If you’re looking to take better care of your skin this year, you might want to include a couple resolutions that will prevent and reduce the signs of aging. Here are some. Pick a couple that you think you’ll be able to commit to this year.
Use sunscreen
We really can’t stress this enough. If you’re not using sunscreen every day, even in the winter, you’re accelerating the aging process of your skin and increasing your risk of developing skin cancer, so make sunscreen part of your skincare routine, if you haven’t already. And if the ingredients in drugstore sunscreens make you nervous, get one from a natural brand, like the Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 ($32) from Josie Maran.
Start using retinol
Retinol is an antioxidant that stops free radicals in the air from damaging your skin and prevents signs of aging, like wrinkles and discolouration, as well as acne and eczema. If you want to keep your skin looking young, it’s never too early to start using skincare products made with retinol, like the Positively Radiant Targeted Tone Corrector ($15) from Aveeno.
Start using collagen
Whether you’re using a collagen cream, like the Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream ($56) from Fresh, taking a collagen supplement, like the Reserveage Collagen Booster ($42), or including more collagen in your diet, this protein will help reduce wrinkles and keep your skin looking youthful.
Use an oil cleaner
Your face wash might give you that fresh, clean feeling that you love but it could be drying out your skin. Instead, get an oil cleanser, such as the Nourishing Oil Cleanser ($68) from Tata Harper, which will remove dirt, oil and makeup just as well as your cleanser but give you softer, more supple skin.
Make masks part of your routine
If you’re starting to notice that your skin is looking a bit dull or not feeling as firm as it used to, a face mask, such as the Age Arrest Hydrating Firming Mask ($90) from Kate Somerville, can give your skin a serious boost.
Don’t forget your neck and chest
We spend so much time worrying about the skin on our face and we often forget about the skin on our neck and chest, which can show signs of aging just as much. This year, make it a resolution to give those areas of your body just as much attention as your face.
Cut down on alcohol
Turns out, all those gin and tonics and glasses of wine will do more than give you a headache. Drinking causes serious dehydration and inflammation and alcohol is actually one of the worst compounds that ruin your skin. If you want to keep your skin looking youthful, consider cutting back on the vodka cranberries this year.
Drink more water
If alcohol is the worst drink to down for your skin, water is the best. Water is actually one of the most important components needed for the production of collagen, which is what keeps your skin firm, so make it your resolution to drink more water this year.
Get more sleep
You know that during sleep is when your skin does all it’s healing but did you know it’s also when your body balances its moisture levels? During sleep is when your skin is able to obtain water that it needs from your body and eliminate excess water that it doesn’t need. If your moisture balance is off, you’re probably going to wake up with dark circles, puffy bags, dry skin and wrinkles.
Reduce stress
Cortisol, which is the hormone your body releases as a result of stress, has a number of effects on the skin, including dryness, redness, wrinkles and other signs of aging. Besides, stress makes you scrunch your face and gives you frown lines, so sign up for some yoga classes this year.
