Whether or not we choose to admit it, at one point or another, we have neglected our skin. Everything from unprotected sun exposure to harsh skincare ingredients, we’re all guilty of it! Now that a New Year is on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to reset your skincare strategy and habits. To make it a little easier for you, I’ve got some simple tips and tricks you’ll want to keep in mind to achieve and maintain a healthy complexion all year long.
From your face to your body to your internal health, these small changes can make a big impact on your beauty care routine in the New Year!
1.Don’t skip moisturizer
You’ve heard it before, but now is the time to really take that advice seriously…no matter what your age is! Even if your skin doesn’t feel dry, applying moisturizer after you cleanse is a must. Find a face moisturizer designed for your skin type, whether it’s sensitive or super oily, and use it every single day.
During daytime, use a moisturizer with SPF which doesn’t have that telltale sunscreen scent and acts like a primer for makeup. And at night, maximize your beauty sleep with these overnight masks, which are leave-on multi-tasking moisturizing treatments…no need to rinse off!
2.Give yourself an at-home facial
One easy way to de-stress your skin? Massage in a rich, hydrating face mask, wash it off after 10-15 minutes and then moisturize with your favorite face cream or oil…it’s like an instant facial! One of my favorites is this Radiance Masque by Kiehl’s.
Whenever my complexion is looking a dull and tired, I use my favorite glycolic night serum to slough off dead skin cells, no peeling or stinging involved! It’s a gentle exfoliating treatment that you can leave-on at night and wake up with glowing skin in the morning! I also like these exfoliating pads that give me a smooth, radiant complexion instantly, without stripping the skin. Quick note: Try to keep exfoliation to just twice or thrice a week to avoid irritation!
3.Don’t skimp on sleep
Beauty sleep is not a myth! No amount of face creams or brightening peels can give your skin the fresh-faced glow of a restful night’s beauty sleep. The key to not looking tired? It’s…not being tired! Much easier said than done, I know. But do whatever you can to get in 6 to 8 hours a night, as many days of the week as possible!
Want to know what really happens to your skin when you don’t get enough sleep? These 5 reasons to Get Your Beauty Sleep will surely convince you!
4.Snack on Dark Chocolate and Almonds
These two are my favorite healthy snacks! Not only do they taste good, but munching on them also helps keep skin healthy & happy! Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that help protect your skin from damaging free radicals, and just a small piece every day is enough to reap the benefits (that includes boosting your mood!) As for almonds, they are a good source of omega-3s (“good fats”) and vitamin E, both of which are well-known skin-nourishing ingredients.
5.Keep a consistent skincare routine
You don’t need to have an elaborate 10-step skincare regimen to have great skin, but consistency is what makes a big difference! For me, that means moisturizing twice every day, investing in a good antioxidant-rich brightening serum and a gentle retinol cream, and maintaining a healthy diet. I try to spend some time (at least 5-10 minutes) on my skin at night to wash, moisturize and treat…it feels so good and soothing!
Also, dermatologists recommend that when you try something new, maintain a consistent skincare routine for at least 3 months before making any changes to truly see results.
6. Have a Cup of Tea
Take a break to enjoy a cup of white or green tea that are chock full of antioxidants and can do wonders for your complexion. In addition to adding a blast of hydration to your skin cells, tea may also assist with anti-aging while helping you beat the afternoon slump!
7.Avoid products with harsh chemicals
Did you know since about 60 percent of what we put on our skin (including makeup, lotions, fragrances) makes its way into our bodies? So, it’s smart to pick products with ingredients that aren’t potentially harmful.
The products you need to steer clear of are ones with preservatives like quaternium-15, DMDM-hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea or diazolidinyl urea on their labels. Also, avoid skincare products with moisture-zapping ingredients like alcohol, menthol, eucalyptus, camphor that could potentially irritate and dry out your skin.
8.Change your pillowcases twice a week
The amount of bacteria that can build up on your pillow cases is a recipe for breakouts, especailly if you have acne-prone skin like me! Make sure to refresh your pillowcases twice a week…set up an alarm if you need to, until it becomes a habit!
9.Hit the gym
If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know Zumba is my go-to class! I love it not only for the fitness benefits but also because a good workout helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to my skin! And the fact that it always always lifts up my mood is an added bonus. It gives me that #girlboss feeling of being put together and ready to take on the world.
So, whether it’s a spin class, zumba or running….whatever works to help you get into the groove, go for it! Just do it! Your skin will thank you now and for years to come!
10.Don’t equate a hefty price tag with effectiveness
I’ve learned that luxurious skin is not always about luxury products. No matter how many fancy products come across my desk, there are a few fabulous drugstore finds that remain in constant rotation in my beauty routine. For example, Simple Foaming Cleanser anchors my skin care routine.
Want to find out all about my tried and tested drugstore skincare favorites? Download this drugstore skincare guide where I give you the lowdown on budget-friendly products that really work – all in ONE place!
Now let’s hear from you! Do you have any favorite skincare tips to share with us? Any favorite products or DIY skincare hacks that you swear by? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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