For most people, the dawn of a new year is the perfect opportunity to adopt new, healthy habits.

In 2023, commit to supporting your skin health by creating consistent routines centered around nourishing and protecting it from the inside out.

Resolution #1: Don’t Fall for Every Skincare Trend

With the rise of beauty influencers come constant recommendations for “miracle” skincare products that generate tons of buzz and promise unbelievable results. It’s easy to fall for the hype, especially when the people promoting them seem to have the flawless complexions you’ve dreamed of having.

If you reach for your wallet every time a fresh-faced YouTuber promotes a product, remember that there’s certainly more going on behind the scenes. Many influencers are paid to support certain brands, which can easily blur the line between the truth and what they’re saying to maintain their sponsorship. They also benefit from editing, screen makeup, and filters that mask skin issues under a seemingly perfect dewy glow.

Unfortunately, trying out skincare trends can impact more than your bank account. Skin is temperamental and doesn’t always react well to change, so constantly adding the “latest and greatest” product to your routine can worsen skin problems. Consider whether a trending cleanser or toner is worth potential breakouts, redness, flaking, inflammation, and sensitivity.

Invest in quality, medical-grade products, develop good day & night skincare routines and stick to it for best results.

Resolution #2: Nourish Your Body With Skin-Supportive Foods

The diet you feed your body has a cascade effect on all your organs, including your skin.

For example, puffy or swollen skin could be a sign that you’re eating too much sodium or not enough healthy fats. At the same time, dairy products can cause those with lactose intolerance to see increased redness, oil production, and acne.

Sugar is one of the biggest culprits in creating the tell-tale signs of aging thanks to the process of glycation. When your blood pressure spikes, it makes advanced glycation end products or A.G.E.s. These molecules damage collagen, elastin, and other connective tissues leading to wrinkles and increased skin laxity.Ā 

In the same way, diets rich in vitamins and minerals can give you healthier, more youthful skin. These nutrients work internally to fuel efficient cell turnover, boost collagen production, fight free radicals, and slow down age-related concerns.

Your skin depends on these nutrients:

  • Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatsĀ from nuts, avocados, olive oil, and fish.
  • Vitamin A from leafy greens, milk, eggs, mango, sweet potato, and spinach.
  • Vitamin CĀ from citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and bell peppers.
  • Vitamin EĀ from almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, avocado, salmon, and sunflower seeds.
  • Vitamin KĀ from tuna, spinach, kale, broccoli, soybeans, and cashews.
  • AntioxidantsĀ from blueberries, blackberries, cocoa, kidney beans, red cabbage, green tea, and beets.
  • BiotinĀ from eggs, liver, salmon, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, almonds, and yogurt.
  • Support collagen production with nuts, bell peppers, eggs, tomatoes, garlic, bone broth, and citrus fruits.
  • Zinc fromĀ oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, shellfish, nuts, crabs, chickpeas, and lentils.
  • SulfurĀ from whole grains, lentils, oats, turkey, beef, eggs, chicken, and fish.
  • CopperĀ from liver, spirulina, nuts, seeds, lobster, and leafy greens.

Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily, limit alcohol consumption and get plenty of sleep.

Resolution #3: Commit to Seeing Your Dermatologist

There’s only so much you can do to keep your skin healthy at home. That’s why one of the best habits you can develop to support your skin health is finding a trusted, experienced dermatologist to provide expert care for problems that can’t be solved by simply switching cleansers or moisturizing more.

Not only can they catch minor issues before they become significant problems– like the early signs of melanoma– but they can also offer clinical-grade services and products that you won’t find on the shelves of your local drugstore. From chemical peels to dermaplaning, dermatologists know precisely how to solve medical and cosmetic skin concerns.

If you’re looking for a provider in the Edina, Waconia, or Shakopee area, we invite you to visit Dr. Briden and her staff at the Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Institute and Advanced Skin Therapeutics. With more than 35 years in the field, her status as a global authority in dermatological studies, and her innovative approach to skincare, you can rest easy knowing that your skin health is in good hands.