New Years resolutions can be so hard to decide upon. Whether you plan to lose 10 lbs, find a work-home balance, or make an effort to read more books, the pressure was on for all of us once the clock struck 12:00 on January 1st, and while your list may be long and your patience may run short, try to keep your skincare regimen in mind when you're setting your goals. Here are 10 things I suggest you add (or remove) to your regimen for healthier, glowing skin this year and every year after!
1. Add Vitamin A to your regimen and use it everyday
Like all of our other organs, our skin loves antioxidants and vitamins! Vitamin A is a great addition to your skincare routine because it is great for anti-aging and it assists in the skin's health, appearance, and function. Vitamin A works as a natural retinoid that is converted by the liver through food, supplements, or food where it is either stored and distributed throughout the entire body through the lymphatic system. Our skin responds to retinoids very well as they prevent over dryness and treat acne in adolescents and adults, and they can be easily absorbs when applied to the skin.
Foods to eat: Salmon, dairy products (cheese, milk), eggs, shrimp
Products to use: The Ordinary Squalene ($7.90), Physicians Formula Skin Booster ($9.99)
2. Add Vitamin C To Your Regimen and also use it daily
This antioxidant plays a big role in the stimulation of collagen production, making it essential for skin health. Working as SPF's full time bestie, vitamin c helps and prevents uv-induced photo-damage so using the two together create the perfect anti-aging duo! Vitamin c also inhibits melanin production which is what causes discoloration within the skin, this prevents more/any dark spots from appearing. Now please be careful when using this product as it is very potent. I would suggest only using what you need and being mindful of your skin type. If you have more sensitive skin, start with a 5% concentration. Normal/dry skin can start higher with a 20% concentration, and acneic skin should start between 10 and 15%.
Foods to eat: broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, orange juice, papaya, kiwi.
Products to use: La Roche-Posay Vitamin C 10% ($39.99), Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum ($45.00), Glo Skin Beauty Skin Protecting Duo I would opt for this as it comes with two products to improve your skin for the price of one ($50.00)
3. Use SPF even if you're inside all day
Wear it everyday, wear it when you're not in sun. This helps keep the skin healthy and protects you from any further discoloration. SPF plays a huge role in your anti-aging regimen. Protection from the sun means protection from fine lines and wrinkles, even if you feel like you don't need it, I promise you do.
Products to use:
4. Peptides are your new best friend
Peptides are a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, these amino acids act as signal peptides and can trigger the production of collagen which increases the firmness of the skin. Peptides are safe for all skin types as they decrease the appearance of pores (for all my oily skin types out there) and are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties for those with more sensitive skin. I would suggest getting a facial peel (glycolic or chemical peel) before using peptides to ensure that they penetrate as deep as they can, peptides repair damaged skin and heals from the inside out.
Products to use: Glo Skin Beauty Renew Serum ($48.00), Sanitas Skincare Peptiderm Firming Serum ($174.00).
5. Start getting regular facials
Facials are a great way to maintain healthy skin and speed up skin cell renewal. Our skin cells shed about every 18 days but when you use professional grade products, your results are seen much more quickly. Facials are created to rehydrate dry skin, improve imperfections, boost circulation in the skin which creates more plump skin, clear pores, and help slow down premature aging. A facial should be booked once a month to see more clear results and to continue care with a professionals opinion.
6. Double cleanse your face in the morning
This technique is a good idea for anyone but mostly ladies that tend to wear makeup and people with oilier skin types. Using two separate kinds of cleansers can be beneficial and is ideal but double cleansing with the same cleanser is okay too. If you opt for the two cleanser option, your first one will break down makeup, remove dirt, and excess oil. If you wear makeup, the Essential Cleansing Oil by Glo Skin Beauty ($36.00) is a great option. If you do not, opt for the Gentle Creme Cleanser also by Glo Skin Beauty ($42.00). Your second cleanser should address your skin type or skin concern whether it is hydration, smoothing texture, or exfoliating dead skin (just avoid the St.Ives Apricot Scrub). Double cleansing the skin helps absorption because better pores are clear of bacteria and excess oil.
7. Use a separate moisturizer at night
You know when you first wake up and you look in the mirror and have the best skin you've ever seen? Applying a night cream can give you those results for longer than your first hour in the morning. Using a night cream can really benefit the skin in many different way, these moisturizers supply moisture to the driest parts of the skin, boosts collagen, soothes the skin, helps restore elasticity, and they also help cell renewal and nourish the skin for a supple, hydrated complexion in the morning.
Products to use: Glycolic Resurfacing Cream (78.00), Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Moisturizer ($38.99), Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer ($24.99)
8. Take better care of your neck and chest area
Our neck and décolleté areas have the most delicate skin and while lathering up with soap in the shower and applying lotion to your neck and chest may feel like enough, I assure it, it's not! Consider this area to be the "bougie" area of your body, the hidden hills of your being, the Malibu of body parts. Okay, don't go that far but do keep in mind that neck and chest care is so important. This area is very prone to wrinkling between how we sleep on our sides and how often are necks are bent at some horrid downward angle while we're checking text messages and responding to hundreds of emails a day. Use a cream specifically designed for this area of skin like the Glo Skin Beauty Neck Firming Serum ($76.00). Always apply your products in an upward motion, this helps the skin defy gravity and trains our muscle to stay healthy and our faces to stay plump and wrinkle free.
Products to use: It Cosmetics Confidence In A Neck Cream ($52.00), Juniper Skioncar Antioxidant Skin Firming Serum (28.95).
9. Stop licking your lips
Now, I know this probably sounds so weird to all of you. you're probably thinking "Bruklin, I've been licking my lips since my mother birthed me." I know it sounds funny and I know it is a hard habit to break but your lip skin will thank you so much if you stop this! Licking our lips will actually over dry them as saliva is full of enzymes that are meant to break down food, no dryness in our skin. If your lips are feeling dry, moisturize them and remember to exfoliate them several times a week, just like you would with any other part of your body. If you find yourself having a hard time with keeping your lips moisturized, try switching our your lip product to something more hydrating and go deeper than your skin's surface and increase your water intake!
10. Check your diet
You are what you eat is not just a saying, people. When our diets are poor, our body knows that we need some thing more beneficial and over time, you will notice how those foods are breaking down in your body. Leafy greens and fruits are always a great option when adding healthier options to your skin. Now, I would never push a plant-based diet on you (because I would be a hypocrite) but I would certainly suggest piling on the healthier options throughout the day. Experiment with different flavors and don't give up on yourself when you slip up. Be conscious of your choices and ask for help if you need it.
I am a strong believer in starting every year with a better attitude and better habits than what we practiced the year before but don't keep yourself in a box. Open yourself up to new opportunities for growth and change in your life this year. I can assure you that you do not know everything there is to know about your health, learn all you can and use this year to be a healthier, happier you!
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