New Year's Skin Resolutions

Want to look younger by 2013? Better skin starts now

Among all those pledges you’ll be promising yourself come Dec. 31 (I will lose 10 pounds; I will stop spending money on coffee), there’s one more you need to add to the list: I will take better care of my face. We’re all guilty of complexion crimes, like sleeping with our makeup on or skipping SPF, and there’s no better time to bid adieu to all those bad beauty habits and ring in the new year with your best face forward. Here, the best skincare principles to implement now.

Cleanse the Day Away (Gently!)
“Using a drying facial wash strips natural moisturizers from the top layer of the skin, which can break down its barrier,” says Los Angeles-based dermatologist Alex A. Khadavi, M.D., creator of Revivogen, Clearogen and Rejuve MD skincare brands. “When this happens, your face becomes dry, red and flaky,” he says. Toss those harsh soap-based formulas and go for a kinder, gentler wash like Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme. This delicate yet powerful cleansing cream removes makeup, dirt and oils with a special polyhydroxy acid formula, leaving skin silky and smooth without stripping away moisture.

Slather on Sunscreen Year-Round
You’ve undoubtedly heard this before, but since it’s so important, we’re telling you again. Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF, especially on your face, is a must even in wintertime. “This will guard against UVA and UVB radiation that can cause skin cancer and premature aging,” says Dr. Khadavi. Use a lightweight sunscreen like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30 under your makeup.

This oil-free formula imparts heavy-duty protection without looking or feeling greasy. Parsol 1789 blocks UVA and UVB rays while antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E help fight free radicals and restore healthy cell function. Not to mention, it’s also waterproof, sweat-proof and rub-proof.

Slough Away Debris
When dirt and oil aren’t fully removed, they can get trapped in your pores and fine lines, wreaking havoc on your skin, says Dr. Khadavi. The solution: a gentle exfoliation. Try the Clarisonic Mia 2 Skin Care Cleansing System. It’s a battery-operated, micro-massager that uses sonic technology to purge your pores. In just 60 seconds, the high-tech tool cleans more than twice as effectively as manual cleansing. You’ll notice a reduction in the appearance of pores, improved skin tone and less visible fine lines and wrinkles.

Quench Thirsty Skin
Good moisturizers are ones that have the right proportion of ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol to help repair the skin’s barrier, says Dr. Khadavi. Look for one that’s rich in emollients, which saturate skin with more moisture. The best time to apply facial moisturizer is after showering, when it will absorb more effectively. Try Ahava Essential Day Moisturizer Normal to Dry. This intensive hydrating day cream boosts moisture for long-lasting hydration. Skin is left soft, smooth and protected from environmental damage thanks to vitamin E, aloe vera and humectant-rich amino acids.