New Year, New You: Beauty Resolutions for a Glowing 2025
Your Skin, Smarter Care!
Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes the right steps at the right times.
In this guide, you’ll find my ten simple-yet-powerful ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing, no matter the season or situation.
From tackling stubborn makeup with double cleansing to protecting your skin from blue light and winter dryness, this is your cheat sheet for smarter skincare.
Let’s jump in and give your skin the love it deserves!
1. Master the Double Cleanse
Struggling with stubborn makeup, thick sunscreen, or greasy sebum on your skin?
I totally get it, and I’ve got a secret that could change your skincare routine forever: double cleansing.
So, what’s double cleansing?
Well, you start with an oil-based cleanser.
Why oil? Because it follows the rule that oil dissolves oil.
This makes it amazing at breaking down and washing away all that makeup and sunscreen that water alone can’t touch.
My favorites? I love using Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil or Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm. They just melt everything away without any harsh rubbing.
Once you’ve cleared out those oil-based impurities, it’s time for step two: the water-based cleanser.
This step deals with anything left over and cleans up all the water-soluble stuff like sweat and dirt from your skin.
Depending on the day and what my skin’s been through, I switch it up.
After a sweaty workout, I go for a benzoyl peroxide cleanser to keep breakouts at bay.
On days when my skin feels drier, I opt for a hydrating cleanser to keep it soft and moisturized.
Double cleansing might sound like extra work, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Give it a try and see the difference it makes!
2. Optimizing Peptide Power
Did you know that peptides are like secret agents for your skin?
They're small protein pieces that tell your skin to fix and rejuvenate itself.
There are different kinds, each with its own job.
Copper peptides boost collagen production, which keeps your skin looking youthful, while signal peptides improve firmness.
When applying products with peptides, start with the lightest and move to the thickest. This helps your skin absorb them better.
Here's a tip: don't mix copper peptides with vitamin C or niacinamide because they can deactivate each other.
If you're curious about copper peptides, try the Mirror Skin Copper Elixir.
It's great for making your skin look healthier and more vibrant!
3. Strategic Hydration
Keeping your skin hydrated changes with the weather and seasons.
To really lock in moisture, start by applying hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid to damp skin.
This helps pull moisture into your skin.
Next, use emollients or occlusives to seal that moisture in.
Think of them as a protective layer that keeps the good stuff from evaporating.
When it gets colder or the air is drier, choose heavier occlusives to give your skin extra protection. But in the summer, go lighter.
I like to use Medik8 Liquid Peptides under a light moisturizer when it's warm out.
Then, when winter rolls around, I switch to thicker creams to combat the harsh weather.
By adjusting your skincare routine like this, you can keep your skin happy no matter the season!
To learn more about moisturizers, check out our article Do You Really Need a Moisturizer?
4. Supporting Barrier Function
Your skin barrier is delicate and can be easily thrown off by everyday stressors like pollution and too much cleansing.
To keep it strong and balanced, it's crucial to use products that have a blend of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.
These ingredients work together to reinforce your skin's natural defenses.
Two products I swear by are Stratia Liquid Gold and Cerave PM moisturizer. Both are excellent at boosting the protective barrier of your skin.
By incorporating these into your routine, you can help your skin stay resilient against the elements and daily wear and tear.
5. Nurturing Skin Microbiome
Your skin's microbiome acts as a shield, protecting you from harmful pathogens and inflammation.
However, using harsh skincare products can disrupt this natural barrier.
To maintain a healthy microbiome, it's important to use gentle cleansers that don't strip your skin of its natural oils.
Additionally, incorporating prebiotic ingredients like inulin and beta-glucan into your skincare routine can provide extra support.
These ingredients help nourish the good bacteria on your skin, promoting a balanced and healthy ecosystem.
By taking these steps, you can strengthen your skin's defenses and keep it looking healthy and vibrant.
6. Sauna for Skin Health
Incorporating sauna sessions into your skincare and wellness routine can significantly enhance your skin’s detox pathways through sweating, boost circulation, and improve endothelial function.
Using a sauna promotes detoxification (yes, your skin is a detox pathway!), enhances circulation, and aids in muscle recovery which all contribute to healthier, clearer skin.
I have the CurrentBody Infrared Sauna Blanket at home, and I regularly use the sauna at my gym.
For effective sauna use, you can shoot for sessions around 20-30 minutes long, about three times a week.
It’s important to stay hydrated before and after sauna use to compensate for the fluids lost through sweating.
Additionally, make sure to cleanse your skin afterward to remove any expelled toxins, which helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
For more insights into the benefits of sauna use for skin health, remember to read the article "Can You Sweat Your Way to Clear, Ageless Skin?"
7. Managing Blue Light Impact
Did you know that exposure to blue light from your screens can disrupt your sleep hormones, which are crucial for nighttime skin repair?
To mitigate this effect, I recommend using blue-light filters on your digital devices after sunset.
Another effective strategy is wearing amber glasses to block out blue light. I personally use and highly recommend Spectra 479.
I’ve had these glasses for over a year, and I use them every single night. I can’t live without them, and I take them with me everywhere. Yes, I will literally wear them at the gym or the grocery store after sunset.
I even have red light bulbs in my house.
For skincare, it's vital to use products rich in antioxidants to combat the damaging effects of blue light.
One excellent product I've found is NIOD's Survival 0 (S0), which is a serum formulated to shield your skin from environmental stressors, including blue light. Key ingredients in Survival 0 include Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, solanum lycopersicum (tomato) fruit extract, and superoxide dismutase.
These components work together to enhance the skin’s resilience against external damage and promote repair.
It’s a powerful blend that helps keep your skin protected and vibrant, even with regular screen exposure.
8. Strategic Alcohol Reduction
Alcohol consumption can be tough on your skin.
It dehydrates, triggers inflammation, and can mess up your sleep, all of which negatively affect skin health.
If you choose to indulge, consider opting for alcohol-free alternatives to lessen these effects.
For instance, Ramp Health’s B4 drink is a great choice.
After a night out, make sure to take extra care of your skin.
Start by double cleansing to remove impurities and follow up with intense hydration to help your skin recover.
The next day, it’s crucial to replenish your body.
Drink plenty of water and consider supplements like creatine and electrolytes to restore balance and hydration.
This routine can help mitigate some of the adverse effects of alcohol on your skin and overall health.
Check out my Health & Skin Supplements That Actually Work for more details about Ramp Health’s B4.
9. Temperature-Smart Cleansing
Using extremely hot water when cleansing can be really tough on your skin barrier.
It strips away natural oils and can lead to dryness and irritation.
To keep your skin happy, especially during the chilly winter months when hot showers are tempting, stick to lukewarm water for washing your face and body.
Additionally, try to keep your shower time to just 5-10 minutes.
Prolonged exposure to hot water can further deplete your skin of moisture.
If you're concerned about water quality and its impact on your skin, consider installing a Jolie filter in your shower.
This can help reduce irritants like chlorine and heavy metals that might be lurking in your water.
For more insights into the benefits of a Jolie filter, make sure to check out my article “Is this sneaky ingredient ruining your skin and hair?”
10. Seasonal Adaptation
Your skincare routine isn’t a one-size-fits-all year-round; it should adapt to the changing seasons.
In the summer, it’s all about light layers and keeping your skin hydrated.
When winter rolls around, shift your focus to richer emollients and products that help repair and strengthen your skin barrier, which can be compromised by harsh, cold winds.
To really tailor your skincare effectively, consider keeping a log of which products work best for your skin in different climates.
This way, you can easily adjust your routine and ensure your skin gets exactly what it needs, no matter the weather.
Your skin is always working hard for you, so it’s important to give it what it needs to stay healthy and strong.
Small adjustments, like layering products correctly or protecting your skin from environmental stressors, can make a big difference over time.
Think of your routine as a way to support your skin, not just a chore.
Try out these tips, pay attention to what works best for you, and remember—healthy, glowing skin is a journey, not a one-time fix.
You’ve got this!
Cheers,