My prediction is that it’s going to be a great year for beautiful skin. Skincare has come a long way and has an exciting future ahead in terms of diversity.

But on a day to day basis, you can make a few simple tweaks or additions to your skincare routine to make a massive difference in how your skin looks and feels.

A CLEAN DIET FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN.

It’s no surprise that what you consume shows on your skin. A well-rounded diet of vitamins and mineral rich, whole foods will have an amazing effect of the health of your skin. A poor diet can cause breakouts and dull looking skin, whereas a good diet can provide your body with all the nutrients you need for great skin. You can cheat once in a while, I’ve always had a rule to cheat on the weekends and keep it clean during the week. At almost 75 it seems to be working.

MOISTURIZE EVERY DAY. EXFOLIATE EVERY WEEK.

Moisturizing your skin, even if you have oily skin is a must. Skipping the moisturizer can actually make breakouts worse because dry skin signals to your oil glands to produce more oil, which causes more congestion. If shiny skin or pimples are an issue for you, use an oil-free moisturizer. This restores moisture, protects your skin and nourishes without leaving a greasy feeling, and leaves your skin looking smooth and matte. Moisturizing everyday also is important for keeping wrinkles away, makes existing wrinkles look less noticeable, and helps to soothe the skin that has been aggravated by treatments like Retin-A, retinoids and other potent ingredients.

Exfoliating is important to slough off the surface dead skin cells the cause a lackluster complexion. You can exfoliate by either physical or chemical exfoliation.

You will see a big difference – I promise.

INCORPORATE VITAMIN A & C IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE.

Vitamain A & C are both the rockstar ingredients in skincare! By Vitamin A, I mean retinol or a retinoid. So what is the difference between a retinol and a retinoid? A retinoid is a Vitamin A derivative that has many subtypes, including retinol. Retinoids (RetinA) are stronger and more potent, usually requiring a prescription from a doctor. Retinol is a less potent, gentler ingredient that can be found over-the-counter in common skin care products.

The difference between how retinoid and retinol are processed on the skin is that they must be broken down into retinoic acid. The faster this process happens, the more effective in treating skin concerns quickly. Retinol takes longer to be broken down, so it has a less potent effect on skin. Retinol is still very good for treating common skin concerns like acne and aging, it just has a lower chance of irritating the skin than retinoids. Retinol is recommended for common and moderate skin issues like routine breakouts, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. When starting a retinoid remember the golden rule: take it slow. Start with a pearl-size amount, then gradually build up your usage until your skin gets used to it. Even then, listen to your skin, you may have to cut back if your skin gets too dry or flaky. Always stop using the prescription strength retinoids a week before traveling, and never use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Always wear an SPF.

WEAR BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN, RAIN OR SHINE.

Sun protection is essentially the first step in ensuring our skin stays youthful and healthy. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer and premature aging, when used along with other measures like wearing sunglasses, wide brimmed hats, siting in the shade during peak daylight hours and wearing long sleeves. You might think cloudy weather warrants forgoing sunscreen, but sunlight penetrates clouds, and though it may not be as strong as on a sunny day, it can still do plenty of damage. Sunlight can also penetrate through windows or off reflective surfaces. Always make sure the sunscreen is the final step of your skincare routine. Use it everyday on the back of your hands, neck and anywhere your skin is exposed. Your skin will thank you when your older.

This time of the year offers us a brand new start, and I want to take this opportunity to wish you love and peace in the new year. Here’s to great skin care and good health in 2023!

Happy New Year!
Veronica

“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.” – Anne Frank