4 New Year Resolutions Your Derm Wants You To Make For Your Skin

Wear Sunscreen Every Day (Even Indoors)

Dermatologists would shout this one from the rooftops every day if they could — it’s simply that important. Just ask Dr. Shari Marchbein, who says: “Sun damage happens 365 days of the year, even in the winter and even if you’re indoors because UVA rays can travel through windows, so wearing at least a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning should be the most essential part of your routine for healthy skin.”

Well, you heard the expert. A few of Marchbein’s sunscreen recommendations include Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 — a featherlight option that’s great for anyone with oily and combination skin; Aveeno’s Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50; a physical formula designed for reaction-prone skin; and EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46, which is lauded by experts and beauty editors alike. Additionally, Image Skin Care’s Prevention+ Daily Tinted Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 30 is an excellent option for anyone who likes a little coverage in their sun care.

Wash Your Face At Least Once A Day

Another step that derms advise never skipping? Cleansing, of course, as it’s the only way to remove buildup and bacteria that accumulate on your skin throughout the day. Additionally, cleansing can help to wake the skin up in the AM, giving it an overall fresher and brighter appearance due to the light exfoliation from washing.

“Twice daily, wash your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser,” says Marchbein, whose must-haves include three fan favorites: Neutrogena’s Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser, and Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser, all of which are made with hydrating ingredients that boost moisture so the skin is never left feeling tight or irritated. For the evening, however, iS Clinicals Cleansing Complexion is stellar as it contains salicylic acid to gently remove excess dead skin, as well as antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and A.

Protect Your Skin From Environmental Stressors

Similar to the sun, environmental factors like pollution and free radicals can break down skin cells and cause damage that shows up in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, crepiness, sagging, and so on. To shield the skin from said damage, Dr. Pooja Sodha suggests using a topical antioxidant in the mornings before slathering on your sunscreen. “Extrinsic factors such as environmental pollution induce stress on skin cells, and topical antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and niacinamide or vitamin B3, help to neutralize and delay these aging insults on the skin,” she explains. CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is an amazing option as it also contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid that soothe the skin, as is Obagi’s Professional 10% Vitamin C Serum because it’s gentle enough to use even on sensitive complexions. Another great go-to is iS Clinical’s Poly-Vitamin Serum, as it’s jam-packed with several antioxidants — including vitamins B5, B3, E, and A.

Establish A Nightly Repair Regimen

Your skin regenerates and works to heal itself overnight while you sleep, which is why it’s the most important time to show your complexion some love. “While we may not be putting on as much makeup or going out as often, still be sure to wash your face at night with a gentle cleanser and institute a nightly repair regimen, including an anti-aging vitamin A serum and a moisturizer,” says Sodha. “A good moisturizer combats overnight water loss from the skin, so look for ingredients that keep moisture in place, like ceramides and essential fatty acids.”

As far as night creams go, Sodha and Marchbein both recommend Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, as well as EltaMD’s PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer, which contains a nourishing blend of vitamins B3 and E, along with linoleic acid, which is another potent antioxidant that staves off signs of aging.