With the New Year in full swing we have all made resolutions for a better year.  Eat healthier, go to the gym, get more sleep and stress less are all common things we say we are going to do at the start of each year.  One thing that many of us overlook is the largest and one of the most important organs in our body, our skin.  This year make a resolution to take better care of your skin which will ultimately lead to a healthier you.  We have a few simple tips that will help you start this New Year off right.

Moisturize Both Morning and Night

Well moisturized skin makes for happier skin.  Moisturizing your skin prevents it from drying, cracking and premature aging.   At the start of your day apply a rich moisturizer.  By beginning the day with well hydrated skin you are giving it the necessary protection it needs to be healthy and young looking.  Hydrating your face before applying makeup will allow it go smoother and last longer.  As the day progresses and your skin is exposed to the environment it starts to dry out.  Reenergize your skin before bed by massaging a moisturizer onto your face and body.  As you sleep this added hydration will help nourish your skin and prepare it for the following day.

Don’t Forget About Hand and Neck

Many of us focus on our faces however your hands and neck are equally important.  Be sure to moisturize both with a rich cream, lotion or 100% natural oil several times a day.  Like your face, your hands and neck can experience dryness.  If not cared for both are at risk for premature aging.  Don’t let your hands and neck give away your age, treat them with the same care you give your face.

Wear Sunscreen Every Day

No matter what time of year it is, UV rays are always hard at work.  Prevent damage to your skin by applying an SPF sunscreen or a makeup base containing it prior to leaving the house.  Today there are many foundations that contain an SPF which makes applying protection that much easier.  It does not matter if you choose a sunscreen or a makeup base with an SPF, the important thing is to be sure you protect your face daily from these damaging rays.

Don’t Pick a Blemish

If you get a pimple, leave it alone.  Picking it can spread bacteria leading to more pimples or a scar.  Your best bet is to wash your face, eat a healthy diet and if needed see a dermatologist.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is the time when our bodies rejuvenate themselves.  A lack of sleep not only has an impact on your mental status but impacts your overall health and complexion. With this new year make a commitment to yourself to get your seven to eight hours of beauty sleep. Sleep helps your skin replenish itself, maintain its elasticity and stay healthy.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Your skin's appearance and health is a reflection of your overall well-being.  A poor diet rich in processed foods and sugar will not only affect your waistline but will have consequences on your skin.  Avoid breakouts, dull skin and a loss in elasticity by maintaining a nutrient rich diet that encourages and promotes skin health.  Snack on antioxidant rich fruits such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.  The antioxidants provided by these sweet treats will help prevent free radical damage.  Enjoy Omega-3 rich fish, nuts and olive oil.  Omega-3 is a fatty acid that helps soften and smooth your skin.  As always, drink lots of water. Water helps hydrate your skin from the inside out and well hydrated skin is healthy skin.

See a Dermatologist

Like your other annual exams, a yearly dermatology exam is just as important.  Get a yearly screening so anything suspicious looking is caught right away. If you have any moles that have an inconsistent color, change in size or are asymmetric make sure you have it checked out. In between exams, do your own self check and watch for changes in moles or new ones that may appear.

Make a commitment to yourself this year to treat your skin right!