New Year, New Skin Resolutions As we say goodbye to the past year, many of us are planning a new start to the New Year. Some of us are going to “strap it on” and lose some weight (raising my hand), some of us are going to buckle down and study/work harder (again, raising my hand), some of us are going to commit to taking more risks (not me). Whatever you are planning in the New Year, I ask you take a look at ways you can improve or enhance your skin care routine.

I have said this before; you have to constantly evaluate what you are doing for your skin. You want to make sure you are not letting small things slip through the cracks that can become bigger issues down the road. I will step forward and share that I need to drink more water – period. I make every effort to use the best products on my skin, but it is pointless if I am dehydrated sporting a crusty mug. So that’s one thing I added to my New Year, New Skin Resolutions.

I pulled together a list of things I encourage everyone to work into their own New Year, New Skin Resolutions. I know it’s a tall order to get you to focus on all of these, but I am confident that you will see noticeable results, if you incorporate at least three. I promise they are practically effortless.


Spend Time Washing Your Face
(I bet you didn’t see that one coming!) Most of us, me included, spend such a small amount of time washing our face. It’s funny to me because our face is exposed to so much - just like our hands. Most of our bodies are protected in some way, but our faces are always out there being exposed to the elements, pollution and, of course, sweat. Don’t get me wrong, you have to start with the right cleanser for your skin type, but spend a little time massaging the skin to stimulate circulation and loosen debris on your skin. Exfoliating your skin is important, however daily purposeful cleansing will do far more to rejuvenate your skin than anything else.

Plug for another brand’s product: I am a huge fan of Clarisonic’s electronic facial cleansing brush. It works like a sonic toothbrush for your face adding extra-gentle muscle to your facial cleanser. It’s an investment starting at $149, but it is worth it.

Moisturize
If you wash your face, please use some sort of moisturizer to replenish your skin afterwards. It doesn’t have to be a complicated moisturizer. Just something to replenish any moisture lost during cleansing. And if you are really dry, don’t even think about skipping moisturizer. If you don’t like the feel of a moisturizer on your face, layer it on at night before you go to bed. That way it has time to be soaked up before you wake up.

Drink Loads of Water
I can’t say it enough, but, as I previously admitted, I fall off the water wagon frequently so I need the constant reminder. There is a noticeable change in the way I feel when I am staying hydrated - not just for my skin. I tried to look for a good rule of thumb for how much water you need, but the best I could come up with is the standard eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day spaced out throughout the day. It is so inexpensive to get one of those metallic travel bottles at your local drugstore. Fill it up frequently and always have it with you. If it’s there and ready to go, you are more likely to drink it.

Work in Some Fruits and Veggies into Your Diet
I am speaking to my fast-food junkies out there of which I am a member. The sprinkling of lettuce on a cheese burger is not enough. Keep in mind that the richer the color, the more nutrient-rich and more beneficial a fruit or vegetable generally is. So keep an eye out for the freshest fruit and vegetables you can get your hands on.

I keep a bowl of fruit that is already washed and ready to eat on the kitchen counter. It definitely increases the likelihood of me eating a piece of fruit when I don’t have to go through the hassle of washing it before I can eat it. When I come home from the grocery store, I put all the fruit in a strainer and wash it immediately. I let it air dry in the strainer and transfer it over to the fruit bowl. I have to make these things easy or I will not do them.

Clean Out the Bathroom Cupboard
All products have a Period After Opening date listed on the bottle or box. Generally it’s on the back and it is located within an icon that looks like a jar with the lid opened. It will say something like: 12M (12 months) or 24M (24 months). This “date” is how long a product is good after it has first been opened. If you haven’t used it by the Period After Opening date, it is time to say good bye and trash it.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun
I won’t even tell you to use one of my SPF products because that is a given. I want you to think about other ways to add to your skin’s protection from the harmful and aging effects of the sun’s rays.

Here are some things I do:

• Limit sun exposure. (Mow the lawn in the early evening when the sun has gone down, if possible.)
  
• Wear a hat when you know you are going to be in direct sunlight.
  
• Always wear a sunscreen. Even when it’s not sunny - you still get sun exposure.
• Reapply sunscreen frequently when you are in the sun.

See a Skin Therapist
I know. I know. I am going to lose most of you here, but I promise you a monthly visit to a skin therapist will be a huge boost for your skin. Even if you can’t make the time monthly, you can see a skin therapist quarterly and still see a vast improvement. There are so many local spas and salons that offer men’s facials and they shouldn’t blow a hole in your wallet just check them out online first.

If you can’t get in to see a skin therapist, try doing a facial mask suited to your skin concerns at home. I find applying a mask while I am in the shower is a practical way to get the job done without having to walk around my house with a mask on. Plus, I find the mild steam from the shower enhances the process.


I hope you find these helpful. I don’t want to overwhelm you. Like I said earlier, if you can incorporate at least three of these tips in your New Year, New Skin Resolutions, I know you will see a noticeable improvement in your skin. Most of them are pretty easy to work into your routine so there are no excuses. And please, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.

From all of us at Jock Soap have a Happy and Safe New Year.

Take care of you!

Josh