When a new year rolls around, many people use it as an opportunity to make changes in their life. New Year’s resolutions can often be too ambitious and hard to follow. However, we’ve come up with seven resolutions for healthier skin that are simple and easy to do.
Habits for Healthier Skin in 2021
By just changing a few habits, you can set yourself up for skincare success in 2021! These tips may seem basic but they can make a big difference in your skin’s health and appearance.
1. Learn to Wash Your Face Correctly
Believe it or not, you might be washing your face wrong. A lot of people are too rough on their skin while cleansing. Pushing and pulling with your hands, sponges, or towels can cause damage.
Use a mild cleanser that doesn’t contain alcohol, and wash your face with lukewarm water. Only use the tips of your fingers to apply the cleanser. Using cloths, sponges, or mesh can irritate and damage the skin. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat your face dry gently with a clean towel.
2. Find Your Perfect Moisturizer
If you have problems with tightness, dryness, or itchiness, moisturize. Some people find it tricky to find a moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores and causing breakouts. You can talk to your dermatologist about light moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid (HA). There are many options that are very hydrating without being heavy or greasy. But if you do need a heavier moisturizer, your dermatologist can suggest some of those too.
3. Remember to Use Sunscreen
This isn’t the first time you’ve read about the importance of sunscreen for healthy skin. And it won’t be the last. UV rays can cause cosmetic issues like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of “premature aging.” But more importantly, using the right SPF and avoiding sun exposure can protect you from skin cancer.
The American Academy of Dermatology has a wealth of information on how to choose the right sunscreen. Be sure to check out our guide on other ways you can protect your skin from the sun.
4. Exfoliate Responsibly
Exfoliation can do wonders for your skin as you don’t over-exfoliate. You want to do enough to loosen and remove the dead cells from the surface of your skin without causing damage.
5. Don’t Just Focus on Your Face
Remember that your skin is your body’s largest organ. It’s literally covering your body. And while your face is one of the most visible areas, it’s not the only thing that needs skincare. So remember to exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize from the neck down too. And apply sunscreen to your hands and other exposed skin when you’re out in the sun.
6. Get Plenty of Rest
As the National Sleep Foundation points out, your body rebalances the fluids that your organs and tissues need as you sleep. That includes your skin. So missing out on sleep might lead to bags and dark circles. Also, getting too little sleep is linked to increased levels of stress hormones. This can affect your immune system, which can cause skin problems like acne breakouts and psoriasis flare-ups. So try your best to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night.
7. Consult Your Dermatologist About Your Skin’s Needs
The new year is the perfect time to take stock of your daily skincare routine. We’ve covered cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen. But there are other things your skin may benefit from. Make an appointment with your dermatologist or esthetician about serums, creams, or powders that might help you have a healthier complexion.
Think about your skin goals and find out how to reach them. Do you need more moisture? Do you want to even out your skin tone? Are you worried about wrinkles or texture? Ask for recommendations on things like:
- Retinol
- Vitamin C
- Collagen
- Peptides
- Acid treatments (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid)
Talk to a Dermatologist
If you have goals to get healthier skin in the new year, we are here to help. Blue Ridge Dermatology is proud to offer medical and cosmetic dermatological services that can help you get the results you want. So if you are interested in making a skincare plan for this year, call our office today at 919-781-1050.
