Top Five New Years Skin Resolutions

Top Five New Years Skin Resolutions

The month of January always ushers in a new year with new beginnings. This January particularly brings a brand-new decade and what better way to celebrate a new decade is with a resolution or two. According to research, approximately half of all North Americans make a new year’s resolution. However, it is estimated that only 8% stick to their resolution and achieve them. Be part of that 8% this year! Sticking to any kind of resolution is easier when you have an end goal in mind. Remember that by making these lifestyle changes, you can drastically improve the overall health of your skin as well as your body. Therefore, to ring in the New Year, we’ve gathered up some resolutions that will give you help you achieve the glowing radiant skin you’ve always desired.

1. Healthier Lifestyle

A common new year’s resolution is to eat healthier. Not only will this help you lose weight, but it will also do wonders for your skin. The time has come to for you to put down that piece of cake and substitute it for fruits and vegetables that are rich with antioxidants and vitamins. A poor diet can cause breakouts and sullen-looking skin, whereas a good diet can provide your body with all the nutrients you need for great skin. Also, regular cardiovascular exercise is crucial to keep blood circulating to the skin and will aid in proper detox of the body through lymphatic drainage. In addition, to changing what you eat, you may want to consider reducing your alcohol intake. Most people drink around the holidays; but drinking too much can cause the vessels in your skin to dilate, which greatly increases the blood flow near the skin’s surface. As a result, you may develop an uneven and red complexion. In addition, smoking is destructive to your skin. Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, which displaces the oxygen in your skin, and nicotine, which reduces blood flow, leaving skin dry and discoloured. Cigarette smoking also depletes many nutrients, including vitamin C, which helps protect and repair skin damage thus impeding healing ability. Do yourself a favour this year and try to quit smoking. Not only will help ensure that your skin remains healthy, but it will also greatly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.

2. De-Stress

This resolution is easier said than done. Truthfully, the New Year is a stressful time of the year because you may find yourself worrying how you’re going to pay off your bills from the holidays. But failing to manage your stress can greatly affect your skin because stress releases hormones such as cortisol. This hormone can cause a chain reaction of various chemicals in your body, which results in your skin becoming extra sensitive to external irritators. Make a conscious effort to manage your stress this year by developing effective coping strategies. Think about what relaxes you; for example, sleep. Some people might scoff at the idea of making a New Year’s resolution to sleep for at least 6-8 hours a day, but it is a very valid resolution, especially for your skin.  Not only can sleep help you keep those dark circles under your eyes at bay, but it also reduces stress.

3. Treat yourself more often

Don’t feel guilty about pampering yourself occasionally. Take time at least once a week to truly nourish and be kind to your skin.  In order to keep your skin looking its absolute best, try to make it out to the salon or spa for a facial every month.  Just think of it as regular necessary maintenance, like bringing your car in every 10,000 miles. There is no miracle when it comes to skin care, treatments need to be scheduled to prevent issues and maintain results. Consider a weekly face mask, clay-based masks are a great option for oily skin types that are prone to breakouts. Clay is an excellent ingredient at drawing out impurities that can lead to blemishes. Kaolin in clay absorbs oil and helps mattify skin. Other ingredients that can be helpful include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree oil, retinol and niacinamide. For dry skin, look for a mask containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most hydrophilic (or “water-loving”) molecules found in cosmetic products and has an enormous water-binding capacity. It therefore acts as the ideal moisturiser, hydrating dry skin and plumping out fine lines and wrinkles in aging skin. Treat yourself and try new things, the skin care industry is constantly evolving, and new treatments are developed every day. Treat yourself to something new and stick with it to see if it is right for you.

4. Stay Hydrated

Water is a great thing, and your skin needs a lot of it.  Drink as much as you need throughout the course of the day.  Always try keeping a bottle of water with you. In addition, you may want to try a serum. Facial serums are concentrated, clear, gel-like solutions applied to the skin, which are made up of small molecules. This means that they are absorbed quickly and penetrate deep into the skin. They have a high concentration of active ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins, or peptides. An antioxidant serum can help limit damage caused by pollution and ultraviolet light. There is also some data that they may also improve the efficacy of your sunscreen. Contrary to popular belief, even oily skin needs hydration. A serum is a great way for an oily skin to hydrate as they are formulated to absorb and not leave the skin feeling greasy.

5. Wear Sunscreen

Just because it is winter doesn’t mean you should toss out that bottle of sunscreen! The cold winter weather does not block you from the sun’s UV rays. By not taking proper precautions, it can still leave you with skin damage because the rays can remain strong throughout the entire year. This is particularly important if you enjoy outdoor hobbies such as running, hiking or snow-sports. Regular sunscreen use will help prevent against the development of skin cancer and premature ageing. If you find it difficult to apply SPF daily, chose a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 to 30. Ask anybody in the industry for their number one beauty or anti-aging tip, and you will always get the same answer.  Protect your skin from the sun and you will keep your skin looking young and feeling healthy!

To conclude, while many probably can not imagine what it would be like to not have a very specific skin care regimen, there are those out there who can’t even begin to imagine having a regimen, much less sticking to it.  The most important part to good skin care, however, is trying in the first place.  Every little bit helps, and every step in the right direction is going to pay off in the long run.  It’s never too late to start treating your skin and body right!