11 Skincare Resolutions for 2022

Each new year brings new opportunities for growth. As 2022 approaches, it’s time to embrace the spirit of change and start making your new year’s resolutions. It’s always great to commit to eating well and staying active but think about branching out a bit with your self-improvement strategies. This year, make skincare part of your new year’s resolution.

The past year has been stressful for many, so you’ll be glad to know that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple 5-minute routine twice a day can make a big difference in the look, feel, and overall health of your skin. A commitment to skincare is a commitment to self-care, and that’s something we could all use a little more of in the coming year.

If you’re ready to start taking better care of your skin, resolve to make a few simple changes that will yield significant results. Here are the 11 skincare resolutions you should be making in 2022.

1. Cleanse your skin twice a day.

There’s no more important step in skincare than cleansing. Even if you don’t do anything else, cleansing in the morning and evening can help keep your skin clean and clear. Cleansing your skin in the morning helps remove surface oil that accumulates overnight and creates a clean foundation for makeup. In the evening, cleansing is essential to remove that makeup and other impurities before you sleep.

Choose a cleanser appropriate for your skin type. For dry skin, a cleansing milk like Lait Nettoyant is gentle and non-stripping. Gel cleansers like Gel Nettoyant are ideal for oily skin while a thicker cleansing cream like Nettoyant Crème may be appropriate for extremely dry, damaged, or sensitive skin.

2. Never sleep in makeup.

It only takes a few minutes to wash your face before bed but when you’re exhausted, even that can feel like more effort than it’s worth. While skipping your nightly cleanse may not seem like a big deal, it can have major consequences for your skin. Overnight, makeup can mix with the dirt, oils, and other impurities that have built up on your skin throughout the day which can lead to clogged pores. Blocked pores are a recipe for breakouts, so take the time to cleanse!

A few quick swipes with Eau Micellaire is all you need to remove makeup while simultaneously cleansing the skin. This ultra-gentle formula is suitable for all skin types and can be applied with a cotton ball or pad – no rinsing necessary!

3. Wash your makeup brushes regularly.

Speaking of makeup, make sure the tools that come into contact with your face are cleaned regularly as well. Makeup brushes can accumulate bacteria which can then be transferred to your skin, increasing your risk for clogged pores and resulting breakouts. To clean your brushes, wet them with warm water and apply a drop of mild dish soap or brush cleaner in the palm of your hand. Massage the soap into the bristles then rinse thoroughly and squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean towel. Let them air dry.

4. Exfoliate twice a week.

Even if you cleanse twice daily, your skin will still accumulate dirt and oil on the surface. Cleansing helps keep those materials from clogging your pores, but exfoliation takes things one step further by removing dead cells from the surface of skin. Choose an exfoliator appropriate for your skin type and start using it once a week until you know how your skin reacts. From there, you can move up to twice a week or more often, depending on the product.

Dry, sensitive, and damaged skin responds well to gentle physical exfoliants like Gommage Yon-Ka which gently remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin. For deeper exfoliation, a scrub like Guarana Scrub helps unclog pores and leaves the skin feeling healthy and refreshed.

5. Don’t pop pimples or pick at your skin.

As tempting as it may be to pop pimples or pick at your skin, it only makes matters worse. When you pop a pimple, you run the risk of not only transferring more bacteria to the area, but you might end up pushing the existing bacteria further into your skin. Picking at your skin or popping pimples also increases your risk of acne scarring. The best thing you can do is let your skin heal on its own or, for serious concerns, see a professional esthetician or dermatologist.

6. Start booking regular facials.

At-home skincare is important, but if you want to maximize your results consider adding a monthly professional facial to your calendar. A professional esthetician can analyze your skin to identify areas of concern and make custom recommendations regarding skincare products. In addition to cleansing and exfoliation, many professional facials involve extractions which can help clear congestion, prevent pimples, and speed healing for active breakouts. Find a local Yon-Ka partner spa near you.

7. Use a targeted mask once or twice a week.

While professional facials can be extremely beneficial for your skin, it’s important to take the proper steps to maintain your results at home. In addition to daily cleansing, moisturizing, and weekly exfoliation, consider adding targeted face masks to your weekly routine. Face masks can be used to boost hydration, combat excess oil production, and reduce the visible signs of aging.

For purified, tighter skin try Masque 103 for normal to oily skin or, for normal to sensitive skin types, give Masque 105 a go. If you have mature skin, Excellence Code Masque may provide a visible lifting effect while brightening the complexion. For even more dramatic results, try Glyconight 10%, a high-performing sleep mask that retexturizes the skin.

8. Don’t skip out on SPF – ever.

Not only does sunscreen protect you from sunburn, but it reduces your risk of developing skin cancer as well. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, wearing SPF 15 reduces your risk for skin cancer by 40% and your risk for melanoma by 50%. Most experts, however, recommend wearing at least SPF 30. And remember, while your face may see the most sun exposure, it’s important to wear sunscreen on all areas of exposed skin like neck, hands, etc.

9. Keep bacteria away from your face.

We’ve all become a little more cognizant of hygiene and sanitation over the past few years but just because things are slowly improving on the COVID front doesn’t mean you can start neglecting the basics. Acne is the result of clogged pores but can be worsened by the introduction of bacteria. Avoid touching your face and wipe your phone regularly with disinfectant wipes to avoid transferring bacteria to your face where it might trigger a breakout.

10. Upgrade your routine with a serum or booster.

If you already have a basic skincare routine in place, the new year is the perfect time to give it an upgrade. Facial serums and boosters can be used to target specific skin concerns or to simply add an extra dose of hydration to your routine – it’s a great way to customize your skincare. Water-based serums get applied underneath your regular moisturizer, while a booster gets mixed into your moisturizer.

Restore your skin’s youthful glow with Hydra No. 1 Serum or tighten the skin with Lift + booster. Smooth fine lines and wrinkles while fighting dryness and dehydration with Elixir Vital.

11. Avoid tanning beds and excessive UV exposure.

When ultraviolet (UV) rays reach your skin, they can damage the cells in the epidermis and cause sunburn. Prolonged and repeated UV exposure not only increases your risk for skin damage but may increase your risk for skin cancer as well. Tanning beds can speed the effects of photoaging, making you look older than you really are. Always wear sun protection outdoors and avoid UV tanning.

Take your routine to the next level in 2022 with these 11 skincare resolutions, but don’t feel like you have to incorporate them all at once! Start with daily cleansing and SPF then go from there. For custom product recommendations, use the Yon-Ka Skincare Advisor or stop in to your local Yon-Ka partner spa.