Since middle school, I have made it a resolution to have clear skin every year. Now that I’m in my mid-20s, I understand a few things. First, this is not something I can track and control so it’s impossible to reach that goal. But I also realize that I’ve been hoping and dreaming for clear skin for years, and this year, it’s just not my top priority.
Don’t get me wrong, every time I wake up with a new zit, I get a bit frustrated. But overall, I’d rather have really healthy skin than just focus all of my energy on getting rid of acne. Instead, I’m focusing on my skin as a whole, including my scalp and body, by experimenting with new products and incorporating hacks that will make my routine the most successful.
As annoying as they are, resolutions are all about making us better—so it makes sense to incorporate a few of them if bright, glowing, healthy skin is on your 2022 wishlist. TBH, I think these are the resolutions I’m most likely to keep.
1. Take everything down from my neck
2021 was the year that I began to notice the effects of constantly looking at my phone and computer, especially on my neck. At the ripe age of 25, my neck has creases that I’m not so fond of, and I’m vowing to do what I can to cap them where they are. For the time being, I’m not investing in any specific neck creams, but I’m making sure to take all of my daily skincare down my neck (except for retinol, which is too harsh for me). I have a habit of hoarding and savoring every last drop of my beauty products, so I’ve avoided using pretty much anything on my neck until recently. This year, I’m going full steam ahead.
2. Remove my makeup after dinner
Consistency is the most important part of your skincare regimen. You could use the most expensive, dermatologist-approved products, but if you’re not using them on a consistent basis, you won’t see results. My habit of going to bed with my makeup on has been nipped in 2021. However, there are times when I feel the need to sleep more than my skincare routine. And if there’s one thing that requires consistency from me, it’s makeup removal.
Let me tell you that when I don’t remove my makeup, my skin hates me. My skin is prone to cystic, deep acne that takes weeks to heal. I’d rather avoid this. A recent hack that I’m hoping to continue through this year is taking my makeup off immediately after I eat dinner. I won’t always do my full routine then, but at least having a clean face before I get caught up in a TV show or book and can’t peel myself out of bed will make a difference.
3. Experiment with new ingredients
We all know and love our favourites: hyaluronic Acid, retinol, and AHAs. But what about all the rest? I focused last year on simplifying my skincare routine, and balancing my skin. Now, I’m finally ready to experiment with new products and add a few steps into my routine here and there.
If you’re adding new products, always add them in one at a time so you can track progress and make note of any adverse reactions (The worst feeling is trying to figure out which of your brand new lovely serums is the one breaking you out.).
Wldkat
Ginger + Kombucha Bubbling Body Tonic
Don’t be fooled by the term “tonic”. The combination of kombucha root extract and ginger root extract makes this toner/serum a toner/serum that leaves skin soft, hydrated, and bright.
Herbivore Botanicals
Cloud Jelly Plumping Hydration Cream
Tremella mushroom is an alternative to hyaluronic acids serums that leave a sticky feeling on your skin. It feels light and has great plumping, hydrating and moisturizing potential.
4. My body is just as important as my face.
Especially when we’re all bundled up, it’s easy to forget about the skin on your body. But you only get one, so it’s just as important to keep your body moisturized and healthy as your face. Taking the time to give my body some extra love is also an act of self-care that I’d like to incorporate into my wellness routine going forward.
A really good body wash, a non-tacky body lotion, and an exfoliator round out my list, but as I continue to make it a habit, I’m willing to invest in products that will achieve good results. Here I come, soft skin and shorts season.
Bioderma
Atoderm Cleansing oil
I can guarantee you that a cleansing oil will transform your life. It will make your skin feel soft and smooth in just one shower. It completely cleans and removes dirt, oil and grime.
Soft Services
Calming Gel Exfoliant
It’s a great option for your skin to remove texture, breakouts and dark spots. This one is gentle and has shown great results with my dark spots.
Kiehl’s
Creme de Corps Body Moisturizer
Everyone needs a moisturizer. Keep this in your shower and apply it as soon you get out. It won’t make you sticky, we promise.
5. Incorporate toner
I was using toner for a very long time and didn’t know what it was doing. When I simplified my skincare routine, I removed this step. Why use something that feels like it’s doing nothing? Since then, I’ve discovered there are toners out there for my skin type and goals that can help improve moisture levels and add glow.
Versed
Baby Cheeks All in One Hydrating Milk
This unique product does more than remove makeup. It also leaves skin super-hydrated and eliminates any hard water residue left over from washing.
Elta MD
Skin Recovery Essence Toner
This is the product to use when your skin seems dry. It’s gentle and hydrating and contains three amino acid that help build peptides, proteins and promote healthy skin.
Rosen
Tropics Toner
This is great for boosting glow, exfoliating, and renewing your skin if you don’t use any other acids.
6. Schedule my skincare
When you’re using a full nighttime routine, it can get frustrating to figure out when to do your treatments. If I use retinol every single day, when do I add my AHA/BHA/BHA mask? When should I use my clay face mask? Can I use this product with the product? It’s beyond confusing. This year, I’m putting a schedule into place for when I use my products. Whether it’s scheduling doing a facial steam and clay mask in my planner or following a MWF / TuTh scenario, I’m making sure I use my products without compromising my skin’s health and moisture.
Make sure you know which products are safe to combine and to follow the correct order to achieve maximum skincare effectiveness.
7. Treat my scalp like skin
My scalp is desperate after months of using dry shampoo once a week on my hair. Not to mention the effects the cold, winter air is already having on my hair, I’m experiencing dryness, itchiness, dandruff, breakouts, and more all along my hairline and scalp. Instead of focusing so much on my split ends this year and the style of my hair, I’m putting health at the forefront, starting with my scalp. I’m putting just as much effort into my scalp as I do my skin this year, including incorporating a full routine with just a few products that target dryness and irritation.
Briogeo
Scalp Revival Charcoal + Scalp Treatment for Tea Trees
Tea tree oil and witchhazel reduce irritation and leave scalp feeling softened and moisturized. It can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment, or after you shower to treat your scalp.
Lazartigue
Stronger Hair Serum
Your scalp is the first place to start for hair that won’t fall or split. Apply the serum every day to your scalp and you will be shocked at the results in three months.
Kristin Ess
Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
Your scalp is asking for a detox after you have used dry shampoo, leave in products, and many other products. This will eliminate all buildup and gunk, and give you tons more volume.
Source: The Every Girl
