COLUMN: Keep your skin radiant this winter
With the beginning of a new year comes the dreaded New Year’s resolution. Resolutions vary from person to person. The most common resolutions address weight loss, money, sleep, diet, etc., but they all have one thing in common: The likeliness of following through on them is usually pretty slim.
This year, make a resolution that is fun and easy to complete: a beauty resolution. What better way is there to start a new year than by pampering yourself?
Here are a few ideas for beauty resolutions that will have you looking and feeling great.
Take off your makeup- We all know not removing our makeup can lead to breakouts. However, as schedules get crazy and late nights become a regular thing, it can be tempting to skip this pre-bedtime routine.
The easiest way to avoid this is by removing your makeup before bedtime. Take it off as soon as you get home or before you start feeling tired. Invest in makeup-removing face wipes and eye makeup remover. This will make the process faster and your skin will thank you for it.
Follow up this routine with a moisturizer, which will help restore oils stripped by soap or face wipes.
Clean your makeup brushes- Along with removing your makeup at night, cleaning your brushes is key for healthy, blemish-free skin. Makeup brushes are breeding grounds for bacteria, which can cause skin irritation and blemishes. Wash brushes with a gentle baby shampoo at least once a month or invest in an antibacterial brush spray. Replacing brushes every few months is also a good idea. There are many eco-friendly options on the market that are not as wasteful as traditional products.
Protect your skin- No matter how crazy life gets, taking care of your skin should be the most important part of your beauty regimen. Use a face moisturizer with at least SPF 30 and whenever possible use sunblock to protect your skin. Always apply SPF lotions at least 30 minutes before you leave the house.
Skin damage can happen year round and may lead to premature aging, spots and several types of cancer. Making SPF a part of your daily routine is easy and it will benefit you in the long run.
Another great way to keep your skin healthy is by remembering to moisturize after the shower. Even if your skin doesn’t feel dry it may be lacking moisture. Warm showers strip your skin of oils, so it’s important to restore them after you’re done. Make this a part of your routine by keeping your body lotion in the shower or in your bathroom. Carry your favorite moisturizer with you, so can apply it throughout the day.
Upgrade your routine- Change is good. It’s easy to become accustomed to a beauty routine, but changing it up every once in a while can be beneficial. As you age, your skin changes and so does its needs. The same is true for changes in your daily life. Stress, sun exposure, activity, etc. can all create changes in your skin. Be aware of what your skin is doing and change your routine as needed.
Get some sleep- For many college students sleep is a luxury, not a necessity. Deadlines, friends and work can all take hours away from much-needed rest. This year make it a goal to get more sleep. Lack of sleep can affect your appearance, mood, health, grades, etc.
If you have a difficult time shutting your brain off at night, start a pre-bedtime routine. Turn off your gadgets and put some relaxing music on. Try wearing an eye mask and invest in a pillow mist with lavender oil which will calm you down and make it easier to fall asleep.
Drink more water- Caffeine is wonderful, but too much of it can really take a toll on your health and your skin. This year switch out that soda or coffee for water. Adding a little more water to your diet can help your overall appearance and your health.
Go green- There are a lot of new eco-friendly beauty products on the market. This year, try switching out a few of your beauty tools or products for earth-friendly ones. These products usually have less chemicals and dyes, which makes them a lot more gentle on your skin. Products with green tea and chamomile are great for soothing and revitalizing dull and tired skin.
Adding a few small beauty resolutions to your list can make it fun and easier to accomplish bigger goals. Feeling and looking great is a great way to start off a new year. After all, a little boost of confidence can go a long way. Remember, when trying to stick to your resolutions patience is key. Don’t expect results overnight, and if you slip don’t give up.
– Jimena Herrero is a Liberal Arts Major minoring in Journalism. She attended ABM in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and majored in fashion design. Her column runs once a month. Comments or suggestions on how she can keep you trendy? E-mail her at jimena.h@aggiemail.usu.edu