New Year’s Resolutions for Healthier Skin

As we recover from a long and arduous year of stress and indulgences, its natural that we would want to change our ways; after all, the New Year offers us a clean slate to become better people. The start of a New Year is the perfect opportunity to make the lifestyle changes you’ve been avoiding.

Now is your chance to sit down and prepare a list of important lifestyle changes that you may want to make. To ring in the New Year, we’ve gathered up some common resolutions that will give you help you achieve the glowing radiant skin you’ve always desired.

1). Visit Your Dermatologist Regularly

If you do not currently have a dermatologist or if you do not visit your doctor regularly, now is the time to change your ways. You should aim to have your skin checked by a dermatologist at least once a year. A trained professional can help you detect common skin ailments such as a skin cancer, which is easily treatable and curable when detected early.

Even if you feel your skin is perfectly healthy, you should still periodically visit your dermatologist. They will be able to identify minor issues before they become larger problems, as well as offer expert advice to help you maintain your glowing skin.

2). Wear Sunscreen

Just because it is winter doesn’t you should toss out that bottle of sunscreen! The cold winter weather does not block you from the sun’s UV rays. By not taking proper precautions, it can still leave you with skin damage because the rays can still remain strong throughout the entire year. If you’re going outside, be sure to wear a sunscreen with a broad spectrum, as well as one that has an SPF of 30 ore more.

3). Exfoliate More

If you have been slacking in this department, a new year’s resolution will help you fall into a good routine. Make an honest effort to exfoliate at least twice a week. Doing so will rid yourself of dead skin cells, which makes room for new, fresh skin!

4). De-Stress

This resolution is easier said than done. Truthfully, the New Year is a stressful time of the year because you may find yourself worrying how you’re going to pay off your bills from the holidays. But failing to manage your stress can greatly affect your skin because stress releases hormones such as Cortisol.

This hormone can cause a chain reaction of various chemicals in your body, which results in your skin becoming extra sensitive to external irritators. Make a conscious effort to manage your stress this year by developing effective coping strategies. Think about what relaxes you!

5). Change Your Diet

A common new years resolution is to eat healthier. Not only will this help you lose weight, but it will also do wonders for your skin! The time has come to for you to put down that piece of cake and substitute it for fruits and vegetables that are rich with antioxidants and vitamins.

In addition to changing what you eat, you may want to consider reducing your alcohol intake. Most people drink around the holidays; but drinking too much can cause the vessels in your skin to dilate, which greatly increases the blood flow near your skin’s surface. As a result, you may develop an uneven and red complexion. With the holidays over, you should definitely consider trading in that bottle in exchange for healthier habits.

6). Quit Smoking

Smoking can be quite destructive to your skin. The nicotine found in cigarettes can cause blood vessels to swell, which will result in the thinning of skin. In addition to several other negative effects, smoking depletes Vitamin C from the body, which is necessary to keep your skin hydrated. Do yourself a favor this year and try to quit smoking. Not only will help ensure that your skin remains healthy, but it will also greatly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.

Sticking To Your Resolutions

According to research, approximately half of all Americans make a new year’s resolution. However, it is estimated that only 8% actually stick to their resolution and achieve them. Be part of that 8% this year! Sticking to any kind of resolution is easier when you have an end goal in mind. Remember that by making these lifestyle changes, you can drastically improve the overall health of your skin as well as your body.