Happy New Year! Want to look and feel your best in 2018 and beyond? Following are 15 easy resolutions for a healthier, more beautiful you—inside and out!
1. Take a multivitamin
Regardless of your diet regimen, it’s practically impossible to get all the nutrients your body needs through food alone. Chew or swallow a daily multivitamin to help protect against many conditions and promote optimal health and wellbeing.
2. Apply sunscreen
It’s an essential part of any beauty routine—regardless of the weather or your proximity to the beach. Spray or lather on an SPF of at least 15 every time you head outside to help prevent freckles, dark spots and other sun damage.
3. Floss your teeth
Although easy to overlook, flossing not only rids your teeth of unsightly food (e.g. spinach stuck between your choppers), it removes plaque and helps prevent gum disease. And as many a dentist will tell you, there’s also a link between poor dental care and heart disease.
4. Wash your face
Aim to wash your face (with warm water and an appropriate cleanser) every night before bed. It takes just a few minutes, and it helps eliminate makeup, dirt and dead skin cells, which can build up over time and cause conditions ranging from dull skin and acne to enlarged pores and more visible signs of aging.
5. Moisturize your skin
Everyone one can benefit from a daily moisturizer, regardless of skin type. It helps to protect skin while improving its texture and tone. Apply an appropriate moisturizer immediately after washing your face and body and reapply as needed, especially in dry climates.
6. Drink water
Experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily for mental acuity and a healthy, glowing complexion. To help ensure you follow through with this resolution, bring along a reusable water bottle whenever you’re on the go. No excuses!
7. Exercise
From increased energy and better sleep to improved mental health, the benefits of exercise are wide ranging. This year, strive to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership to reach this goal. Try walking, running or any activity that appeals to you.
8. Discard old makeup
Are your bathroom drawers overflowing with old, expired cosmetics? Not only does that stuff lose its efficiency, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. A rule of thumb: Toss any product that has been open for over six months—three if it’s mascara.
9. Clean makeup brushes
Grease, grime and bacteria can congregate on unwashed cosmetic brushes, eventually clogging your pores and causing breakouts. Bid dirt and germs adieu by washing your brushes on a weekly basis. Your crystal clear complexion will thank you!
10. Catch some zzzzs
In addition to banishing under-eye circles, a good night’s sleep offers a host of health benefits. Adults should strive to snooze for seven to nine hours every night, according to experts.
11. Wash hair less often
Overwashing your hair can leave your locks looking (and feeling) dry and brittle. So, vow to skip the shampoo at least once a week for a wow-worthy mane and a lower water bill.
12. Trim your tips
Even if you’re trying to grow out your locks, regular visits to the stylist will help prevent split ends and keep your hair looking much fuller and healthier. How often you need a trim will vary depending on texture, style and other factors.
13. Take care of color
Color-treated tresses require a little more TLC than undyed hair. If your hair color isn’t quite au natural (we won’t tell!), vow to use a color-care care shampoo this year. Color-protective shampoos are specially formulated to protect hair from fading and breakage, so your signature shade will look healthier, last longer and better withstand your styling routine.
14. Turn down the heat
Speaking of styling routines, give yours a break every now and then. Letting hair air dry—at least once in a while—can help protect it from dryness and other damage due to excessive use of styling tools, such as blow dryers, curling irons and straightening irons, and sun exposure. And when you do style your locks with heated tools, always use a heat protectant cream or spray.
15. Try something new
The new year is the perfect time to shake up your routine. Whether you opt for a new shade of eye shadow or a new hairstyle or color, stepping outside of your comfort zone will help spark your confidence, and self-assurance is always beautiful!
