The Best New Year’s Resolutions for Healthy Skin
While most states are bundling up for winter, Florida residents are lucky enough to be able to enjoy the sun year-round. But, unfortunately, this long-term exposure to the sun’s UV rays can have its downsides, particularly on maintaining healthy skin.
New Year’s resolutions are usually all about our physical health, from getting a new gym membership to eating more fruits and vegetables. So this year, why don’t we make New Year’s resolutions to start prioritizing our skin health? Some of the best resolutions you can make to revitalize your skin include:
Wear SPF Every Day
The best resolution you can make for your skin is to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every single day. UV rays are highly damaging to the skin and are able to reflect off of most surfaces, from sand and water to concrete and snow. In Florida, where UV rays are among the strongest in America, it is especially important to maintain this crucial skincare habit.
Academic Alliance in Dermatology (AAD) carries an array of medical-grade physical sunscreens to protect our patients from skin-damaging UV rays.
Wash Your Face Every Night
Similar to how every morning you should apply SPF, every night you should cleanse your face of any dirt, oil, or other external pollutants that may have accumulated throughout the day. If you go to sleep without washing your face, your pores may become clogged, leading to inflammation and breakouts.
Cancel Your Tanning Bed Subscription
Indoor tanning beds are considered carcinogenic devices to humans, meaning they are classified in the highest capacity to cause cancer. In fact, your chances of developing melanoma increase by 75% if you begin using tanning beds before the age of 35. Not only are tanning beds highly carcinogenic, but they also cause your skin to lose its elasticity, which can lead to premature aging.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is another substance considered carcinogenic to humans but is more often associated with conditions affecting the lungs. However, did you know that smoking can also dry out your skin, leading to acne, cold sores, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging? Smoking does so because the nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to shrink, inhibiting oxygen flow to the skin. With less oxygen, the skin receives fewer nutrients, creating the appearance of dull and lifeless skin.
Drink More Water
Not only is drinking water beneficial for your skin, but it is also valuable for your overall health. Water is critical for healthy skin due to its ability to flush out harmful toxins and impurities that build up in our bodies. If you do not drink an adequate amount of water, these unfavorable substances can accumulate in your skin cells.
Stop Popping Your Pimples
Although it can be tempting to pick at blackheads and whiteheads, popping these pimples can wreak havoc on your skin. By picking at these spots, you can push bacteria deeper into the skin, causing swelling, redness, and sometimes permanent scarring.
Visit a Dermatologist at Least Once a Year
Typically, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist at least once a year to monitor for any early signs of skin cancer. However, for people at high risk of developing skin cancer, you should see a dermatologist more than once a year. Since many Florida residents are exposed to UV rays at a higher rate than most Americans, AAD urges our patients to come in for a skin cancer screening at least twice a year.
Contact Academic Alliance of Dermatology
At AAD, not only do we provide annual skin checks, but we are also able to recommend skincare products ideal for your individual skin type. By using the right skin products and making these New Year’s resolutions, you can have healthy skin in 2022! To learn more about ways that you can focus on your skin health in 2022, schedule your appointment with us today!
