For many people, New Years’ resolutions include eating healthier and working out after indulging in all the holiday goodies, but it’s also important to take care of your body’s largest organ — your skin! And if you ask us, taking care of your skin should really be an all-year resolution. It’s your first line of defense and protection against external aggressors and one of the first things people notice about you.
Whether you want to clear up acne, even out your skin’s texture, fade the appearance of acne scars, or all of the above, the tips and steps for how to get healthy skin below will help you achieve your healthiest skin year-round.
1.) Create a consistent skincare routine.
Consistency is more important than you may realize. That’s because having the right products, just like having the right exercise equipment, won’t do much if you’re not using them regularly and following all of your skincare steps day and night. Your skin responds well to a routine since it doesn’t have to keep adjusting and compensating for what it’s lacking at the time.
Another thing to remember is that you need to keep up your consistent skincare routine even after you have achieved your skincare goals in order to maintain your results. Consistency is about much more than just making a list of healthy new year skincare resolutions each year.
Proactiv® skincare systems make it super easy to stick to a consistent healthy skincare routine because everything your skin needs to thrive is included in a proven, comprehensive 3-step system. You won’t have to deal with daily confusion or overwhelm about what products to use and which work well together.
2.) Wear sunscreen.
Did you know that your skin needs protection from external elements year-round? The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin even in the winter and even when it doesn’t appear to be sunny. Applying sunscreen to your face and any other exposed skin should always be the last step in your morning skincare routine.
3.) Exercise routinely.
Though sweating during workouts can cause your skin to have a buildup of dirt, oil, and bacteria which can lead to acne, it’s important to work out for your overall health and skin health – just make sure you maintain good hygiene habits pre and post workout. Exercise helps improve your blood circulation which helps nourish skin cells, repair and regenerate skin cells, and remove toxins from your skin. Think of your bloodstream as a kind of freeway for essential nutrients to travel to your skin and for waste to be removed quickly.
4.) Get your beauty sleep.
Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Why? While you snooze, your body gets to work repairing cells and making new collagen, which can help make skin appear strong and plump.
Also, make sure to change your pillowcase at least once per week to avoid exposing your freshly cleansed skin to built-up grime, bacteria and even hair product on an overused pillowcase.
The bottom line
Each new year is an ideal time to take stock of your overall goals — including your skin goals. Consistency in healthy skincare habits and using an effective and comprehensive skincare regimen throughout the year is what will get you results that last!