Five 2020 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Skin

Happy New Year!

Many people like to start the New Year with a health-related resolution– usually something along the lines of: get more active, lose weight, or join a gym. These are great ideas for kicking off a healthier new year, but there’s one thing missing… your skin!

Arizona Dermatology would like you to make 2020 the year of better skin care. Here are five resolutions you can adopt for healthier, younger-looking skin in 2020 and beyond!

  1. Get a skin check. Most resolutions are something you have to work towards every day, but this one is easy! In one phone call you can make an appointment at Arizona Dermatology for an annual skin check. One of our doctors will make a thorough examination of your skin, looking for skin cancer, precancerous cells, or problematic moles. What better way to start a new year than with confidence in your skin health?
  2. Use sunscreen daily. Let’s make 2020 the year you reject the myth that sunscreen is only for beach days and summertime pool parties. No matter what time of year, our daily comings and goings outdoors subject us to damaging UV rays that not only cause skin cancer, but also age us. And sunscreens come in such a wide array of options these days, you’ll hardly notice your routine has changed. In fact, this resolution could be as simple as switching out your makeup or moisturizer for one that includes sunscreen as an added ingredient!
  3. Moisturize. Hydrated skin is healthy skin, and healthy skin is younger-looking skin. If you have not been moisturizing on a regular basis, you are missing an opportunity to keep your skin smooth, supple, and strong. While the market for skin care products can be overwhelming, know that the less expensive products may be just as effective. Our recommendation: after showering, use a paraban- and fragrance-free body moisturizer like Cetaphil. For the face, choose a non-comedogenic brand that you can afford or talk to your dermatologist about the best option for your individual needs. Bonus points if your daily moisturizer has sunscreen in it!
  4. Drink more water. Dehydration can take a toll on your skin, resulting in drying, cracking, under eye circles and even acne. Water allows the digestive system to flush out toxins that affect your complexion and hydrates the skin from the inside out, reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. So dump the sodas, teas and juices, and opt for eight, 8-ounce glasses of simple, refreshing water per day– more if you are working out or sweating. Craving some flavor? Toss a couple pieces of cucumber or fruit into a reusable bottle and refill it throughout the day. Your skin will thank you for it!
  5. Eat more antioxidants. Free radicals are charged particles that, in high levels, cause oxidative damage to cells and age the skin and body. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, bringing the body back into a healthy balance. By eating foods rich in antioxidants, you’ll be strengthening your skin on a cellular level. Some foods with the highest levels of anti-aging antioxidants include dark green vegetables, sweet potatoes, berries, grapes, walnuts, and pomegranates. Include one of these in your diet every day for a tasty resolution that will nourish your skin as well as the rest of your body.

From all of us at Arizona Dermatology, have a very happy and healthy New Year!

 

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