10 Skincare Resolutions For 2019

Even the most beauty-wise woman still occasionally sleeps in her makeup, skimps on sunscreen or forgets to make a yearly appointment to see a dermatologist. Here’s how to recharge your beauty routine for 2019.

1. Moisturize After Showering - We all know a warm shower strips skin of oils. Face creams and body lotions are excellent substitutes, as long as you apply them correctly. But how tedious. One easy fix: Keep body lotion right in the shower. Seeing it will remind you to apply it when your skin is damp, within ten minutes of turning off the water.

2. Wear Sunscreen Every Day - Doctors have long advised wearing sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30) and reapplying it often. The challenge is finding a cream that offers enough protection and doesn't feel like a lead blanket. Look for "nongreasy" or "sheer" on the label.

3. Take Off Your Makeup at Night – You know that makeup can mix with skin oils and dirt to cause zits. If you are just too tired to take it off at the very least use a facial wipe to get over at least some of it.

4. Clean Up After the Gym - Don't let your skin take a hit just because you've discovered an amazing new workout. Wear moisture-wicking clothes and pack salicylic acid Stridex pads in your gym bag. Swipe the face, back, and chest after class, and change into a clean, dry T-shirt. Back home, hop into the shower as soon as possible.

5. Book a Yearly Mole Check - Having a dermatologist survey your body once a year is crucial, even if you're diligent about monthly self-exams.

6. Exfoliate Regularly - With all that extra time, skin cells have a chance to dry out and lose luster—unless you jump-start the renewal process by exfoliating. Use a gentle face scrub once or twice a week and a chemical exfoliant.

1. Take it Easy on Your Hands – To keep both nails and hands from dehydrating, forgo plain antibacterial gels and instead choose moisturizing versions and do the same with soaps. Also stop treating your nails like tools.

2. Clean Your Makeup Brushes - You probably don't realize what can happen when good brushes go bad: Makeup and skin oils build up, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause irritation. Wash your tools monthly with a liquid hand soap or baby shampoo and lukewarm water (hot water can cause bristles to fall out), then rinse well, squeeze out the excess water, reshape, and allow the brushes to dry thoroughly by balancing them over the sink.

3. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face – Just stop doing it! Don’t pop it!

4. Stick With the Program - Waiting for a new skin treatment to show results can be a test of patience. A good anti-aging cream can take six weeks, so don't give up. That goes for skin lighteners and acne products, too. But if nothing has changed by week six, the product will never work for you. Time to move on.