Who says you can only make resolutions for the new year? We happen to think that a new season is as good a time as any to introduce a few new goals—especially when it comes to your skin care routine. As the seasons change, you may find that your skin has different needs, making this the perfect opportunity to switch things up. For example, your combination skin might be oily in the summer months but dry during the winter time. What’s more, there are certain skin care rules that should be followed all year round. If you find yourself a little less than pleased with your skin’s appearance—or you’re simply bored with your current skin care products or routine—pick a resolution to commit to as the weather transitions from summer to fall, fall to winter, winter to spring, and spring to summer. Not sure where to start? We’ve got eight skin care resolution suggestions for you, below.
SKIN CARE RESOLUTION #1: DITCH EXPIRED PRODUCTS
It’s never the wrong time of year to clean out your beauty stash. While collecting and displaying your beauty products might make your vanity look chic, it’s a good idea to toss anything that’s past its expiration date—and definitely a good idea not to use it. Check the labels on your products to see how long they’re typically good to use, and in the future, label new products with the date you started using them so that you don’t lose track of time.
SKIN CARE RESOLUTION #2: MAKE SUN PROTECTION A PRIORITY—EVERY DAY
News flash: You should actually take daily sun protection measures year-round—not just in the summer. Also, you still need to wear your SPF even if it’s cloudy out. Let starting a consistent sun protection routine be one of your skin care resolutions this year. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily and reapply every two hours—or immediately after swimming or sweating. If forgetting this step is your norm, double-up with a face lotion that’s also formulated with SPF, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Lotion SPF 30.
But your work doesn’t end there. According to the FDA, you should also limit your amount of time in the sun (especially during its peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), seek shade, and cover up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. An excuse to buy a few cute accessories and clothes? We’ll take it!
SKIN CARE RESOLUTION #3: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN AFTER SWEATING
If you’re dedicating yourself to a gym routine, don’t forget to cleanse immediately after you sweat. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should cleanse your skin twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—but also after sweating heavily. Keep a micellar water on hand, stowed away in your gym bag, for the perfect on-the-go cleanser option. Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles (oil molecules) that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oils, and makeup up and away from your skin—no rinsing required. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser – Normal to Dry Skin hydrates and soothes, the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser – Normal to Oily Skin purifies and mattifies, and the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types intensely purifies. Pick the one that suits your skin type and saturate a cotton pad with your micellar water of choice, then wipe it across your face to cleanse. No need to find a nearby sink—score!
SKIN CARE RESOLUTION #4: EXFOLIATE—BUT DON’T GO OVERBOARD
Exfoliating should play a role in just about any skin care routine, regardless of your skin type or skin care concerns. Why, you ask? Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, and this buildup can make your skin look dull. Additionally, things like excess oil and bacteria, in combination with those dead skin cells, can contribute to breakouts if not properly sloughed away. Of course, you don’t want to go overboard with exfoliating. How often you should use a face scrub varies by individual. Some people can handle daily exfoliation, while others may only be able to handle doing so once or twice a week. Pay attention to how your skin responds after using an exfoliating scrub to determine what works best for you. For more information on how to use an exfoliating scrub, plus our best scrub options to choose from, head to our article, How to Use a Face Scrub.
Editor’s note: Your face isn’t the only area that can benefit from a little exfoliating. Keep your shower stocked with an exfoliator as well and pay particular attention to areas that tend to get dry and flaky, like your knees, ankles, and elbows. Exfoliating before self-tanner application can be useful, as it can help prevent color from going on patchy. Read our article, How to Exfoliate from Head to Toe, for all the details.
SKIN CARE RESOLUTION #5: TAKE COLD(ER) SHOWERS
It turns out that there’s a benefit to taking cooler showers. Hot water can actually strip your skin (and your hair) of essential oils, which can lead to your skin feeling drier. That’s why it’s a good idea to switch to showering in lukewarm water instead. And while you’re at it, here’s How to Turn Your Shower into a Spa-Like Experience.
SKIN CARE RESOLUTION #6: REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP BEFORE BED
We get it: Sometimes, the last thing you want to do after a long, hard day is to deal with one more thing before you crawl beneath the sheets for the night. Piling one extra task onto your plate might sound unfeasible, we know—but that’s why we promise we’ll keep this one simple. Before you start catching that much-needed shut-eye, it’s important to remove your makeup.
Sleeping in your makeup is a definite skin care mistake. That’s because your makeup can mix with the dirt and oils on the surface of your skin, which can lead to clogged pores—and clogged pores can lead to breakouts. Make removing your makeup easy by leaving a no-rinse cleansing option, like makeup removing towelettes, by your bed for easy access. Try the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ All Skin Types Makeup Removing Towelettes, which gently yet effectively remove all traces of dirt, impurities, and makeup, including waterproof mascara and long wear makeup.
Even if you’re removing makeup from the comfort of your bed, don’t forget to follow up with a moisturizer. Need a product rec? Reach for a water-based moisturizer for a boost of hydration. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal to Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal to Dry Skin, and L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Extra Dry Skin are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration.
SKIN CARE RESOLUTION #7: NOURISH YOUR POUT
You’ve already committed to quite a few skin care resolutions relating to your face and the rest of your body—but don’t neglect your lips! Dry lips can be super uncomfortable—plus, applying lipstick over that dryness won’t exactly result in a gorgeous look. Keep lip balms stocked in your purse, car, gym bag, office, and makeup bag so that you can easily apply one whenever needed. It’s also a good idea to look for one that’s formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF—don’t forget, your lips need sun protection, too.
SKIN CARE RESOLUTION #8: PICK MULTITASKING BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Simplifying your skin care routine is practical—and that can be an easy task if you decide to use makeup products with skin care benefits. The good news is, there are plenty of options.
To illuminate + correct…try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer. Daily UV exposure and age can result in the look of dull, uneven skin and the appearance of discolorations like dark spots. This makeup primer illuminates skin immediately and smooths and blurs imperfections. Apply it to your face as the first step in your skin care routine to keep your makeup in place throughout the day and give your complexion a radiant glow.
To color correct + perfect…try the L’Oréal Paris Magic Anti-Redness BB Cream. This multi-tasking BB cream has a green tint that transforms into a universal shade once you apply it. It helps neutralize the look of redness, corrects the look of skin, hydrates for all-day moisture, and perfects the look of your complexion.
To moisturize + sheer coverage… try the L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Luminous Serum Tint Tinted Moisturizer. This lightweight tinted moisturizer is truly multitasking. Formulated with oils and vitamin E, it provides nourishment for long-lasting hydration while also smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
SKIN CARE RESOLUTION #9: don’t neglect your eyes
Another important area that you certainly don’t want to neglect is the skin around your eyes—it’s the thinnest and most delicate skin on your entire complexion. As such, it’s often the first area to show signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. This year, vow to apply an eye cream every single day—both morning and night—to keep this delicate area of skin healthy and hydrated. Try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Eye Gel, which is formulated with nurturing manuka honey plus oils, calcium, and antioxidants.
SKIN CARE RESOLUTION #10: use a face serum daily
In addition to your twice daily face moisturizer, make a commitment this year to adding one more skin savior into your routine: facial serum. Layer it underneath your moisturizer for best results, and look for hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. Not sure which serum to use? Try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which will hydrate, plump, and replenish your complexion. To use, apply a light layer onto clean skin every morning and night, then layer your moisturizer on top.
Want more product recommendations? Here are 6 Skin Care Products That Pull Double Duty.
