5 Expert-Approved Skincare New Year’s Resolutions

Your skin is sacred. It shields against environmental damage, protects your body from viruses and infections — it even provides clues about what’s going on internally. And while it does a great job at performing these functions, it still needs a little TLC to stay healthy throughout the year. So, whether you want to up your hydration, add more radiance, or just generally look and feel better in your own skin, I’ve put together some simple attainable skincare goals that anyone can stick to.

Unsure about your skin type and want to explore this a bit more first? Don’t hesitate to try out our helpful Virtual Skin Analysis tool.

If you’re aiming for a brighter complexion or plumper, smoother skin, building a skincare resolution around these goals makes perfect sense. And with the habitual use of safe, effective products (applied as intended), there’s no reason you shouldn’t see improvements over time. But that’s not the issue.

The reason I talk about ‘the truth’ behind beauty resolutions is that, as much as there’s plenty of great advice out there, there’s also some to avoid. The internet is packed with tips, hacks, and beauty routines that promise drastic results or quick-fixes. Sadly, not all of this advice is safe or effective, and quite often, isn’t realistic.

Many suggested beauty resolutions are simply just that — all about beauty, but not about skincare. And as the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You might get lucky and try a new routine or product that turns out to be relatively safe — even visibly effective. But will it support your skin barrier, help you to fight against free-radicals, or protect your skin from future damage? Probably not.

Developing a healthy skincare ritual isn’t all about instant results. It’s about taking care of your skin properly, nourishing it with safe ingredients, and feeling good from the inside out. So if you’re here for some skin resolution ideas that are science-backed and safe for your skin, you’re right where you belong.

To kick off this list, I’m starting with something that often gets overlooked: body care.

While being fiercely committed to your facial routine is never a bad thing, caring for the skin on the rest of your body is just as important too. If you’re someone who stocks up on retinoids and moisturisers but can’t remember the last time you used a body oil or a hand lotion, this resolution’s for you. Instead of placing all your attention on your skin from the neck up, make this the year that you make some time for your whole body.

To prevent dry skin from building up, gently cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturise your body on a regular basis — just like you would with your face. Guilty of being the ‘fair-weather body care’ type? Perhaps you only slather moisturiser on visible areas or exfoliate once a year when the sun comes out? It’s time to break this habit.

There’s a reason to care for your body all year round. Body skin care not only leaves your limbs feeling soft and smooth, but it also prevents the need for intensive dry skin remedial action when summer arrives, and you start exposing your body to the sun.

The new year symbolises a fresh start. And that means letting go of things you no longer need. Take a hard look at all of the products that you've hoarded over the past year, and get rid of anything that either doesn’t work or is expired.

Only a few applications left in your Pro-Collagen Marine Cream? It’s time to start a fresh. Our ELEMIS products have a shelf life of 3 years unopened, and 12 months once in use. If you’re using expired products or layering on formulas that aren’t suitable for your skin, you could be doing more harm than good.

Instead, focus on making sure you have a staple cleanser, moisturiser, exfoliator, and SPF; then branch out to more targeted solutions. Not sure what order to apply each product in? Take a look at our helpful guides to find out when to use new products, and how long to wait in between each skincare step.

This is a goal I’ll definitely be trying to stick to…

Even if you’re already exfoliating and masking fairly regularly, this year, make a commitment to exfoliate and put on a face mask at least once a week. Not only will you see such a difference in your skin and how your other products perform, but you’ll also feel great for it. Taking a 10-minute break to sit with your mask on is the perfect way to set aside some ‘you time’ each week.

Already found your holy-grail face mask? Why not try our hydrating Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask instead? Ideal for fatigued-looking eye areas, this soothing formula not only feels fabulous as it glides on the skin, but it also boasts some fantastic science-backed anti-wrinkle benefits* too.

*Clinically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles — Independent clinical trial 2021. Results based on 38 people after 4 weeks.

We’re always worried about our faces showing our age, but did you know that the neck and hands often show signs of ageing before other parts of the body?

Make sure you're caring for both of these spots when you're also caring for your face. Use your Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix religiously every day? Do the same with your hands and neck. A great rule of thumb is to apply all the same skincare products on your neck and hands that you do on your face. Trust me — it really pays off in the long run. 

Sleep does wonders for the skin. It’s when our bodies produce collagen, repair and grow cells, and regulate the release of hormones to keep everything balanced. The long and short of it is: you should be getting as much shut-eye as you can. But in the event that you're not able to get a full night's rest, make sure you're effectively using the time you have in bed to help your skincare work better.

As well as investing in a great night cream or using other specialised products designed to work overnight, creating a relaxing bedtime ritual can help you to drift off into dreamland more peacefully. I’m a big believer in starting your night by soaking in a warm bath, enhancing a shower with relaxing aromatics, or spraying the bedroom with sleep-enhancing mists. It’s about giving yourself some time to unwind.

And don’t forget about switching off your devices before bed. Although the jury’s still out on whether blue light is a definite sleep disruptor, it’s still best to avoid screens right before you hit the hay.

Instead, try reading a book, listening to calming music, or even practising some meditation. These activities will help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for a restful night.

Remember, skincare isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good in your own skin, too. And that’s something to strive for every year, not just this one.

While quick fixes and beauty hacks might be appealing, they rarely provide lasting benefits and aren’t always safe for your skin. So instead, let’s focus on real beauty. Real beauty comes from nurturing your skin with care and patience. It’s about making consistent, healthy choices that benefit you in the long run.

As we embrace the new year with open arms, let’s commit to taking better care of ourselves, starting with our skin. I’m going to try it — will you?

With Love,

Keeley

ELEMIS Elite Skincare Specialist

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