When it comes to making our New Year’s resolutions, we all know the drill: Promise to hit the gym, do it once and then throw in the towel for the rest of the year. (Who’s with me?)
Switch things up this year by focusing on beauty resolutions you’ll actually stick to. In an effort to be smart about these, we tapped two dermatologists on the best ones to make to get a glowing complexion as you head into 2020. Show your skin some love and scroll below to get started.
Note: As always, please consult your licensed healthcare professional before making new changes to your health, diet or exercise routines.
9 Beauty Resolutions to Make This Year
1. skip the samples
You may love your free samples — it’s the reason we all shop at Sephora and Costco, right? However, getting in the habit of slathering on whatever beauty previews you get next may be doing more harm than good: “It’s important not to try new samples all of the time because this is how people develop allergic reactions to products,” says Dr. Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist.
Miami dermatologist, Dr. Roberta Del Campo, agrees: “Trying samples can be fun but also hard on your skin particularly when the products are ‘corrective’ as these products tend to contain ingredients that can strip the skin leading to irritation.”
If you do decide to use samples (we all love a good deal!), consider it like the reintroduction phase of an elimination diet. In other words, only introduce one skincare sample at a time since using too many can make it difficult to tell what works and what doesn't, explains Del Campo. “I recommend trying a solitary new product for one week prior to adding another.”
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2. take off your makeup before bed
It doesn’t matter how tired you are at night; you should always remove your makeup before bed.
Here’s why: “Skipping it can lead to oil and debris accumulating under your makeup and clogging your pores,” says Dr. Green. “By removing your makeup you will decrease the number of blackheads you get under your skin and also decrease comedonal or pustular acne as well.” Noted!
3. add retinol to your skincare routine
Put your best face forward this new year by introducing retinol into your skincare routine. “Retinol and retinoids are essential high dose topical vitamin A,” says Del Campo.
And If you don’t know the benefits of vitamin A for the skin, prepare to be blown away: “This important vitamin has been proven to prevent the loss of collagen when used regularly. It also increases cell turnover meaning brighter smoother more radiant skin,” he adds.
In terms of when you should be swapping this into your day, aim for your 20s. “I recommend my patients 21 and over start using it daily,” says Del Campo. “However, many teenagers are on this medication for acne and therefore, can use it indefinitely from that point on.”
4. take your collagen
With the body's collagen production beginning to decline at around age 25, building it back up with supplements may help promote a youthful appearance.**
Vital Proteins’ wide selection of highly-rated products is a great way to get there! Add any of our collagen powders to your coffee or favorite recipe to help support healthy hair, skin, nails and joints** in the new year.
5. keep an inventory of your products
Del Campo says to think of the shelf life of your beauty products as you do food. In other words, as you wouldn’t drink an expired glass of milk, you wouldn't want to add expired moisturizer to your face.
There are other reasons, too. “It is very important to throw out expired makeup as outdated makeup can cause severe skin reactions as the chemicals and preservatives are outdated,” explains Dr. Green. “I have seen severe skin reactions caused by using outdated makeup.” So, when it doubt, throw it out!
6. make beauty sleep a priority
Another way you can go the extra mile for your skin is getting enough Zzz’s each night. “Sleep is the time our body reprises itself on every level, including our skin,” says Del Campo. Additionally, “lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels, which can wreak havoc on our skin,” he adds.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, Vital Proteins Sleep Collagen Shots might be just what your bedtime routine needs. Made with a blend of blueberry and lavender flavors and other purpose-driven functional ingredients like snooze-inducing melatonin, GABA and magnesium, this Collagen Shot helps support a restful night’s sleep.**
7. wear sunscreen year-round
This is one beauty resolution that should top your list each year. According to Dr. Green, sunscreen is the most important beauty product you can use on a daily basis: “It protects your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays."
Be sure to use it year-round as your skin needs protection from UV rays during the winter, too. And of course, as Dr. Green explains, besides hats and UV clothing, sunscreen is one of the most important ways to protect your skin. So lather up!
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8. visit the dermatologist’s office
Just like getting a regular check-up at the doctor, visiting the dermatologist is something you should be doing to tackle any questions or issues you have.
For example, if adult acne is something you’ve added to your new year’s beauty resolutions, seeing a dermatologist for a treatment plan is a great way to go. Other skin concerns that might warrant a visit could include a changing mole or aging inquiries. Grab your calendar and get something scheduled!
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.