Get Better Skin in the New Year: 3 Bad Habits to Drop and 5 To Adopt

The older I get, the more conscientious I become of nurturing healthy skin. Heck, it’s gotta get me through the rest of my life! In my 20s, I never gave a thought to skincare and I’m paying for it now with fine lines and spots. No matter how young or old you are, it’s never too late to take charge of healthy skin. So here are some unhealthy habits to kick and five new ones to adopt daily for skin so healthy it glows.

5 Daily Habits To Get Better Skin & 3 To Kick to the Curb

Before you can develop new healthy habits, you’ve got to get rid of the unhealthy ones that are causing damage to your skin. Here are three bad habits to kick to the curb:

• Stop smoking: Nicotine prevents adequate blood flow to the skin, depriving it of essential oxygen and nutrients.
• Stop going to bed without washing your face: It’s easy to do…we all have nights where just slipping into bed is much more appealing. But dirt and oil collect on your face all day long, even if you can’t see it. 
• Skip the tanning bed: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, tanning is bad news for your skin. Just one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of melanoma by 20%. 

5-Step Healthy Skin Regimen You Should Do Daily

Your skin is just as individual as you are. There are some factors beyond your control, like genetics and hormonal changes that can cause breakouts and other skin conditions in which you should consult your dermatologist. But this 5-step routine is sound care that everyone should use daily. It’s simple enough to become habit and years of perseverance will make a huge difference in the quality of your skin.

1. Cleanse: You can use mild soap and water or a multitude of cleansers (we like CeraVe and Cetaphil facial cleansers). Don’t forget your neck as well!
2. Tone: Toner can help remove any left-behind oils or dirt missed by the cleansing process. It clears out pores and leaves your skin feeling fresh. (Our recommendations: this Micellar Water toner from Avon or Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar diluted with a little water.)
3. Serum: What is serum? Serums are lightweight moisturizers, most often nutrient rich oil-based, that penetrate skin cells deeper and deliver active ingredients and nutrients (1). If you’re new to using serum, a little goes a long way. You’ll also want to look for serums with natural antioxidants like vitamin C and grape seed extract. (We like COUI serums.)
4. SPF: Short and simple, this step is a must. Do not skip out or skimp on your daily SPF. The AAD recommends a broad spectrum protection of SPF 30 or above every single day you plan to step outside, even on a cloudy day. We love Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen with SPF 110.
5. Moisturize: Finally, end your regimen by moisturizing. This applies to your face, neck, and the rest of your body. Moisturizing helps your skin stay supple and young. It relieves dryness and gives your skin a healthy glow. If you are prone to oily skin, try one of these highly-rated oil-free moisturizers.

Take care of your skin now so it can carry you beautifully into the future. Turn these five above steps into a habit and your skin will be the better for it.

 

 

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by Nicolette via Home And Garden