5 Dermatologist-Recommended New Year’s Resolutions

The new year is an exciting time. We gather with family and friends we hold dear to reminisce about 2019 and look forward to 2020. If you’re still deciding your new year’s resolutions, your health is a great area to focus on. If you’re ready to set health goals for the new year, don’t forget your skin.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got 5 dermatologist-recommended new year’s resolutions to help you improve your skin health in the new year.

Develop a Skincare Routine

Your skin is as unique as you are. That means your skincare routine can be customized to the needs of your skin type. While the products you use, or the frequency of your skincare rituals may vary, here are some things a dermatologist recommends doing daily to improve your skin:

• Washing: Washing your skin with gentle cleansers helps lower the risk of inflammation or infection. Face wash and body wash are typically different, as skin on different parts of your body may be dryer than in other areas.
• Exfoliating: Gentle scrubbing during washing (or using exfoliating cleansers and masks) helps to remove the top layer of skin for smoother and softer results. Be careful to only exfoliate in areas you don’t have any other skin conditions which exfoliation may irritate.
• Moisturizing: Moisturizer is a great way to show your skin a little TLC. Using a facial moisturizer in the mornings and evenings and putting on lotion after your shower are great ways to get your skin smoother and softer.

Get Regular Screenings

Skin cancer is very common, but it’s also very treatable and preventable. The key to protecting yourself is regular skin cancer screenings. Your dermatologist can help conduct a full-body skin cancer screening and can give you tips on how to spot the warning signs so you can perform regular self-examinations at home. While this is especially important if you spend a lot of time in the sun, sun damage is not the only cause of skin cancer. Screenings are a great resolution for everyone.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

With skin cancer and sun damage prevention in mind, wearing sunscreen (even if it’s cold or cloudy) is a simple resolution that has numerous skin health benefits. After applying sunscreen, it takes a few minutes to absorb. So plan on applying shortly before you go outside. Depending on your level of physical activity and overall time outside (or in the water), you’ll need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

Try Skin Therapies

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your skin, your confidence and self-esteem may suffer. The new year is a great time to schedule laser therapies that could help reduce signs of aging and acne scarring and restore the appearance of smooth, healthy-looking skin.

See a Dermatologist

Seeing a dermatologist regularly is a great way to answer all your questions about skin care, skin health, and beautifying your skin. Your dermatologist can recommend skin-safe moisturizers, sunscreens, and lotions that won’t irritate existing skin conditions. You can even plan cosmetic skin treatments to give your skin a healthy, youthful glow.

The experts at Southeast Dermatology can help patients of all ages meet their skincare goals. Make improving your skin a priority in the new year. Schedule an appointment today.