Healthy Skin Resolution Tips

Starting a New Year is a great time to re-set and focus on goals that help you become your best self. If having healthy skin is one of your New Year goals, I've put together a few tips to help you glow naturally in 2022. Skin isn't a "one product suits all" type of organ. Everyone needs to learn what works for them specifically. From oily, to dry, to sensitive - these recommendations will have you noticing improvements in your skin this year.

OILY SKIN 1. Change pillow cases more frequently If oily, acne-prone skin is your struggle, consider changing your pillow case daily. Skin oil is deposited onto your pillow case every time you sleep on it. Unless you swap it out daily, you're re-depositing those oils and bacteria back onto your face. Most people wash their pillow case about once a week. But, if you're prone to break-outs, washing 7 pillow cases once a week might be worth considering. It's less expensive to stock up on plain, white cotton pillow cases. Plus, cotton stands up better to hot water and bleach, in terms of getting a really clean, sanitized pillow case.

2. No makeup during workouts It's tempting to want to put on a sheer layer of foundation or tinted moisturizer before going to the gym, or going for a walk or run. I'm guilty of wanting to look as cute as possible while working out. But, sweat mixed with makeup is a concoction for an acne breakout if you have oily skin. Be sure to wash your face before working out to help avoid post-workout breakouts.

3. Detox Your Skin Using natural products that detoxify the skin are ideal for people with oily skin types. One of my top selling soaps for oily skin is my charcoal & tea tree soap. Activated charcoal pulls out deep-set impurities. Tea tree oil is anti-fungal & anti-bacterial. The two work great together because as the charcoal is working to deep cleanse your pores, the tea tree oil is helping clear up acne that's typically associated with oily skin. Also, applying a clay mask periodically is a great way to detox your face and neck. I offer a clay mask that can be applied up to three times a week. I prefer to apply my masks at night. Let it dry on your face and wash it off after 15 minutes.

4. Become friends with natural oils If your skin is oily, you may be reluctant to use oil. Using oil can actually be good for oily skin. Certain oils break down other oils so that they wash away more easily. Soap is actually made of oils that have gone through a process called saponification. Using healthy, natural oils will help your skin balance oil production. Using an oil cleanser consistently can help oily skin stop over-producing sebum (oil). My Rose Hip Avocado Melt oil cleanse will leave your skin soft, and in time - less oily. I use the oil cleanser after I wash my face with facial soap. I also use it after applying a charcoal clay mask. To use it, massage the oil into your skin for 30 seconds before wiping off with a warm face cloth.

5. Drink the right amount of water The key is drinking enough water. Drinking the right amount helps flush out those toxins and shrink pores so that they're less likely to get clogged. For women, the Institute of Medicine recommends 9 cups of water a day to stay hydrated. For pregnant women, they suggest 10 cups a day. For men, they suggest 13 cups a day. If you have a condition like heart failure or kidney disease, you may need to limit water intake, so talk to your doctor first. 6. Exfoliate Oily skin cells don't flake off readily. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week will help keep breakouts to a minimum. Using a sisal (agave) washcloth is a great way to gently exfoliate your face and body. A facial brush also does the trick.

7. Use SPF All skin types need SPF to protect from the sun's UV rays.

DRY / MATURE SKIN 1. Cool it down For dry skin, avoid using super hot water. Hot water strips the skin of natural oils, leaving skin more dry. I know how good hot water feels - but if your skin is dry, try cooling it down to lukewarm (especially when washing your face).

2. Apply Ice Rubbing an ice cube (wrapped in thin washcloth) over your skin before applying products can help your skin absorb them better. Dermatologists say the coldness of ice helps tighten pores, and reduces visibility of lines and wrinkles. Ice can also give you an instant glow, reduce tiredness on your face, and de-puff eyes. Don't leave an ice pack on a direct spot on your face for more than a minute. Massage the ice (wrapped in thin washcloth) in a circular motion. Dermatologists say don't apply ice to your face more than once a day.

3. Vitamin C Vitamin C is a skincare superstar that helps hydrate dry skin, and increase collagen production. Collagen helps skin look plump and healthy. The antioxidants in Vitamin C help to get rid of free radicals. Vitamin C also helps even out skin tone and fade dark spots caused by hyper-pigmentation. When buying Vitamin C, look for products in dark colored glass. This protects the product from sunlight, which can diminish the quality of your product. Also, look for Vitamin C that is dispensed with an air-tight pump, versus a dropper. Every time the product is exposed to oxygen, it potentially loses some of it's ability.

4. Hydrate & Protect Drink water and wear sunscreen - but also hydrate topically. This will help your skin look more youthful, and less tired. My Aloe Cloud daily moisturizer contains squalane, which is excellent for locking in moisture. Squalane is derived from sugar cane. Aloe Cloud combines squalane with water, Aloe Vera, and hyaluronic acid for a clean, moisturizing finish.

5. Eat for beautiful skin Adding skin-loving food to your diet will help you glow from the inside out. - Berries are loaded with antioxidants, which may help reduce the signs of aging. Antioxidants actually work best when absorbed through food. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, pomegranates and cherries are loaded with antioxidants. - Limit drinking caffeine and alcohol, which tend to have a drying effect on skin when consumed excessively. - Fatty acids help skin look more youthful. You can increase your fatty acids by eating walnuts, salmon, mackerel, and herring. - Avocados contain healthy fat that nourish skin from within. - Sweet potatoes contain beta carotene which converts to vitamin A in the body, and helps protect skin from sun damage. - Dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants that help skin appear more healthy and hydrated. Make sure the dark chocolate contains at least 70% cocoa to maximize the benefits and minimize sugar! - Green Tea contains nourishing antioxidants that may help protect skin from damage and aging.

6. Humidify If you notice that your skin dries out overnight, consider adding moisture to the air at night with a humidifier.

7. Cleanse gently For dry skin, try using natural soaps that moisturize while cleansing. My turmeric and honey soap is made with 3 butters and honey for ultra moisture. It's my personal fave for cleaning my face. I work hard to keep it stocked. It is my most popular soap by far.

SENSITIVE SKIN 1. Up your Protection Everyone should wear sunscreen, but if you have sensitive skin, consider taking extra measures to protect your skin. Scarves and hats help protect skin from the elements. If you can help it, avoid spending time in the sun - especially during peak hours (10am - 2pm). If you have sensitive skin and can't avoid being outside, try to find shade, or carry a shade umbrella.

2. Always test first

If you have sensitive skin, test products on a small patch of skin before fully applying. Behind the ear is a good place to test. Wait 24 hours. If you're hypersensitive, repeat the test on a small patch next to your eye. If you're all clear after another 24 hours, you're less likely to have a bad reaction to the product.

3. Don't skip the moisturizer

Sensitive skin sometimes needs a little extra TLC. Adding a calming moisturizer and night cream to your routine will help protect sensitive skin from water loss. This also helps your skin maintain a healthy barrier from air pollution and wind.

4. Wash makeup brushes regularly Makeup brushes should be cleaned at least once a week with gentle soap and water. After cleaning your brushes, squeeze out excess moisture with a towel. Re-form the brush back to its shape and let it dry hanging off the edge of a counter. Never let your brushes dry on a towel. The bristles can turn mildewy.

5. Don't rely solely on wipes When it comes to removing makeup - never reply solely on makeup wipes to get the job done. Always follow up by washing your face. Wipes just don't give skin a sufficient cleanse when used alone. The makeup left behind could trigger a reaction, especially with sensitive skin types.

6. Gently Exfoliate with Konjac

If you’re looking for a natural product that will gently cleanse your sensitive skin without brushes, or scrubs, try a konjac facial sponge. It's made from konjac, which is a porous root vegetable native to Asia. You can use this sponge with or without additional cleanser.

Konjac is safe to use every day. Replace your sponge every 4 weeks if used daily. If used only a few times a week, replace after 5-6 weeks.

How to use:

- Soak the sponge in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help expand it to full size.

- Once it is full size, begin cleaning your face by massaging the sponge in a circular motion.

- Start in the center of your face and work your way out and up, avoiding the eye area.

- You can use a konjac sponge with or without a facial soap or cleanser.

- Each time you use it, you will need to re-soak the sponge first to soften and expand it.

7. Know your triggers When you notice flare-ups, take note of any changes you may have experienced. Certain foods, laundry detergents, cosmetics, and fabrics might impact sensitive skin. You can only avoid your triggers if you know what they are. Some of these tips work wonders for all skin types (drinking enough water, wearing SPF, eating for beautiful skin).

Wishing you a healthy glow this year and beyond,

Danielle