…And just like that, the Year of the Tiger is upon us! If you haven’t made your new year’s resolutions yet, have you considered making a few skin care resolutions? Here are 7 new year skin care resolutions that will keep your skin healthy and glowing all throughout 2022.
7 New Year Skin Care Resolutions
1. Wear Sunscreen Daily
Apply sunscreen daily, and even on the dreariest and coldest days of the year.
Why?
Because exposure to the sun’s rays, or UV radiation, is harmful, irreversible, and accelerates your skin’s natural aging process. In fact, the sun emits two kinds of UV lights which significantly increase your risk for skin cancer.
UVA, or Ultraviolet A, has a longer wavelength that can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and cause premature aging. UVB, or Ultraviolet B, has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning.
Choose a sunscreen that has a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating, usually between 35 to 50. SPF measures how well a product protects against UVB rays that penetrate the upper layer of your skin.
You’ll also want to pick a sunscreen that has a high PA (Protection Factor A), which measures the strength of protection from UVA. PA+ denotes the lowest level of protection while PA++++ offers the highest level of protection).
3 Japanese sunscreens worth trying: Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk, SPF50+ PA++++ // Kanebo ALLIE Extra UV Gel Sunscreen – SPF50+ PA++++ // Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
2. Double Cleanse
Why double cleanse? Essentially, double-cleansing (when done right) prevents your skin from losing its natural oils, which is very important when you’re trying to protect your skin from winter dryness. Double cleansing is also an effective way to remove dead skin cells, makeup, sunscreen, dirt, dust, and pollution that accumulate on the surface of the skin.
Cleansing does more than remove makeup and sunscreen. It also removes impurities like dirt, pollution, pollen, and excess oil that builds up on the surface of the skin over the course of the day.
Start with a creamy cleanser that not only purifies and deep cleanses the skin but also leaves the skin feeling hydrated. We recommend our Clay cleanser with Sandalwood, as it leaves the skin feeling fresh, clean and ready for the skincare application before makeup.
Double cleansing, is a 2-step process often seen in Japanese skincare routines and it involves the use of two different cleansers. When done effectively, double cleaning rids your skin of sunscreen, makeup, and other impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Here’s how double cleansing is done:
First, start with a cleanser formulated to remove makeup and sunscreen, such as a gel cleanser, oil cleanser, or micellar water. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is a favorite among J-beauty affectionados, while FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil is ideal for those with sensitive skin. However, if dull skin is your primary concern, try Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil
The second step of the double cleansing method involves cleansing the pores, preventing/treating acne, and hydrating the skin. A personal favorite is a bar of soap from BCL Company. AHA by Cleansing Research Esthetic Soap is formulated with alpha hydroxy acids AHA) extracted from fruits. The brand’s cream cleanser, Cleansing Research Wash Cleansing is another great option while Hada Labo Japan Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Bubble Foaming Cleanser is gentle enough for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Skincare Tip: To boost the efficiency of your cleansing products, use a tenugui towel! These towels have textured fibers and have been used for centuries in Japanese bathing culture.
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3. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!
There’s a reason why we launched [EDO BEAUTY LAB] with our Green Radiance Clay Mask and our Komatsuna Tenugui Towel.
Both products exfoliate the skin, and regular exfoliation loosens and removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin Frequent exfoliation also refines skin texture by stimulating skin cell turnover, the process in which old skin cells are replaced by new ones.
The minerals inside our Green Radiance Clay Mask draw out impurities from the pores and remove dead skin without being too abrasive. Matcha reduces redness and soothes irritation (and smells oh so relaxing). Meanwhile the beta carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E in komatsuna work together to brighten, tone and firm the skin.
Skincare Tip: Be gentle when exfoliating, especially the area around your eyes and lips. After thoroughly washing off the product, apply a hydrating toner or beauty serum to lock in moisture.
4. Stay Hydrated & Moisturize
The sun plays a major role in prematurely aging our skin. Combine that with dry skin, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
There are several ways you can keep dryness at bay and retain a youthful appearance, and it starts with adjusting your lifestyle.
For starters, excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking dehydrates the skin. These products are diuretics and cause dehydration, which leads to dry, dull, or even saggy and sunken skin. While not a quick fix, drinking an adequate amount of water daily hydrates and plumps the skin from the inside.
As we age, our skin naturally loses volume, resulting in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Products rich in collagen, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid plumpen, hydrate, and moisturize the skin.
After you’ve moisturized your face, always remember to apply your skincare products to your neck and chest. After all, your face shouldn’t get all the glowing attention!
If you live in a dry or cold climate, you may also want a humidifier to add moisture to dry air and a facial steamer to hydrate parched skin.
5. Do A Skin-Ventory
Start the year fresh by doing a “skin-ventory” and decluttering all your expired and unwanted skincare products. Decluttering your skincare products isn’t just about “sparking joy” in your living space and making room for new products to try this year.
Expired skin care products may cause irritation and bacterial infections. There is also the possibility that the active ingredients are no longer effective.
Take for example, sunscreen. We previously mentioned why wearing sunscreen is important, right? Well, if you’re applying expired sunscreen there’s a good chance that you are actually increasing your chances of sunburn as well as your risk for skin cancer!
Here’s how to declutter your skincare products in 3 easy steps:
Creating a starting zone
Clear out your drawers and shelves
Check for broken containers & examine the labels for expiration dates*
*If you have a sizable collection of Japanese skincare products, head over to The Complete Guide To Japanese Cosmetics Expiration Dates at Ratilla Cosme.
Once you’ve made the final cut of your skin-ventory, it’s time to organize your skincare collection and beautify your bathroom or vanity. Clear storage drawers, shelves, dividers and trays are a great way to stay organized while creating a visually appealing ~skincare sanctuary~.
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Moosy Life Pink Gold Organizer Collection: Frosted Cosmetic Display Organizer // Makeup Brush & Skincare Tool Organizer // Beauty Serum Organizer
PS: If you really can’t bear to throw away old skincare products here’s a suggestion: Try your hand at skincare product photography and macro texture shots!
6. Simplify Your Skincare Routine
To piggyback off the above point, if you have too many skincare products, it can feel wasteful if you’re not using every single product every night. And, it’s easy to get caught up in trying new beauty products when seasonal ones hit the shelves. But the truth is, a simple skincare routine can be just as effective as a 10+ step routine, and here’s why.
We’ve already outlined the importance of wearing sunscreen daily, double cleansing, regulating exfoliation, and hydrating the skin. Well, guess what? That’s all your skin needs!
In the morning, start your day with a gentle foam or cream cleanser, apply toner, and then a light moisturizer. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before leaving!
In the evening, double cleanse to remove sunscreen, makeup, and impurities. Follow up with a toner, and skin serum or ampoule, if necessary. For your final step, apply a gel, milk, or cream moisturizer. (Oily skin = gel; Sensitive skin = milk; Dry skin = cream)
Once or twice a week exfoliate and apply a sheet mask, and you’re done! Check out our post, 3 Step Sunday Skincare Routine, for details.
7. Go Green
One of the most impactful changes you can make to your skincare routine this year is switching to a sustainable, zero-waste routine and using “green” beauty products.
“Green beauty” encompases anything from clean, natural, and non-toxic products — bonus points if they’re cruelty-free and vegan! Green skincare products* tend to be gentler on the skin and more environmentally friendly, too. (*Important reminder that there’s nothing wrong with “cosmetic chemicals” in your skincare products, especially if you’ve been prescribed medication for a severe skin condition.)
“Going green” is more than just a beauty trend. It’s a means of sustainable living that emphasizes harmony with nature and the health of the planet.
Here are 5 ways to “go green” when it comes to skincare:
(1) Choose products with eco-friendly packaging
(2) Recycle or repurpose your containers & packaging
(3) Opt for eco-friendly ingredients
(4) Ditch disposable and go reusable
(5) Shop from sustainable brands
In the case of [EDO BEAUTY LAB], here’s what “green” means to us:
(1) the natural beauty of Edogawa City;
(2) our superfood ingredient, komatsuna;
(3) the color of our Green Radiance Clay Mask;
(4) our motto, “Green Beauty From Edogawa, Japan“
(5) our commitment to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals
7 New Year Skin Care Resolutions
Which of these 7 new year skin care resolutions will you try first?
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