The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions has been a thing for thousands of years, so why stop now? According to research, the best way to make sure you achieve your intentions is to make them specific and tangible. So instead of BIG New Year’s resolutions, we’re breaking them down into smaller, more achievable goals. Here’s to fresh starts and new chances.
In 2020, I will…
1. Always Remove My Makeup Before Going to Bed
Because science has shown:
While you sleep, your skin repairs and renews itself by boosting blood flow to the surface and making new collagen. That is, if your pores aren’t clogged and your skin can breathe. Build-up—from excess oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and makeup—is essentially an invitation to acne and accelerated ageing. Yikes! So, what do you say? Let your girl Mother Nature do her thing by always washing your face before bed. Go team!
Expert tip:
Keep cleansing wipes on your nightstand. While the bare minimum, they’re perfectly acceptable as long as you don’t make a habit of it.
Shop our 2020 picks for cleansing wipes.
2. Moisturise My Body Every Day
Because science has shown:
While it’s true that drinking water helps hydrate your skin, taking a bath, showering, and swimming can actually have the opposite effect. This is because hot water strips your skin of its natural oils. The same can be said for chlorine.
Expert tip:
We recommend applying body lotion once a day, ideally while your skin is clean and still damp. This helps to lock in moisture.
Shop our 2020 picks for body lotion.
3.Mask At Least Once a Week
Because science has shown:
Do you feel an afterglow after masking? Whether you’re a fan of mud, clay, or sheet—there’s no denying that face masks do wonders for your skin. What’s their secret? They’re designed to draw out impurities from—and deposit high concentrations of active ingredients to—below the surface layer of your skin. What’s more, other skincare products tend to work better if you incorporate a mask into your beauty ritual.
Expert tip:
Give your skin an indulgent boost by masking once a week.
4.Add a Neck Skincare Routine
Because science has shown:
Your neck skin is more prone to wrinkling because it’s thinner and more delicate than the other parts of your body. It also has fewer sebaceous glands than your face. Sebum production is good for your skin because it helps maintain flexibility.
Expert tip:
It’s safe to extend your face skincare routine—as long as it’s gentle—to your décolletage (or neck and chest area). Alternatively, keep your neck skin in optimal condition by investing in a neck cream.
Shop our 2020 picks for neck creams.
5.Give My Hands Some TLC
Because science has shown:
Your hands are regularly exposed to the sun, as well as frequent handwashing. They’re also one of the first areas to start displaying signs of ageing.
Expert tip:
Most hand creams are formulated to be absorbed immediately without leaving behind a greasy residue. That way, you can use them multiple times a day to replenish, protect, and offset the signs of ageing.
Shop our 2020 picks for hand creams.
6.Wear Sunscreen Every Day (not just in summer)
Because science has shown:
It’s a myth that sweater weather—think grey skies and cloud cover—negates the need to wear sunscreen. Unfortunately, UV rays from the sun are always present—come rain or shine.
Expert tip:
Make sunscreen a daily habit. Use a sun cream that contains mineral blockers and apply it after your moisturiser and before your makeup.
7.Get Curious About Cruelty-Free
Because science has shown:
The world is going cruelty-free and more and more beauty companies are swearing off animal testing. Whether the ethical treatment of animals is a cause close to your heart or not, we believe that every little bit really does count.
Expert tip:
Go at your own pace and do simple things to make a difference.
Shop our 2020 picks for cruelty-free products.
8.Become an Eco-Conscious Consumer
Because science has shown:
Caring about the future of the planet is more important than ever. Research shows that eco-friendly products are also likely to be better for your health.
Expert tip:
You have the ability to save the world—and your skin. Join the sustainable movement and make eco-friendly brand choices. After you finish a product, why not repurpose the bottle or jar to reduce the amount of waste you create?
9.Try New Treatments
Because science has shown:
There are so many benefits to doing new things—including getting to know yourself better and stimulating creativity. Why not start by stepping out of your beauty comfort zone?
Expert tip:
Don’t get stuck in a skin rut. Mix it up with our 6 treatments to take your skincare routine to the next level.
10.Invest Wisely
Because science has shown:
Your skin is going to represent you for a very long time. Which is why good skincare products are an investment, not an expense. Plus, research shows that treating yourself is good for your mental health!
Expert tip:
Your future self will thank you for having regular skin treatments and caring for your skin by using quality skincare products.
11. Get An Expert’s Opinion
Because science has shown:
It’s easy to feel lost when trying to navigate the realm of skincare products. Remember when it was revealed that 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size? Well, Dr Alek realised that many people also aren’t sure which products to use for their skin types. The effects of which can mean exacerbating an existing skin condition.
Expert tip:
Looking for guidance? Dr Alek offers one-on-one, comprehensive, and in-depth advice. Simply complete a few questions online!
12. Not Neglect My Lips
Because science has shown:
Did you know? The most delicate area on your face is actually your lips. Now that you know, we think it’s time you adopt a lip-care regimen.
Expert tip:
Use a lip scrub a few times a week and invest in a good quality conditioning lip balm or cream. Don’t wait until they’re already cracking!
13. Improve My Sleep
Because science has shown:
Sleep hygiene is a buzzword for good reason. Your body resets while you sleep, so a lack of sleep can have a negative impact on everything from your concentration to your skin.
Expert tip:
To prevent bad sleep habits from messing with your complexion, we recommend taking a long, hard look at your sleep hygiene. To get you started, try not to watch TV in bed, avoid caffeinated drinks in the evening, and maintain a regular sleep routine. Sweet dreams!
14.Drink More Water
Because science has shown:
Did you know that your skin is actually an organ? It’s also mostly made up of water. If you don’t stay properly hydrated, not only will your skin become dry, but it will also be more prone to signs of premature ageing.
Expert tip:
Eight full glasses a day is the magic number.
15.Change My Pillowcase at Least Once a Week
Because science has shown:
Your pillow could be an unexpected cause of acne. Dun, dun, dun (insert dramatic sound effect). Just think of all the build-up—from leftover oil, bacteria, dirt, and makeup—living rent-free on your pillowcases and sheets.
Expert tip:
Dermatologists agree that you should wash or replace your bedding at least once a week. Even more if you have sensitive skin.
16.Get Serious About Serums
Because science has shown:
Serums are like magical elixirs for your skin. Except they aren’t a fantasy—they’re real! They contain a high concentration of active ingredients—such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid—and are beloved for their effectiveness.
Expert tip:
We recommend incorporating a vitamin C serum into your morning skincare routine, and a vitamin A serum—aimed at repairing your skin—into your evening routine.
17.Start Using Aging ‘Preventative’ Products
Because science has shown:
What’s your skin ageing prevention strategy? When it comes to taking preventative measures, you are never too young to care for your skin.
Expert tip:
We recommend starting with topical antioxidants in your twenties and retinol in your thirties.
18.Eat For Healthy Skin
Because science has shown:
Flawless skin starts with your diet. What you put inside is as important as what you apply on your skin. Your body does this amazing thing where it breaks down food into essential vitamins and minerals, and then uses these to strengthen your skin. It can’t do its job if your diet is nutrient-deficient.
Expert tip:
Superfood additions to your diet include a variety of fruits and vegetables—the more colourful, the better—healthy fats found in avocado and salmon, and darker greens like kale and spinach. Bon appétit!
19.Throw Out Expired Products
Because science has shown:
When last did you spring clean your beauty cabinet? Our guess is you’re using at least one expired beauty product. At the very least, products past their expiry date aren’t as effective. At the worst, continuing to use them could hurt your skin and lead to irritation and inflammation.
Expert tip:
If you don’t see an expiry date printed on the label, then look for a depiction of an open cosmetics pot with a number of months. This is the period-after-opening symbol.
20.Have More Me Time
Because science has shown:
More and more research shows that we need time for ourselves. Just 30 minutes of alone time a day can lead to improved mental and physical wellbeing. The impact of stress on your skin includes water loss and increased sebum production or oily skin. This can make you more prone to acne and breakouts. Gasp!
Expert tip:
Make me time a priority by waking up 30 minutes earlier or unplugging from your phone. Your skin will love you for it.
Happy New Year! Happy new you!
Yours in skin,
Dr Alek and the SkinMiles Team
