Reviewing your skincare regimen and determining how your habits are assisting (or hindering) your skin is the ideal thing to do at the start of a new year. It’s simple to make resolutions on January 1st, but far more difficult to keep them throughout the year.

According to Heather Richmond, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Houston Dermatology and Laser Surgery Centre, change is never simple, but consistency is essential, particularly when it comes to skin care. She advises against expecting immediate effects, particularly when it comes to minimizing the indications of aging, but regular usage of a high-quality skin care regimen will make a significant difference in the long run.

Retinoids, as an illustration: Harvard Medical School claims that they help minimize small lines and wrinkles, but it may take up to six months of consistent use before you start to see results. Therefore, for the best outcomes, set a resolution today and intend to keep to it.

In that regard, the top skin-care resolutions suggested by five board-certified dermatologists are as follows:

1. Do use sunscreen daily and during all seasons.

Although sunscreen may appear simple, it is your most powerful skin-care tool. Sunscreen, according to Cheryl Burgess, MD, founder and head of the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Washington, DC, is the best anti-aging product.

The advantages go beyond aesthetics. According to Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist from Sanova Dermatology in Old Metairie, Louisiana, “it has been demonstrated that regular usage of sunscreen has the best benefit in preventing accelerated aging and skin malignancies.” “I would love for everyone to commit to including wearing sunscreen in their morning ritual every day.”

In addition to looking for a moisturizer with SPF, she advises using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, broad spectrum means the sunscreen will protect against the damaging effects of UVA radiation, which cause sunburn, and UVB rays, which cause premature skin aging.

Even blue light from our laptops and other electronic gadgets has a detrimental effect on our skin, according to research. If you’ve read this far and think you’re exempt because you aren’t outside in the winter, reconsider. One tiny study, for instance, discovered a connection between exposure to blue light and the generation of free radicals, which are connected to early aging of the skin.

Not to add that UVA radiation can hurt your skin even through windows, such as when you’re in a car or working indoors with natural light, as the Skin Cancer Foundation points out. Dr. Burgess claims, “Sunscreen is now 24/7.”

2. Don’t go to bed wearing makeup

According to Burgess, sleeping with makeup on can lead to a variety of skin problems, such as clogged pores, breakouts, and extremely dry lips. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, there is also a possibility that it could cause serious harm to your eyes. Many people have the terrible habit of doing that, according to Burgess. Fortunately, this method is easy: Before you lay your head on the pillow, wash your face. You’ll need a solvent-based makeup remover if you’re wearing oil-based concealer; Burgess suggests foamy cleansers because they can emulsify most foundations and lipstick. However, because the area around the eyes is particularly sensitive, be sure to use a mild cleaner.

3. Protect your skin from the winter

According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and the head of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, winter is possibly the most difficult season for your skin. He advises people to make a commitment to using more skin-care products in the winter because wind, low humidity, and cold temperatures are harsh on the skin’s outer layer.

In order to avoid dehydrating the skin, look for products that have moisturizing components like glycerin and ammonium lactate, advises Burgess. He suggests AmLactin Daily Moisturising Lotion from the drugstore as a less expensive option. Generic ammonium lactate, which normally costs less than $20 for a jar, is another option. The American Academy of Dermatology advises choosing a cream or ointment over a lotion, which often comes in tubes or tubs (AAD). Burgess advises a HydraFacial procedure since it can moisturize skin in the winter.

4. Do not use indoor sunbeds

Although research has shown that indoor tanning significantly increases the risk of melanoma, a report published in Current Oncology in November 2022 revealed that more than one-third of Americans have used indoor tanning devices. These numbers have declined since their peak, but the United States, unlike Brazil and Australia, has not yet banned sunbeds, notes the Skin Cancer Foundation. Both Dr. Richmond and Dr. Turegano believe that indoor tanning devices are an absolute no-no, and Turegano expects tanning beds to be banned by 2022.

5. Delete any unused or expired goods.

It’s common for individuals to organize their homes in the new year, so if your skin care shelves are out of control, it could be time to get rid of them.

Turegano may identify: “My bathroom cupboard has turned into a junkyard with various half-filled containers of skin care products, many of which are probably expired. I like to try as many items as I can to see whether they’re recommended. This gives skin care a daunting appearance.

You’ve decided to apply the KonMari method to edit and arrange your skin care supplies as part of your personal skin care resolution.

Not sure where to start? Check the expiration date on all your skin care products and commit to throwing out anything that has expired. Throw out anything that irritates your skin, too. Then try to streamline even more, says Turegano. “If you have two hyaluronic acid products, you probably don’t need both. If you have the same type of product, look for one that has a higher percentage of active ingredient.”

6. Don’t shave your skin when you’re stressed.

Pulled-out skin can lead to infections and scarring, and it’s a habit Turegano wants people to give up in the new year. He points out that many people wax their skin to relieve stress. Turegano suggests that people find other stress-relieving alternatives to waxing in 2022, such as bubble wrap, aerobic exercise and facials recommended by the TLC TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors.

7. Keep your routine simple and consistent.

Dr. Zeichner states, “I wish people would abandon their multi-step regimens in favor of simpler skin care procedures. “More is not better and can only cause problems. A simple and effective skin care routine is always better than excessive exfoliation and product application.

A sunscreen, cleanser and moisturizer are three basic things that make a difference, according to Turegano.

8. Avoid smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 40 million smokers in the country. In addition, the category of “smokers” is growing due to the popularity of marijuana for recreational use: the highest percentage of adults who report smoking cannabis is 12%, according to a 2021 Gallup poll.

Burgess points out that smoking affects the complexion, making it appear dry, dull or reddish, regardless of whether tobacco cigarettes or marijuana joints are smoked. Burgess advises staying away from smoke at all costs, which for cannabis users may mean consuming edibles rather than abstaining from THC.

The American Lung Association offers a Freedom From Smoking program that includes interactive online features and group clinics, while the CDC provides information and services to assist you in quitting smoking in the new year.

9. Don’t forget to include retinol and vitamin C in your program.

If you are happy with your skin care right now, you can always improve it by adding more targeted products. According to Richmond, Burgess and Zeichner, skin can benefit from a vitamin C serum and sunscreen in the morning and retinol at night. Retinol is a milder form of topical retinoid derived from vitamin A, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Products containing retinol are available over-the-counter, while those containing retinoids usually require a prescription).

Burgess explains that vitamin C is an antioxidant, that is, a supplement that fights oxidative processes, aging and environmental damage. According to her, it is beneficial to apply it under a sunscreen because it has two functions: it protects against the sun’s rays and reduces the visibility of some pigmentation or sun spots.

According to Richmond, retinoids are best at reducing the outward signs of aging. Richmond has set out to increase his retinol dosage.

10. Avoid over-exfoliating.

You can improve your current routine by including new active ingredients; just be sure to introduce them gradually and pay attention to how your skin responds. Retinol, an exfoliant, can be particularly helpful, but in their case, less is usually more. Concerningly, excessive exfoliation might be uncomfortable, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.

According to Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego and the founder of Art of Skin MD, “Retinols, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and other exfoliating actives can be extremely beneficial for your skincare routine, but overdoing it on exfoliation can compromise your skin barrier, which can lead to inflammation, dryness, bumps, rashes, or even scarring.”

Dr. Palm advises beginning slowly when incorporating new exfoliants into your routine. There’s no need to go in headfirst; your tolerance for chemical exfoliants can be built up gradually over time. According to Palm, it’s crucial to avoid exfoliating on the days you shave, wax, or thread.

Palm suggests using a gommage, which is a gentler kind of exfoliant, for people who are new to it. The greatest aspects of physical and chemical exfoliation are combined in a cream or paste that gently removes dead skin cells to produce smooth skin. According to the AAD, how frequently you should exfoliate depends on your skin type and exfoliation technique, with more vigorous treatments typically requiring less frequent application.