New year, new chance to make new skincare resolutions and stick with them! This year, we suggest resolving to take care of your skin all year. Regardless of the month, these are skincare goals that are easily obtainable and you can feel good about keeping them all year round.
6 Skincare Resolutions for 2018
1. Drink More Water
No one actually has to be told how vital water is to our body; we all know that adequate hydration is key for overall health. What many do not realize, however, is how important adequate hydration is for healthy skin.
Skin that is not receiving enough water from the inside will turn dry, tight, and flaky, making it more prone to wrinkling. This year, commit to staying hydrated for your skin’s health. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends 104 ounces of daily water intake for men, and 72 daily ounces for women.
2. Use Sun Protection Every Day
Most of us remember to grab the sunscreen in the spring and summer, when the sun is at its highest and the weather is a warm reminder, but many fall out of this habit in the cooler months. Make 2018 the year that you resolve to protect your skin every day, despite the season or the sun’s status in the sky.
Even when the temperature drops and cloudy days outweigh sunny ones, UVA rays, responsible for wrinkles and increased skin cancer risk, can still reach the skin. Drs. Dupree and Kennedy recommend using a high quality broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. Here’s some more in depth sunscreen recommendations in a previous post and 5 sunscreen myths to be aware of.
3. Remove Make-Up Every Night
Aside from a messy pillow and raccoon eyes, sleeping in make-up can have real consequences for skin health. While you are resting each night, your skin is busy repairing itself and a face full of make-up can lead to clogged pores, uneven skin tone, and even deepening of wrinkles.
Resolving to remove your make-up each night is an easy way to make sure you’re in your best skin possible. At Dermatology Center of Acadiana, we recommend pairing a high quality cleanser tailored to your skin type and goals with a Clarisonic for a deep clean that exfoliates as well.
4. Know Your Skin and Watch for Changes
Noticing changes that happen to the skin begins by making monthly skin self exams a priority. In doing a monthly skin exam, you will be able to note and recognize changes more efficiently than if you have not taken the time to look in a while. The American Cancer Society recommends examining yourself in a well lit room after a bath or shower. They have put together a great resource on how to efficiently do a skin self exam.
If you do happen to notice any changes or new moles, it is imperative to bring it to your physician’s attention. Those in the Lafayette, Louisiana area can schedule an appointment at Dermatology Center of Acadiana by calling (337) 235-6886.
5. Start a Daily Skincare Routine
Even though our skin is our most exposed organ and works hard daily to protect our internal structures, we often neglect to develop a routine to treat and take care of our skin in return. This year, vow to start, and stick with a cleansing routine for optimal skin health. Drs. Kennedy and Dupree recommend a morning routine that consists of a quality facial sunscreen. For evening, she recommends a retinol and moisturizer. Any added steps to these three basic building blocks will be goal oriented based on your skin type.
Many high quality skincare products are available for purchase at Dermatology Center of Acadiana to help you build a regimen that will give you results. Through January 31, 2018, we are offering a Buy More, Save More Sale that allows you to stock up on your favorites. Save 10, 15, or 20% off when you purchase products to start your new cleansing routine. Complimentary product consults may be scheduled with our esthetician today by calling (337) 235-6886.
6. Visit a Dermatologist at Least Once Per Year
While monthly skin self exams are a great way to track and note changes that may happen to the skin, they should not replace a yearly appointment with a board certified dermatologist. As you settle into the new year, this is one resolution you will want to keep.
When you schedule a yearly skin exam at Dermatology Center of Acadiana, we will go over your medical history and complete a full-body visual examination. This is a great time to point out any changes that you may have noticed or spots that you may be concerned about, so that we may educate you on what you can look for at home during your own exams. Those with a history of skin cancer, or those with risk factors such as numerous moles or being fair skinned may be advised to be screened more than once per year.
Schedule your yearly skin exam at Dermatology Center of Acadiana by calling (337) 235-6886 or contacting us here. Drs. Dupree and Kennedy look forward to helping you keep your skincare resolutions this year!