Hands up if you're guilty of the odd broken new year's resolution or two (or 20!), that would be me. We all start the year with the best intentions, but somewhere around mid-January things start to go wrong. Diets are broken and exercise plans go out the window as we all get back to reality after the holidays.
Get rid of that same old boring resolution to lose weight or save money, and instead pledge to take better care of your body, just as it is. Let’s make a promise to treat our skin and hair properly this year and not take for granted that it’ll still look the same in a decade. Pick your favorites from this list and join me in my beauty resolutions quest in 2012.
Skin Care Resolutions
To take better care of my skin, I’ll do everything I can to stick to these skin care practices…
- Always wear sunscreen. UV damage can happen in just minutes of exposure to sunlight, which leads to wrinkles, leathery skin, sunspots, and yes… cancer. No thank you!
- Wash off my makeup at night. In 2012 I swear I’m going to wash my makeup off before I go to bed. Don’t be lazy; your skin needs to be able to breathe at night, ladies.
- Buy natural products. I want to really look at the labels of the products I’m using and, where possible, switch to more natural alternatives. In the long run, the fewer chemicals I’m exposed to, the better. Right? Makes sense to me.
- Clean Makeup Brushes. Months-old foundation, blush or eye shadow on your make-up brushes could be harbouring harmful bacteria, so experts advise washing your brushes AT LEAST once a month.
"The bacteria can live on unwashed brushes for months and each time you apply your make-up you run the risk of them transferring to your skin and causing problems such as skin irritation or infection," says make-up artist Allie Clark.
Rinse your brushes in warm water with facial cleanser. Work it through the bristles with your fingers. Pat dry with a towel. - Remove your makeup. We've all experienced a late night when you just can't be bothered standing in front of the bathroom mirror to remove your make-up. But sleeping in your foundation can clog your pores, leading to problems including acne, dryness and red, inflamed skin.
Hair Care Resolutions
- Swear off the dye jobs. My natural hair color is just fine, thanks, and I don’t want to be exposed to all those chemicals anymore.
- Get regular trims. Hair grows faster and thicker with regular trimming appointments. It’s tough to squeeze these into my schedule, and to remember when it’s been 6-8 weeks since the last trim, but I will make a real effort on this one.
They say our outward appearances are a direct result of our inward health. So, I will make these commitments to helping my insides stay healthy in 2012:
- Floss every day. Because cavities, gingivitis, and yellow teeth are not so pretty.
- Manage stress. It’s true… stress causes hives, breakouts, and even premature wrinkles if not managed properly. I might try some yoga this year and maybe add some breathing exercises and meditation when I can’t hit the mat. Or maybe I’ll just get pedicures every month to kill two birds with one stone… stress relief and good foot care!
- Eat my vitamins. Taking a multivitamin is good, but nothing beats going to the source for your nutrition. I promise to keep eating those whole grains, fruits, and veggies to keep me healthy.
- Exercise regularly. I know I said no weight loss resolutions, and this isn’t one. Exercise, just 30 minutes three times a week, helps to keep your skin youthful and full of elasticity. Plus, you’ll work those toxins out of your system and prevent clogged pores.
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water. This one’s tough, but the most important of all. A well-hydrated body takes good care of itself and all the systems run properly, including your hair and skin.
Happy New Year again Everyone :) !
