New Year Skinolutions

 

It’s time to reflect on 2013 and be resolute in 2014. While pondering what I wanted my first blog post EVER to be, I tried to think of one thing I wanted my patients to do for their skin this year; quite honestly, what I wanted to do better for my skin this year. Well, I couldn’t think of just one so I’m going to suggest twelve. That’s right, I’m an over achiever and I expect the same from others. So this year, instead of doing one good thing for your skin, do one good thing each month. And here they are, in no particular order, the twelve months of Skin Resolutions.

 

1. Wear sunscreen. Its the most obvious so I had to make it first and get it out of the way. And for those of you that feel invincible to skin cancer, it has cosmetic benefits too! If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard “no one ever told me about sunscreen back in my day”, well I’d be relaxing on a beach (in the shade) right now drinking a cool drink with an umbrella in it instead of working. So, here’s someone telling you right now please wear your sunscreen in 2014.

 

2. Number one isn’t enough sun protection. You need to avoid sun exposure during the sunniest times of the day and wear your sun protective clothing while outside. I’m a lake girl so I know it isn’t easy but in 2014, I can do better and so can you!

 

3. Unless you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding you should be using a retinol at night. They shrink your pores, even skin tone, prevent acne, prevent fine lines and much more. You need instruction on which one is right for you and how to use it or you might fail to reap its full benefits so check with your dermatologist.

 

4. Stop with the scrubbing and harsh exfoliators. Yes, its true those little beads are bad for your skin, contrary to some popular beliefs. So in 2014, don’t irritate and inflame your pores with scrubs and exfoliators, please!

 

5. Throw away your magnifying mirror. Sorry ladies, it’s not good for your skin’s self esteem. I mean if you need that thing to see a tiny imperfection does it really matter anyway?

 

6. Get a full body exam this year by a dermatologist. Your skin is the largest organ in your body so get it checked out this year. It’s only fair that if you get your blood pressure checked, you should also get your skin checked.

 

7. Start moisturizing your skin as soon as you finish showering. With what you ask? Good ole petroleum jelly.  It’s not as greasy as you expect after your skin sucks up all that moisture. Smooth like butter, aaahhhh.

 

8. Promise to never even look at a tanning bed again. The skin Gods say that every time you lay in a tanning bed you increase your risk of melanoma by 20%.  Actually it’s the Skin Cancer Foundation that said it so you should listen to them, even if you don’t listen to me.

 

9. Don’t pick, pop or squeeze a single pimple this year. If you do, it will stay around much longer and scar your pretty skin. Resist temptation this year, you can do it!  And, if you have a hot date, then go see your dermatologist and they will try to help you out in a less destructive way.

 

10. Listen to your dermatologist before deciding on which products to spend your money. Sorry to say, the high school girl working the make-up counter this summer may not be advising you on what we call evidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice means we advise you on what the research shows works.  We aren’t simply trying to sell you something.

 

11. Love your skin this year. Look at yourself in the mirror and say “My skin is beautiful” and believe those words. Don’t be so hard on yourself.  This year, don’t judge yourself, especially not your skin.

 

12. Watch your moles closer this year. Take a picture of your moles every three months. Compare the pictures to each other and see if you have any moles that are changing in size, shape or color. If you have a changing mole in 2014 it needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist.

 

Hope everyone has a skintastic next 12 months! Happy New Year!

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One thought on “New Year Skinolutions

  1. Using petroleum jelly after my shower. I thought that would feel greasy and smothering on my skin. Surprise, it feels nice. Unexpected benefit… my cuticles haven’t looked this good in 20 years.

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