Skin Care Resolutions for the New Year

by Mikala Ewald

With the New Year right around the corner, it’s time to begin considering resolutions for 2011. In order to achieve a healthy, radiant complexion, make these 5 skin care resolutions your goal for 2011.

Resolution 1: I will maintain a daily skin care ritual
Healthy, glowing skin starts with regular skin care maintenance. It is essential to cleanse your face thoroughly twice a day (morning and night) and follow with a moisturizer that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin look for a moisturizer that is more emollient or oil based. Those with oily skin should look for a water based moisturizer with oil control properties. It’s a common misconception that people who have oily skin do not need a moisturizer; in addition, they continually strip the oil from their skin with harsh astringents and drying cleansers. Our bodies produce oil, because our hair and skin need it for moisture and protection. If a person is continually stripping this oil away, their body will react by over-producing oil and essentially making the already oily skin even oilier.

Resolution 2: I will wear sunscreen constantly
Sun damage is one of the main causes of skin aging (wrinkles, pigmentation problems, etc.), so it is essential to always protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Applying a sunscreen of at least an SPF 30 every day will help reduce the risk of sun damaged skin. It may be necessary to reapply sunscreen throughout the day depending on your activity level and the type of sunscreen used.

Resolution 3: I will introduce antioxidants into my skin care regimen
Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, have shown to help reduce the appearance of skin aging, help boost collagen production in the skin, and help fight cancer-causing free radicals when applied topically to the skin. Introducing antioxidants into your daily skin care ritual will help in achieving healthy, youthful looking skin. Retin-A is a topical form of vitamin A that is used to reduce the appearance of pigmentation problems and fine lines as well as an acne treatment. Serums that contain vitamins C and E work well in conjunction with vitamin A to help the skin appear more youthful.

Resolution 4: I will drink at least 8 glasses of water per day
Drinking 8 full glasses of water daily is essential to maintaining a healthy body as well as healthy skin. Water assists in flushing or removal of toxins in the body (among many other functions). If these toxins are not flushed from the skin properly, the effects may show up on the skin. It is also important to drink plenty of water each day to prevent dehydration of the skin. Dehydrated skin may look dry, dull, and flaky.

Resolution 5: I will regularly get an adequate amount of sleep
While sleeping, human’s bodies restore and regenerate by producing growth hormones that promote skin cell turnover and collagen production resulting in more beautiful, younger looking skin. Lack of sleep can cause stress on the body which may in turn cause negative effects on appearance (puffy eyes with dark circles, dull or dry skin, slower collagen production).