Top 7 New Year’s Skin Care Resolutions

As we ring in the new year, you may be taking some time to set some New Year’s resolutions. If improving your skincare routine is one of your New Year’s resolutions, U.S. Dermatology partners can help. Dr. Roopal Bhatt of U.S. Dermatology Partners Four Points in Austin, Texas recommends that you, “Bring in the new year with a resolution to repair your skin from the damage caused by sugar, alcohol, and rich food consumption from the holidays.” In this blog, you’ll find some of Dr. Bhatt’s top recommendations for healthy skin in the new year.

1 – Create a Consistent, Effective Skin Care Routine

We all get busy, especially during the holiday season at the end of the year. As you ring in 2019, consider establishing and maintaining a consistent skin care regimen. You should set a morning and evening routine and follow it each day. While your specific skin care plan should be catered to match your unique skin type, there are some basics everyone should follow. In the morning, take the following steps:

1. Clean your skin – simply rinse off the residue with warm water and a gentle cleanser.
2. Toner – use a toner for your skin type that will deliver active ingredients like A and B vitamins and antioxidants as well as shrinking pores.
3. Serums & eye creams – these are concentrated products used to tackle fine lines and wrinkles. Again, work with a dermatologist to find the right products for your skin type.
4. Acne treatments – apply spot treatments for acne rather than washing the whole face with these usually harsh and abrasive products.
5. Moisturizer and sunscreen – you should use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen or apply an effective moisturizer for your skin type followed by a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

After your morning skin care regimen, you should apply makeup or other products as you usually would. At night time, your routine will be similar to your morning plan with some basic changes. We suggest the following:

1. Cleansing – use an oil-based makeup remover to avoid pulling or scrubbing at the skin. Then, gently rinse with warm water and clean skin with a mild cleanser.
2. Toners and boosters – you can use the same toner you use in the mornings at nighttime. You can also apply mists, boosters, and essences that can add glow and vitality to your skin.
3. Eye cream – beginning in your 20s, it is beneficial to apply eye cream each night. In addition to moisturizing and healing sun damage, eye creams can also protect the sensitive skin around the eyes as you apply potentially harsh skin care products like exfoliants or acne treatments.
4. Treatments and exfoliants – for this step, you should definitely be talking to your dermatologist about the right products for your skin type. Treatments may include products for conditions such as acne or rosacea. You may also want to use a detoxifying or clarifying mask once or twice a week. You can use exfoliating products a few times each week to remove dry or dead skin cells.
5. Hydration – a lot of moisture is lost from the skin at night while we sleep. You may want to apply an extra hydrating mask or skin oil a few times a week or every night if you have dry skin. You should also apply a moisturizer or night cream liberally before going to sleep.

2 – Eat Healthy

The old adage, “You are what you eat,” is actually very accurate. When you eat healthy foods, your body gets the antioxidants, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to look great all year round. One of Dr. Bhatt’s recommendations is that people should, “Eat their FAVeS. This stands for Fruit, Antioxidants, Vegetables, and Spices.” Consuming a wide range of these foods is essential to combat aging and maintain youthful, healthy skin. Some of the dietary “Do’s” recommended by Dr. Bhatt include eating power foods like whole grains and proteins and choosing healthy fats for a balanced diet. Dr. Bhatt’s dietary “Don’t” is to “Avoid simple sugars, saturated and trans fats, and alcohol.” These foods and beverages increase the risk for fine lines and wrinkles, as well as leading to bloating and uneven skin tone.

3 – Stay Hydrated

Dr. Bhatt also encourages people to drink plenty of water and avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and other drinks that may dehydrate you. When you stay hydrated, Dr. Bhatt says, “The bloat and skin puffiness will decrease to give you back that healthy skin glow.”

4 – Start an Exercise Plan

If you’re thinking a sweaty exercise routine doesn’t sound like a great way to improve your skin’s appearance, you may be wrong. Regular exercise is great for circulation and improves all aspects of systemic function – including skin health. Increased blood flow delivers nourishment to skin cells, keeping them looking young and healthy. This increase in blood flow also removes toxins and waste from the skin, improving cell function. Exercise is also linked to stress reduction, and stress relief is great for reducing the effects of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

5 – Don’t Skip Your Beauty Rest

During sleep, your whole body is able to heal, and that includes the skin. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body may not have time to heal or produce new, healthy cells. This can worsen conditions like acne, eczema, and even allergic responses. Additionally, lack of sleep can accelerate the aging process. During the deeper phases of sleep, skin cells are rejuvenated and healed. If you don’t achieve deep sleep each night, damaged skin cells aren’t repaired or replaced, increasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

6 – Start an Antiaging Routine

Many people use store bought antiaging products that haven’t been tested. Instead of choosing these untested products that promise dramatic results they can’t deliver, work with your dermatologist to find the best products for your unique skin type. You can also follow these four simple antiaging steps each day:

1. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen every day.
2. Use a retinol or retinoid each night before bed to improve fine lines and wrinkles and counteract sun damage.
3. Return moisture to the skin barrier using a moisturizing cream with ceramides.
4. Use skin care products that contain Work with your dermatologist to determine the best way to deliver antioxidants to your skin.

7 – Visit the U.S. Dermatology Partners for an Annual Exam

A great way to start 2019 is to schedule an appointment with a U.S. Dermatology Partners practice near you. Our skilled professionals can help you ring in the New Year with skin care resolutions to combat aging and keep skin looking and feeling great in the coming year. If you live in the Austin area, Dr. Bhatt and her team would be happy to hear from you. To find a U.S. Dermatology Partners location near you, simply complete our online form.

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