By Gina Colonette on December 26, 2012 in
"In 2013 I promise to attend yoga classes regularly and cut soda out of my diet completely."
Every year we witness our friends -- and ourselves -- make commitments to better our physical health. Worse yet, some fail terribly every time! This year, instead of focusing on your physical health alone, why not commit to a simple beauty routine.
Skin is the body's largest organ, but sometimes it's forgotten. Practicing good skin care can delay the aging process revealing radiant, youthful skin that we all desire. Take some time this year to indulge in the basics of good skin care. The tasks are simple and the results will be worth it -- healthy, glowing skin. Here are a few beauty resolutions to add to your list.
1. Faithfully wear sunscreen every day
You've heard it again and again "Wearing sunscreen daily is essential to having healthy skin," but you still haven't bought an SPF moisturizer or forget to put on your facial cream every day. This year lay off the excuses; you'll be pleased with the results -- wrinkle and spot-free skin. Sunscreen is an anti-aging product recommended by most dermatologists because it prevents sun damage that leads to fine lines, wrinkles and discolorations. While you're committing to slather sunscreen on every day, add "quit tanning" to your list as well. The American Academy of Dermatology notes UV (ultraviolet) rays can actually speed up the aging process. Who wants that?
Try out one of the best reviewed sunscreens or SPF-containing moisturizers.
2. Wash your makeup off at night
It seems so simple and yet after a long night of sipping champagne and dancing to your favorite tunes it's the last thing anyone wants to do. About.com beauty guide, Julyne Derrick, says if you want glowing skin in the morning, the key is to wash off last night's makeup. Failing to wash your face at night can lead to clogged pores and break outs, LA-based board certified dermatologist Jessica Wu, M.D., explains to the DailyGlow.com.
Take a few extra minutes to remove your makeup every night. Some face washes work well. Check out the best reviewed facial cleansers here.
3. Add an anti-aging product to your regimen
No matter your age, everyone can use a product with anti-aging capabilities in their daily routine. As previously discussed, sunscreen is the ultimate preventive anti-ager. But if you're looking for something to reduce fine lines and wrinkles that have already appeared, to lighten dark spots or to create a smoother texture, look for products with nutrient-rich ingredients such as antioxidants, retinol and alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Most daily creams double as anti-agers, sunscreen and moisturizers, so look for an all-in-one product that's effective.
4. Quit popping zits
An ugly zit on your face can be...well, ugly! We've all been victims of the detrimental quick fix, but it's got to stop. Popping pimples increases the risk of scarring while inhibiting the healing process, according to WebMD.com. Instead of going for the pimple pop, invest in a spot treatment. Most take up to three days to banish that unwanted blemish and the results are worth the wait.
Clean and Clear and Neutrogena top our best reviewed acne treatments reviews. Find what works for you here.
5. Wash your makeup brushes and ditch old makeup
Did you know your foundation and concealer brushes should be washed weekly? Women's Health magazine says makeup brushes can host bacteria and dirt which may cause acne. Loose powder brushes can be washed less frequently -- every three weeks. It seems excessive, however, it's a quick and easy task which doesn't require brush shampoo -- your go-to facial cleanser will do. While you're dealing with brush bacteria, do makeup inventory. Products like concealer and lipstick can be used for about a year, while mascara should be thrown away every four months.
6. Drink more water
Your skin's appearance and feel often depends on what you're putting into your body. Atlanta dermatologist Kenneth Ellner, M.D., tells WEBMD.com that being dehydrated can make your skin look dry and wrinkled -- aged. If you want suppler, hydrated skin, moisturize it by taking a swig from your water bottle throughout the day. The amount of water you should drink depends on your weight. Keep in mind over-hydrating doesn't have additional benefits. Check out About.com's hydration calculator here.
7. Pamper Yourself
You work hard and so does your skin. On a daily basis your skin comes in contact with environmental stresses such as the sun and pollution which can lead to dryness among other skin problems. Take some time to pamper yourself -- you deserve it. Get a facial once a month to revitalize and nourish your skin. Or try an at-home scrub to exfoliate; they're more than capable of getting the job done -- sloughing off dead skin cells bringing fresh skin to the surface.
Making New Year's resolutions can be difficult when your goals are far-fetched. Committing to healthier skin will require more memory than time and money. Incorporate these resolutions into your beauty routine and you'll be well on your way to more beautiful skin that everyone will envy!
How will you change up your beauty regimen for 2013?
