Valley Dermatology
5 Skin Care Resolutions to Make
Achieving healthy, glowing skin doesn’t happen overnight. The new year is a great time to revamp your skin care routine and commit to habits that will help you achieve healthier skin, but where’s the best place to begin?
Why is Skin Care Important?
The skin is the largest organ your body has, yet many people neglect its care. Not only is healthy skin a big part of looking your best, but it also makes you look and feel healthier. The skin is exposed to the sun and environmental pollutants all of the time. Once damage is done, it can be difficult to reverse it. That is why a good skin care routine is important. The younger you are when you start it, the better, but it is never too late to establish healthy habits.
Resolution #1: Wear sunscreen every day — rain or shine, hot or cold
We know you’ve heard this one before, but sunscreen is an everyday skin care must-have. There’s a reason dermatologists stress the importance of regular sunscreen use. We know sunscreen isn’t ‘sexy,’ but it all comes down to protecting your skin. No matter what age, ethnicity, skin tone or gender you identify with, every person needs a shield from the sun, otherwise you may as well throw all the skin tightening, smoothing, brightening skin care away.
To make your sun protection routine a little easier, consider using a moisturizer with SPF, as EltaMD, Colorescience, and Obagi offer!
Resolution #2: Drink more water
Resolution #3: Take your makeup off every night
The skin renews itself while you sleep, and when you leave makeup on, you are preventing that from happening. The skin ceases to breathe and fatigue signs appear soon enough.
As most makeup is made of oily substances, when it stays on for the next day, it clogs your pores and leads to the appearance of more acne and blackhead breakouts. Makeup residue and the substances that make your make up can also cause many skin imperfections, when left for hours on end during the night.
That’s why it is important to use a makeup remover before going to bed, and then moisturizing your face to help your skin breathe right.
Resolution #4: Incorporate a good quality vitamin C product into your regimen
Whatever your skin type, we love vitamin C for its brightening and glow-boosting effects. When formulated correctly, it is a potent antioxidant and works perfectly layered under your morning SPF.
We carry the Obagi Professional-C line:
The Professional-C portfolio serves as your second line of defense from environmental assailants that sunscreens often miss. Daily use helps to fortify skin and safeguard a more youthful looking appearance. Formulated with L-Ascorbic Acid, the most powerful form of Vitamin C to optimize efficacy and permeability.
Professional-C is ideal for:
- Daily antioxidant defense
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dull, uneven skin tone and texture
Resolution #5: Don’t forget your annual skin exam!
As part of a complete early detection strategy, we recommend that you see a dermatologist once a year, or more often if you are at a higher risk of skin cancer, for a full-body, professional skin exam.
In general, you should start getting screened for skin cancer in your 20s or 30s. However, if you’re in the sun a lot, have a family history of skin cancer, or have moles, you should be checked sooner.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer affects one out of every five Americans. More than three and a half million new cases are diagnosed each year, which is why it’s so important that you have an annual skin exam. While your family doctor or general practitioner may conduct a routine skin exam, the truth is that anything that looks unusual or abnormal will end up getting you referred to a dermatologist. So, sometimes it can be simpler to just start with a specialist.
