New Year, New Skin: Seven Habits for Healthy Skin in 2024

Statistics tell us that 80% of those who make New Year’s resolutions in January fail by the second week of February.

That’s why James Clear, author of the bestselling book ‘Atomic Habits’, says rather than relying on the motivation that comes with the start of a new year, it’s better to focus on habit formation, consistency, and small changes.

Clear says that habits are the building blocks of meaningful change, and that by addressing habits, one can make more lasting and positive transformations.

If your resolution this year is to achieve and maintain healthy skin, we recommend that you build these seven habits into your daily life.

And remember that consistency in making small changes will, over time, reap big results.

Habit #1: Daily Cleansing Routine
Develop a habit of cleansing your face twice daily: upon waking and before going to bed. Using a gentle cleanser for your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and impurities prevents breakouts and promotes a clear complexion.

Habit #2: Hydration Habits
Practice a habit of drinking enough water to keep your skin hydrated from within. Experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water each day to help maintain skin elasticity and as well as to promote a healthy glow.

Habit #3: Sun Protection
Build a habit of keeping broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 with you. Apply the sunscreen to unprotected skin before going outdoors. This helps prevent premature aging, reduces the risk of skin cancer, and protects your skin from harmful UV rays.

Habit #4: Regular Exfoliation
The challenge with developing a habit of consistent exfoliation is that it’s not one you should do every day. Depending on your skin type, you’ll want to exfoliate 1-4 times per week. Overdoing it can cause redness, irritation, and dryness. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. You can do this with a gentle exfoliating scrub or by using products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), depending on your skin type.

Habit #5: Healthy Diet
Create a habit of maintaining a nutritious and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can contribute to a radiant complexion and support overall skin health.

Habit #6: Adequate Sleep
There’s little doubt that you’re getting some sleep each day. But for skin repair and regeneration, you must get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This helps reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.

Habit #7: Consistent Skincare Products
Finally, develop the habit of consistently using products that are suitable for your skin type. This includes:
• A moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated
• An eye cream for the delicate eye area
• And any additional products recommended by your dermatologist for specific concerns.

In Conclusion
While it’s true that most face setbacks or abandon their New Year’s resolutions altogether, it’s also true that some do make positive changes when it comes to areas like developing a healthy skin regimen.

Creating routines and keeping a sufficient supply of water, nutritious foods, and skin care products with you can go a long way in helping you achieve your goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy skin regimen for 2024.

If you have questions about your skin health or would like to schedule your annual skin screen exam, please give us a call at: 601.992.3996.