It’s January, which means it’s natural to think about ways to start the New Year on a good note and setting resolutions to improve health and wellness, including skincare, hygiene, and overall lifestyle. A consistent, anti-aging skincare routine helps keep skin firm and taut, dewy and soft, and healthy and youthful in appearance as you get older. If you’re looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle that supports your skin, incorporate these resolutions and be patient as you adjust to new habits and practice. And, allow enough time to pass for you to really see results, which are generally more substantial and visible after a few steady weeks.
Setting skincare resolutions is an opportune way to boost self-motivation and create a routine or schedule to help you achieve results effectively and fast. Seize the start of 2024 and let it inspire you to make adjustments to skincare and lifestyle—consistency with your resolutions is key, so if you’re struggling, here are a few tips to make it easier.
Wash your face before going to bed
Commit to taking your makeup off and cleansing the face before getting underneath the covers.
“It is important to remove makeup and wash your face nightly to eliminate build up from the day, which can lead to breakouts and skin irritation,” says board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell-New York Presbyterian Medical Center, Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD.
No matter how tired, resist the urge to skip it. You can wash your face in the shower or earlier in the evening to avoid getting too drowsy later. Washing is essential before applying skincare products, which require a clean face without dirt or residue on the surface.
“It can also help to prime the skin for the subsequent steps in the skincare routine,” Garshick notes.
Drink a glass of water after waking up
Staying hydrated during the day helps keep skin moist, soft and youthful, and one of the easiest ways to replenish fluids and boost hydration after waking up (when skin is more likely to be low in nutrients and water supply) is to drink a full glass of water. Make it a habit to grab a glass of water right after getting out of bed in the morning, as it’ll energize your mind and body, and skin will immediately look more refreshed and healthy, too.
“Overall dehydration can cause the skin to look dull,” Garshick explains, so continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day, too.
Change bed sheets and linens frequently
“Bedsheets, pillowcases and towels may contain dirt and residue that build up, which can lead to breakouts and skin irritation if not washed regularly,” Garshick says.
In general, a good rule of thumb is to wash bedding, including bed sheets and pillowcases, once per week, unless visibly dirty and in need of an urgent wash sooner.
Bath towels should be washed at least once per week or after 2-3 uses, Garshick suggests, again unless visibly dirty, in which case it is better to do another load of laundry and wash them sooner.
Apply anti-aging skincare daily
“As we age, skin cell turnover slows down, which can lead to dullness of the skin, and loss of collagen, which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles,” Garshick says.
Another effect of aging is cumulative UV exposure, which can lead to brown spots and discoloration. It’s important to have a skincare routine at night and in the morning, containing the topicals needed as you age, such as retinol, vitamin C & E and acids like hyaluronic acid. Nighttime is especially important, as it’s a pivotal time for cellular repair and recovery and allows for good absorption of skincare products.
Exfoliating acids, found in face wash and exfoliating products, remove dead skin cells to boost radiance, while retinol helps promote collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Wear sunscreen daily, even in winter and on cloudy days, with enough SPF to prevent UV exposure, and a serum with vitamin C to fight free-radical damage, brighten skin and treat discoloration.
“Since skin becomes dry with age, it’s important to moisturize and use ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help draw and lock in moisture and boost overall hydration,” Garshick notes.
Wear moisturizer in the day, cream at night and serum with hyaluronic acid.
Set an earlier bedtime
Going to sleep earlier and getting enough sleep is good for the skin, as cells can rejuvenate and repair adequately to help maintain elasticity, and slow the aging process, preventing symptoms, such as dark spots and pigmentation, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles.
“During the night, skin has a chance to recover and repair, and so a good night’s sleep helps to ensure that there is sufficient time for recovery,” Garshick says.
To wake up with healthy and good-looking skin, get a solid 7-8 hours, and try your best to adhere to a steady sleep schedule.
Get a shower filter
Hard water can be damaging to skin and hair, with effects being more noticeable and building up over time. To avoid dry hair and skin, dullness and acne, install a water filter in the shower. It is easy to set up and requires little care and maintenance, apart from replacing filters regularly. For best results, adhere to product guides, which should come in the package or be on the label. Replacing about every three months is typical.