If you’ve had a busy 2018, we might be able to tell from your skin. Some of the battle scars you might have picked up from this rollercoaster of a year are pimples, blemishes, and flaky patches. And this year, as in years before, you might have also promised yourself that you’d take better care of your skin—but in the process, distractions get in the way.
Thankfully, 2019 comes as a perfect opportunity to jumpstart a fresh new outlook on personal skin care. To be sure, it’ll take a little more effort on your part, but once you get the ball rolling, proper skin care will become second nature to you. Soon, you’ll return to sporting that beautiful, healthy Pinay glow you once had.
To help you get started, here’s a checklist of beauty resolutions that all relate to your New Year “skin-spiration.” Greet 2019 with a clear complexion and renewed confidence in yourself.
Have your skin examined by the pros Before you hammer out any new skincare routines or start shopping for a new repertoire of beauty products, visit someone who can professionally assess your skin. It’s important if certain problems seem recurrent on your skin and no big changes came out of your previous skin regimen. If that’s the case, then make an appointment with your dermatologist. They’ll tell you how to handle issues like skin allergies and other problematic skin conditions.
You can also visit a professional skin clinic that provides free consultation and expert services—one that can ensure that any intricate skin procedures are done on you with utmost care. Normally, such a skin clinic will be staffed by licensed and experienced doctors and aestheticians who are all well-versed in dermatologically proven and scientifically backed treatments for a wide range of skin conditions.
Put more thought into the skincare products you’re using When it comes to skincare, not all products are created equal, and some will be better for your complexion and skin type than others. Base your purchases on how compatible they’ll be for the kind of skin you have. For example, choose a foaming wash if you’re prone to oily skin, but a hydrating cleanser with a mild formula if your skin dries out easily. The right matches to your skin will make a league of difference, regardless of the product’s brand or price.
Wear sunscreen daily Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach or for outdoor activities. Given the searing weather in the Philippines, you should be watching out for your skin double-time and shielding it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Applying sunscreen will protect your skin cells from damage, prevent wrinkles, and keep photoaging (or the premature aging of skin) at bay. However, this will only work if you apply sunscreen properly and if you apply it way before exposing your skin to the sun. The recommended method is to layer sunscreen on your skin every two hours, even if you’re walking in an out of shaded areas. If you’re wearing makeup, slather on a moisturizer that is already formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen before you use foundation.
Be careful about your everyday skincare routine When it comes to your daily skincare routine, it’s not about how often you clean your skin, but how carefully you do it. Women with dry and sensitive skin need not exfoliate their skin more than once a day. If they do so, they risk irritating their skin. Also, pay close attention as well to the little things when you’re washing your face. For instance, don’t use water that’s too hot or too cold, make sure there’s no dirt under your fingernails when you massage the products into your face and don’t wipe your face with a used towel that has been damp for so long.
Eat healthier and drink more water This may be easier said than done because changing your diet might constitute a big lifestyle overhaul. However, we promise you, this is one of the most important factors in keeping your skin fresh and young-looking. A truly “skin-healthy” diet consists of lots of fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, collagen (e.g. from bone broth), and plenty of water. In addition, you should also ease up on sweets, alcohol, caffeine, and oily food items. Suffice it to say that what’s healthy for your whole body is healthy for your skin as well.
Sleep regularly and avoid stress Stress and fatigue are major culprits of bad complexion. It’s when you’re taxed that your body releases more cortisol or “stress hormone.” This, in turn, causes excessive oil production from the glands under your skin, often resulting in bad breakouts. To prevent this from happening, be good to yourself. Rest when you’re tired, and try to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
The bottom line is, improving your skin condition doesn’t just happen in a snap of a finger. It requires a holistic approach; a lifestyle change or what experts call a “360-degree approach to beauty” as the whole thing is a journey after all. So, best of luck in keeping these New Year’s resolutions, and have a “skin-spired” 2019!
