Many of us make resolutions once the yearly calendar flips to a new number, but perhaps the real promises we should be making to ourselves involve our skincare regime. To find out the 5 things to incorporate into your 2017 routine to ensure you look your best and that your skin never reflects your stress level, age or occasional indulgence, we turned to dermatologist Dr. Michael Kassardjian. Read on for the five skin resolutions to start ASAP. It’s never too early or too late to take care of your body’s largest organ.
1. Repair Your Skin Via Retinoids and Vitamin C
“Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are the gold standard in reducing signs of aging. They minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help improve signs of hyperpigmentation, enhance the skin’s thickness and elasticity and slow the breakdown of collagen to keep your skin firm. And Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant that helps reduce UV-induced damage to the skin from free radicals. These free radicals can break down collagen and cause premature wrinkles. Vitamin C acts as a skin protectant that can delay early signs of aging, and when applied to skin it can help give you that glow.”
2. Hydrate Your Skin Using Hyaluronic Acid
“Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring humectant in the skin that has an incredible ability to retain water and moisturize skin. As we age, we lose our natural hyaluronic acid leaving our skin more dry, exacerbating the appearance of wrinkles—especially during these colder months. Adding a hyaluronic serum to your skin regimen can help replenish your HA supply, moisturize skin and reduce signs of aging.”
3. Exfoliate Your Skin Via Alpha Hydorxy Acids (AHAs)
“AHAs are a group of nontoxic organic carboxylic compounds naturally found in foods. Common ingredients found in AHA skin products include glycol acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid. AHAs help exfoliate skin and are used in the treatment of acne and hyperpigmentation. They also reduce the appearance of photoaging by giving your skin a healthier, brighter appearance.”
4. Feed Your Skin With The Right Foods
“For healthy skin, the foods you put into your body are as important as the products you put on it. Omega 3s help prevent damage to the skin by reducing the production of inflammatory agents, which are involved in the aging process. Good sources of Omega 3 include salmon, walnuts and flaxseed.
Carotenoids are derivatives of vitamin A and have several anti-aging benefits and help your overall complexion by reducing dry, flaky skin and helping to maintain and repair skin. Good sources of Vitamin A include carrots, leafy greens and eggs.
Vitamin C is essential in collagen production and has significant antioxidant properties that rejuvenate and brighten skin. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, blueberries and broccoli.
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps reduce damage from free radicals and has anti-inflammatory effects. It also helps fight off wrinkles and premature aging and has a natural moisturizing effect on the skin. Good sources of vitamin E are almonds, avocados, and tomatoes.
Green tea contains potent antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects. It has also been shown to offer protection from sun damage and even helps reverse UV-induced damage.
And finally, caffeine contains strong antioxidant properties that can give your skin a boost. The anti-inflammatory effects of caffeine help with redness, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.”
5. Protect Your Skin
“This should come as no surprise but sunscreen should be incorporated into any daily skincare routine. Cumulative sun damage can be significantly reduced by the regular use of sunscreen. Additionally, make sure to get an annual skin exam by a dermatologist to check for any atypical moles or signs of skin cancer—prevention is key.”
