluggish digestion can come from not drinking enough water and not incorporating enough fiber into the diet, sluggish skin can be linked to de-hydration and not incorporating safe exfoliation methods into daily hygiene.
