New year, new you right? If you’re like most people, you’ve abandoned the resolutions you set for the year by the 18th of January. And who can blame you? It’s hard to change habits or stick to goals that differ from the previous routines you’ve set for yourself over the years.
Most of the time, resolutions fail because they are too drastic or too different from the norm you are used to. It’s easy to abandon your goal of “I want to lose 10 pounds!” when after 3 weeks of daily weigh-ins you haven’t lost any LBs. If you were to instead set the goal of “I want to decrease my sugar intake by limiting/eliminating creamer in my coffee during weekdays,” it’s a lot easier to stick to!
For those with skincare #goals, you may be tempted to make a resolution along the lines of “I want to totally revamp my skincare routine.” While it can be done (and more power to ya if you can!) we want to share a few simple skincare tips that you gorgeous gorgeous girls can easily add to your routine that will make a noticeable difference.
Five Ridiculously Easy Skincare Tips to Add to Your Routine
Skincare Tip #1: Use Sun Protection
There may be frigid temps in your neck of the woods, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t protect your skin from one of the most damaging elements (in terms of your skin) – the sun. Whether it’s a bright shiny day or even overcast, the sun can still wreck havoc on your skin if you fail to protect it over time. Because of this, it’s important to apply a product with an SPF of at least 30 or higher to your face anytime you go outside, drive, or even work from home if you are working next to a window! Additionally, opt for a hat (bucket hats and beanies are still in style people!) when you go on your next hot girl walk.
Skincare Tip #2: Moisturize!
This simple tip can lead to game-changing effects for your skin, especially during winter months when your skin tends to be drier than normal. Moisturizer essentially acts as a barrier between your skin and the winter elements. It also hydrates your skin and aids in its ability to retain water.
So when should you moisturize? We suggest twice a day (morning and night) and after you’ve taken a shower or washed your face. Note: Exfoliating can help but is not necessary.
Add this step to your routine by applying a small amount of moisturizer with hyaluronic acid onto your face after you’ve washed it. Simply rub into your skin until most has been absorbed – and wala! You’re one step closer to getting a nice facial glow that will hopefully help with any irritation and dryness you may experience during the winter months. And if you don’t want to hit the drugstore to buy moisturizer, feel free to try out aloe vera, aloe vera gel, or, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous – milk, which has anti-inflammatory properties. And if the thought of putting any sort of gel or product that has come from a cow weirds you out, pick up a moisturizer or moisturizing mask from the store and apply to your face before bed.
Skincare Tip #3: Drink More Water
You’ve probably heard this advice many times before, but you may not have known that one of the benefits of drinking more water is that it leads to a better complexion. Start your day hydrated by having a glass of water on your nightstand and drinking it as soon as you wake up. Then continue to drink water throughout the day by bringing a cute reusable water bottle with you to the office or as you’re out and about running errands. Pro tip: keep an extra water bottle in your car in case you forget it from the last place you came from!
And if chugging water doesn’t come easy for you, might we suggest one of these tips:
- Drink through a straw (makes it easier for some reason!)
- Add lemon or other fruit to your water for a bit of flavor
- Try sparkling water – it still counts!
Eating healthy and limiting alcohol intake will also do wonders for your skin – but let’s just take it one step at a time, eh?
Skincare Tip #4: Only Use Quality Products
Make sure that whatever products you decide to put on that gorgeous face are made with high-quality products. A few products you should probably stay away from to protect your precious skin include alcohol-based makeup, flavored lipsticks, and any product with added fragrance. Read your labels!
Rest assured that all Skindinavia products use highly effective, safe ingredients and a minimal spa-like fragrance. You can read more about how Allen Goldman started the company with this in mind here.
Trying to ball on a budget? We’ve all been there hun! It’s fine in the meantime to look for as many 2-for-1 products as possible, such as a tinted moisturizer, which combines your daytime moisturizer with a foundation for smooth coverage.
And when you have more $$ to invest in products? This guide from Byrdie gives you a go-to list of all the products you need to build your makeup collection.
Skincare Tip #5: Stress Less Babe!
I know, I know – so much easier said than done, right? We all have plenty of things to be stressing out about – especially after many of us enjoyed some extended time off over the holidays. The new year often means new projects and deadlines at work, which can lead to long hours and added stress. Not to mention it’s cold out, the days are shorter, and let’s be honest – there’s not a whole lot to be excited about in the month of January.
Stress can lead to breakouts or irritated skin, so try and focus on doing a few things each week to offset any stressors and relax. Read a book, take a bubble bath, go to a yoga/meditation class, or get a pedicure! One thing I’ve found that is super helpful is starting my day with a list of 5 things I need to accomplish along with 5 things I’m thankful for. Beginning my morning with a grateful mindset and a few goals makes me less stressed when little things pop up.
You’re life may not be all sunshine and rainbows currently, but we all have at least a few things to be thankful for! We hope your new year is off to an amazing start and that you can incorporate these five simple tricks into your daily routine.