Most, if not all of us, make new promises in the new year to take better care of our skin and overall health. Many of us vow to eat well, exercise more, never go to bed without removing our makeup, and more. And while all of these resolutions are great, it can be difficult to keep or stick to them.
A little bit of effort, however, goes a long way in improving your complexion and making you look and feel good about yourself. The New Year is the perfect time to establish new habits and be consistent to improve the overall health of your skin and get the glowing complexion you rightfully deserve so.
Here are 7 skincare resolutions to commit to in 2023 for better skin.
1. Wear sunscreen daily
You need SPF protection regardless of the weather. While the UV rays are not as strong as on a clear day, they can still penetrate clouds and reach your skin, as well as potentially cause damage. UVA rays (the kind that can cause premature aging), furthermore, can penetrate windows or glass and contribute to the development of skin cancer.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply the product liberally to all uncovered skin, making sure not to forget commonly overlooked areas, such as eyelids, ears, lips, neck, and the back of your hands. It is also important to limit your sun exposure, especially during peak hours, between 10 am and 3 pm.
2. Get more or enough sleep
Stop staying up late or extending your sleeping time. Not getting enough sleep affects not just how you feel the next day, but also your skin and appearance. It can lead to puffy eyes, dark circles, and fine lines.
You should also know that without enough rest, the skin won’t recover from daytime damage and environmental stressors. This can then negatively affect its overall quality. Below are a few tips on getting a good night’s sleep.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule (sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends).
- Avoid taking late afternoon naps and don’t nap longer than 20 minutes.
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
- Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine late in the day.
- Avoid eating a large, heavy meal late in the day.
- See a doctor if you continue to struggle with sleeping.
3. Stick to a daily cleansing routine
One important resolution for better skin is to make a habit of cleansing your face daily twice a day (morning and evening). Use a face cleanser that can remove not only excess oil and dirt, but also makeup, sweat, and other skincare product residue. Make sure to wash your face even when you’re not wearing makeup, but don’t overdo it or use regular bar soap.
You can also consider double cleansing at night, especially if you use makeup or have oily or acne-prone skin. This involves using an oil-based formula (or micellar water) first, followed by a gentle or water-based cleanser. It can remove stubborn impurities that are left after cleansing your face once, as well as enable nighttime products to penetrate deeply.
4. Drink more water
Being well hydrated is important for your overall health. It helps the body function properly, regulating temperature and delivering nutrients and oxygen to all cells in the body. It is also thought to help boost skin health by promoting proper hydration, which is said to be helpful in preventing or improving skin dryness.
While there is no substantial evidence that says water can plump the skin or fight signs of aging, it remains the healthiest beverage on the planet. It doesn’t have a drying effect or cause inflammation like other drinks, such as coffee, soda, and alcohol. Choose water over other unhealthy drinks, but don’t expect it to make your skin glow or get rid of fine lines.
5. Eat healthy
Whether or not it is your goal to lose weight or get fit, you should always mind your diet. As the things you put in your body can affect the look and quality of your skin, it is only important to fill it with nutritious foods. Add more fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats or those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and others.
Make sure to cut back on sugary foods and beverages, which are known to cause inflammation in the body. The same is also true for fast food and heavily processed foods. It is fine to have a cheat meal once in a while but don’t overdo it. Check out our previous post to learn how diet affects your skin.
6. Invest in good skincare
You don’t need a lot of products to achieve great skin. Stick with the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and add products based on the skin issues you’re dealing with. Just make sure to invest in quality or medical-grade products that suit your skin type. Avoid those with alcohol, synthetic fragrances, parabens, and others.
Investing in good skincare also includes scheduling skincare consultations to find out what you need and address any concerns. You can make Cutis Medical Laser Clinics your partner in looking more youthful, as we can make recommendations for certain products to use and treatments to undergo to tackle or improve your skin woes.
7. Manage stress
Too much stress increases the production of stress hormones, also known as cortisol. Increased cortisol levels are known to increase oil or sebum production, which can clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. Excess cortisol is also known to break down collagen and elastin, resulting in premature aging and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Take time to manage stress this new year by exercising daily and practicing mindfulness. Getting support like talking to a trusted friend, loved one, or therapist can also help if you’re dealing with overwhelming feelings. It is also advisable to spend less time on your phone or social media.
Start your journey to healthy and clear skin with these resolutions. If you need help in tackling skin problems, get in touch with us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.
- If you would like to be an informed patient, please contact us at +65-6801-4000 or
hello@cutislaserclinics.com. - Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, 9 Scotts Road Pacific Plaza, Scotts Medical Center #08-07, Singapore – 228210
+65-6801-4000 - hello@cutislaserclinics.com