It’s that time again; the time to make promises to yourself that you’ll eat better, do better, BE better. It’s the time of year that we’re brutally honest with ourselves about our habits and take the opportunity to course-correct. Often, New Year’s Resolutions focus on looking and feeling better, so we’d like to propose a resolution that accomplishes both and may even intersect with some of your other resolutions — taking better care of your skin.
Proper skin care comprises many habits that probably overlap with your regular personal hygiene routine, which will make this resolution a little easier to keep. Here are some basic steps to add to your regimen if you aren’t already doing them:
- Keep it clean — Wash your face with a mild cleanser at the end of the day, especially after wearing makeup or exercising. Doing so clears away any dirt and pollution particles that cling to the natural oils on your face as you go about your day. Washing also helps prevent wrinkles, allows your skin care products to work better, and keeps your linens cleaner. (Helping you keep that resolution to do less laundry, this year, too!)
- Water daily — Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your skin, along with the rest of your body. Adequate hydration helps your skin rid itself of toxins, giving it a more radiant appearance and slowing the aging process. Drinking lots of water can improve the health of your skin and other organs, fight fatigue, and help you lose or maintain weight.
- Butt out — STOP SMOKING! Another common resolution every year, we think anytime is a good time to kick this habit; for your skin’s sake, for your sake, and for the sake of your loved ones. Cigarettes contain toxins that suffocate your skin, reduce blood flow, and deplete nutrients that your skin (and the rest of your body) needs to repair itself. Second-hand smoke has similar effects on the skin, hair, and health of those directly exposed to your habit.
- Start screening — A daily sun protection routine is the perfect habit to pick up this year. Regular, prolonged exposure to the sun causes premature aging and increases your risk of skin cancer. And that exposure may be happening without you realizing it — as you sit in traffic with one arm in the sun, walking your kids home from school, mowing the lawn even on an overcast day. Kill two birds with one stone, protecting and moisturizing, by using a daily moisturizer with low SPF before heading out for the day.
We hope you’ll consider upping your skin care game in 2020. In addition to the strategies listed above, we encourage you to add an annual visit to a dermatologist for skin cancer screening to your regimen as well. Contact us to make an appointment with one of our caring Derick Dermatology professionals in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, McHenry, Park Ridge, Naperville, and soon in Oak Brook. Better skin care is a resolution we’re happy to help you keep!
