In 2024, Resolve to Love the Skin You’re In

The dawn of a new year is often coupled with a slew of resolutions, from updated fitness goals to finally prioritizing self-care needs. However well-intentioned we might be, sticking to a newly minted daily, weekly, or monthly schedule can be challenging and leave us feeling exasperated (I, for one, have re-purposed a few of last year’s resolutions to re-commit to.) 

When it comes to self-care goals — the ones that we make about our skin are often the toughest to keep. It seems the older we get, the bigger the climb. 

Our skin is as good as our genetics, but also as good as the care we take of it. It is, after all, our body’s biggest organ. As the years creep by, we must pay more attention to our regimens. For 2024, why not give our epidermis some special love? 

Developing a well-rounded routine can not only fine-tune a person’s appearance, but also add moments of calm to an otherwise busy day. But true beauty lovers (this writer included) know there are many challenges — from regularly washing makeup brushes to wearing sunscreen daily — that require less effort than you might think to resolve.

The real challenge, as with all new endeavors, is just starting. Begin by keeping it simple. Don’t go out and buy 101 products! 

As a rule of thumb:

• Use gentle cleansers in the winter months. 

• Use a mask for special skincare needs. 

• Use a serum to amplify the moisturizer and treat with a little extra TLC because, hey, you deserve it.

Re-evaluate Skincare Needs

Have you updated your skin care regimen lately? Perhaps your skin has changed. Maybe you need to focus on a different problem area. Maybe you just need to adapt it to the current season. Either way, from time to time, examine the different parts of your regimen and ask yourself what each product is bringing to the table. You can consult professionals like South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery – dermal fillers or this med spa in La Mesa, CA on what you can do for your skin. They may suggest procedures like dermal fillers in Las Vegas, NV if needed.

Cleanse Consistently

Cleansing is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine. This year, vow to keep your cleansing routine consistent—you should cleanse every morning before applying your moisturizer and makeup and every evening before bed (you don’t want to wear make-up to bed because it can lead to blocked pores, which can lead to blackheads and breakouts.)  You don’t want to apply moisturizer or makeup on top of dirty skin. 

Avoid soap. A bar of soap is bad news for your skin, because of the residue it leaves behind. This residue can cause dryness or aggravate your skin. Instead, use a liquid, gel, lotion, or cream-based cleanser to wash your face. 

Here are reliable cleansers for every skin type. 

For dry skin

Soothing Cleansing Milk, Dr. Haushcka

For oily or acne-prone skin

Purifying Cleanser, Tata Harper

For hyperpigmentation

Glycolic Renewal Gel Cleanser, Skinceuticals

For sensitive skin

Super Kind Softening Cleanser, Tata Harper

Make Serum Part of Your Routine

If you want enviable, radiant, and healthy skin you envy, face serum needs to be in your routine. These powerful, targeted treatments can go a long way in hydrating and toning your complexion. That’s why using a serum every morning and night is a must in the resolution department. Apply to cleansed skin before moisturizer. 

Here are some serums that deliver:

For hydrating

The Dewy Serum, Tatcha

For oily or acne-prone skin

Strawberry Smooth BHA and AHA Salicylic Acid Serum, Glow Recipe

For discoloration

C.E. Ferulic with 15% L-ascorbic acid, Skinceuticals

For mature skin

Rejuvenating Serum 2.0, Tata Harper

For sensitive skin

Regenerating Skin Nectar w TriHex Technology, Alastin

Try Multi-masking

As we age, our skin goes through changes, and if you have acne-prone skin, you can develop scars or dark spots from pimples. So, stopping breakouts from forming is key. Masks can ward off breakouts, add hydration to dry winter skin, and offer necessary weekly exfoliation. Turn your bathroom into a self-care oasis. Most masks just require taking a time-out for 10 to 20 minutes, and guess what, you could probably use it! Sometimes, we don’t even know how bad we need a few minutes to re-center. Why not take some deep, diaphragm breaths as the mask does its magic and come out with a mind-body and skin reset? Boom. 

Masks that work their magic: 

For dry skin

Skin Recovery Night Mask, Elta MD

For dullness

Mega C-30% Vitamin C Brightening Mask, Kate Somerville

For lost elasticity

Black Tea Overnight Mask, Fresh

For stressed skin

Ultra Repair Oatmeal Mask, First Aid Beauty

For oily or acne-prone skin

Purifying Mask, Tata Harper

For hyperpigmentation

Overnight Brightening Mask, Lancer Skincare

For redness

Vinosource Hydrating Moisturizing Mask, Caudalie

For post-treatment

Signature Nourishing Facial Mask w/ Squalene, Shani Darden Skincare

Avoid Jar Packaging

The most beneficial ingredients for your skin are not stable, which means they won’t be effective if exposed to light and air. Products that contain vitamin C, antioxidants, and retinol, for example, are best kept in packaging that lets in minimal light and air. There is also the issue of hygiene: Dipping your fingers into a jar transfers bacteria from your hands into the product, and this causes the ingredients to further deteriorate. In short, always opt for skincare in pumps or opaque tubes with a small opening.

Wear Sunblock Every Single Day

No matter the time of year — or the weather — apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (in addition to taking other sun protection measures). You can get sunburn even on cloudy days and even if working from home. 

Stay Hydrated!

Water is a great thing, and your skin needs a lot of it. Drink as much as you need throughout the course of the day. Keep a bottle of water with you always.

As you step into all the good things that 2024 has in store, put your best face forward. Try a new regimen, a new product, or a new idea, and see what shines through.