The New Year gives people the opportunity to start fresh. When you ask people about their 2019 resolutions, one of the goals you’ll hear is that they would like to be healthier. While many will take that to mean exercising more and eating better, there’s no reason to exclude skin care in their health regimen.
2019 offers the perfect time to work on getting better-looking skin. If you want to have beautiful and healthier skin this year, check out these suggestions to help you achieve your goal.
Use Sunscreen Regularly
You need to take sun safety seriously if you want your skin to look healthy. This year, resist the temptation to skip applying sunscreen. This prevents sunburn, helps prevent the early signs of skin aging, and minimizes the risk of skin cancer.
So, start the year with a sunscreen challenge. See if you can incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine by wearing it every day, for 365 days straight. The goal is to have it until it becomes second nature to you. When buying sunblock, remember to go for a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of at least 15.
Also remember that temperature extremes on both ends of the spectrum can damage your skin. Just as surely as an Arizona summer sun, a punishing Salt Lake City winter can dry out, or irritate your skin. A qualified dermatologist can give you the skin care advice specific to your area’s temperature, weather, and air quality.
Don’t Fall for the Skin Care Fads
If you see Kylie Jenner or some other social media influencer endorsing a skin care product, don’t jump on the bandwagon by buying it straightaway. Everyone’s skin type is unique. What works for one person (or celebrity) may not be effective for you. While there’s nothing wrong with experimenting or trying out new things, you want to be sure that you’re purchasing a product based on your skin type.
Before you buy a skin care solution endorsed by a celebrity, do your research by reading the reviews the product. On top of that, you should also ask a skin care doctor for advice about that product — their opinions are based on science and practical experience, not number of followers.
Avoid Scrubbing Your Face When You Have Pimples
Pimples can be annoying, as they can be painful and itchy. If you have an acne flare-up, refrain from scrubbing them with an exfoliant or increasing your cleanser use. A pimple is your skin’s way of telling you to take it easy and leave your face alone. Just keep your face clean, wash and cleanse it gently and carefully. The idea is to avoid irritating the skin, which can worsen your breakouts, or cause scarring.
Wash Your Face in Warm or Lukewarm Water
If you shower using hot water, don’t wash your face. Hot water strips your skin of moisture-retaining keratin and oils, so it ends up dehydrating your skin. It’s best to wash your face after getting out of the shower, so you can be sure that water temperature you’re using is gentle. The general rule of thumb is: if the water is hot enough to make your face red, it’s too hot.
Get Enough Sleep
A good night’s rest is not just important for decreasing your stress levels and boosting your productivity. It gives your skin the opportunity to rejuvenate itself. When you’re getting enough rest, you’re allowing the cells in your body to rebuild and renew themselves. Additionally, the production of melatonin, a skin-protecting antioxidant, rises while you’re asleep. This hormone helps combat fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the premature signs of aging.
Following these skin care suggestions will help you achieve healthy and beautiful-looking skin. Remember to look at the new year as a year for improvement. If you’re not happy with how your skin appears in the past year, now is the time to make a change.