Five Things Better For Your Skin Than Dry January
Yes, it's true alcohol is not good for you or your skin. And, frankly, all of our resolutions would probably be more successful without drinking alcohol. However, people who have healthy relationships with alcohol can have too high of hopes as to what quitting for a month will look like in their skin. But these changes we laid out below will, no doubt, impress you with how well they make your skin look after a month.
Skin MPLS is here for dry January, but we are also willing to bet these skin resolutions will make more of a difference on your skin than quitting alcohol for a month – and maybe even for the whole year. We're calling it Flawless February!
Give up hot water on your face
We're not asking you to take cold showers, although we know that is a current wellness trend. Just turn down the water temperature when washing your face, and never let hot shower water beat down on your face. Hot water on your skin is the quickest way to fry your barrier and cause broken capillaries, dryness, and redness.
Minimize carbs and sugar
Instead of quitting alcohol altogether during dry January, consider minimizing sugar and carbohydrates as a whole for skin impacts. Sugar intake can lead to collagen and elastin weakening through glycation. Additionally, it causes inflammation and oxidative stress on your skin.
The difference between alcohol and sugar is that alcohol is not hidden in everything, so you know how often you're consuming it. Spend a month reading your food labels like you're checking a lottery ticket, and you'll be surprised by the sugar content in foods that you assume don't contain added sugars or are low in carbohydrates.
Drink half your body weight in water every day
Drinking water is no new secret; however, too many are still not convinced or committed. Since water bottles are so trendy, ensuring you are drinking the right amount of water should be easy. Commit to it every single day for a month and see the difference in yourself and your skin. If you "hate" the taste of water, you can turn to electrolytes. But remember, electrolytes are not usually acne-safe because of the salt and iodine content.
Wash your face twice a day, everyday
We'll accept less than 100% here if this is hard for you, but please start with washing every single night. Washing your face is how you get it clean, which means your serums go on your skin like a dream, which means your skin starts to become plump, even, and glass-like. Having a routine is fun, and it energizes you. It doesn't have to take a ton of time, itjust involves getting your face wet – but we promise it's all downhill from there. Watch Cassie wash her face to learn all the ins and outs.
Get rest
We'll spare you the lecture on the importance of 7-9 hours of sleep each night. While that is ideal, young children and intense jobs can make that impossible. However, take every opportunity to spend some quiet and phoneless time. It might be lying with your little ones or listening to relaxing music during your commute. Our minds, bodies, and skin need recovery time. Happy people, happy skin.