6 Popular New Year’s Resolutions That Are Great for Your Skin
As we prepare to begin a new year, now is the time to soak in the memories from the months behind us and find new inspiration for 2015. Our successes and lessons from the past year are reflected in our smiles, in our laughter, and in our eyes. But perhaps nothing outwardly reflects the sum of our decisions more than our skin. We wear smile lines from fulfillment, damage from stress, and new freckles from time spent in the sun. There is some consolation, though, in knowing that the most popular New Year’s resolutions come with a hidden benefit: better skin.
I’ve put together a list of 6 of the most common resolutions, according to the folks who officially track such information in this country, and their impact on your appearance.
Lose Weight: There’s a reason weight loss clinics are packed in early January. Losing weight may be the most popular of all New Year’s resolutions. There’s no doubt shedding a few pounds can lead to a boost in confidence. But losing weight can also be beneficial to your skin, mostly because of the healthy habits that lead to weight loss, such as diet and exercise (more on those later in this list). A healthy complexion is also complimented by more chiseled features.
Get Fit: Have you ever noticed that your skin looks brighter and more rejuvenated after a workout? Increased blood flow that comes with exercise carries oxygen and nutrients to your skin. It also helps to cleanse your pores by flushing out toxins. What’s more, a study reported by the New York Times found that exercise not only keeps the skin looking younger, but it may also turn back the aging clock for some people who start working out late in life. See you at the gym!
Eat Right: Eating a nutritious and balanced diet is perhaps the best way to get a glowing complexion. If you don’t nourish your body on the inside, it will start to show over time on the outside. Health experts say a diet rich in antioxidants, such as those found in berries and leafy greens, is key to achieving healthy-looking skin. Also look for foods that are packed with essential fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flax seed.
Quit Smoking: From under-eye bags to premature aging and wrinkles, smoking is damaging to our skin because it disrupts the blood supply that keeps it from looking youthful. The habit is also, of course, bad for your overall health, so quitting is one of the best decisions you can make. You’ll feel better on the inside and look better on the outside!
Manage Stress: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the mind matters when it comes to your skin! Stress has been known to worsen certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and rosacea. It can also trigger fever blisters, hives, and acne. The AAD points out that when you are stressed, you are more likely to neglect your skin care routine. Whether you exercise, meditate, or visit the spa, find out what helps you unwind.
Drink Less Alcohol: The holidays are a time for celebrating, and that often means enjoying a cocktail or 2. After the holidays, be sure to give your body a rest. Alcohol causes blood vessels in our face to dilate, sometimes permanently, leading to spider veins and redness. It is also robs the skin of essential nutrients that keep us looking young and vibrant. As an eye-opening study in the UK found, it can take weeks to see improvements after cutting out or reducing alcohol intake!
As a skin care specialist in Albuquerque, I am always interested to hear about the New Year’s resolutions of my patients. If you are resolving to get healthier skin, then I invite you to request a consultation at AlluraDerm Med Spa, and I’ll help you get back on the right track. In the meantime, I wish you the very best in 2015.
