4 New Year's Resolutions for the Skin

I am not really into making New Year's resolutions.  I kind of live by the philosophy that each day should matter, so strive to make each day count--365 days of the year, not just at the beginning of a new year.

That said, I do have some natural skin care  New Year's resolutions that will benefit everyone:

1.  I resolve to always wash off my makeup each night. No more excuses!

Dermatologists recommend removing makeup each night for several reasons.  First of all, if you do not remove your makeup, your pores will not have a chance to "breathe".  Your pores will become clogged with the ingredients in your makeup, no matter how natural it may be.  The sebum will become trapped in your pores and you're risking a breakout.  Leaving on eye makeup can cause other issues, such as redness, irritation, and even infection.

Environmental contaminants also lurk on the skin, so a gentle cleansing is in order. 

You also may begin to look older if you do not remove your makeup at night.  Why?  Your skin cells regenerate at night at a faster rate than daytime.  If your skin cannot breathe because of makeup left behind, the cell regeneration process won't be effective, making your skin look older over time. 

Natural Being makes lovely skin cleansers for normal to oily and normal to dry skin. They contain Manuka Honey and are a bargain and less than $10 per tube!

2.  I resolve to wear a natural sunscreen every single day!

Natural sunscreens generally are more costly than drugstore chemical-filled and potentially harmful sunscreens. This is true.

What is so important to remember, though, is that a good sunscreen is going to be your best anti-aging product. Since much of aging can be attributed to UV damage, sunscreen is imperative.

Most people will not hesitate to spend quite a bit of money on a night cream or serum or on a handbag or shoes. In fact, I know of people who will spend $250 on a handbag, but do not want to spend the money on an effective natural sunscreen.

Think of it this way: you only have one skin. It should only make sense that you take care of it. Sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer AND help prevent the signs of aging. Not many products can say that!

Try Badger Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 30.

3.  I will exfoliate regularly!

Exfoliation is one of the most overlooked steps in one's skin care regimen.  It is a must do, though. Exfoliation need not be painful or harsh.  As an aesthetician, I have seen the negative results of harsh chemical peels, prescription skin care creams, and microdermabrasion. I firmly believe that a natural approach to exfoliation is best. 

Everyone needs to slough off dead skin cells.  Without doing so, skin becomes thickened, uneven, and will lose its radiance.  You should exfoliate between 1-3 times per week.  Using a gentle scrub, you will be able to remove the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant and even tone.  Skin will appear more youthful and brighter.

Pangea Organics makes a lovely scrub with cranberry and adzuki beans. It is gentle, but works well to remove dead skin cells.

My favorite potent, spa-quality exfoliant is Suki Spa Renewal Bio-Resurfacing Facial Peel. This will give a spa like results without the harsh chemicals.

4.  I resolve to moisturize my skin!

Everyone needs to moisturize.  Everyone.  Even those with oily skin.  Moisturizing the skin isn't about adding oil to it--it is about helping to provide a temporary barrier, maintaining the proper moisture balance, and soothing & protecting the skin.

There are so many natural moisturizers on the market for each and every skin type--from the driest of dry skins to very oily skin.

I am happy to help you find the best product for your skin.  Email me and I am happy to help.  Here are some of my favorites, though:

For dry skin, I recommend Living Nature Rich Day Cream.

For oily skin, I know you will adore Suki Pure Facial Moisture Balancing.

Nearly all skin types will do well with Weleda Wild Rose Facial Lotion.