New Year, New Skincare Resolutions

I feel like 2021 just got started, and here we are already wrapping up another year! As we reflect over the last year and look forward to 2022, I want you to think about 3 skincare goals you can make for yourself. Three small steps you can incorporate or habits you can make that can help induce self-care, improve your skin and positively impact your sense of self-worth. 

Here are a few ideas for you that would make a great New Year's Skincare Resolution. 

This may seem like an easy one but is surprisingly overlooked by many. Daily SPF application is your easiest and cheapest way to "anti-age". By applying an all mineral sunscreen every morning (that's 365 days a year, rain or shine or clouds or overcast or ANY weather) and reapplying your sunscreen every 2-3 hours when outside, you are protecting your skin against UV rays that break down collagen & elastin and damage skin cells. This causes all signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation (dark spots), fine lines & wrinkles, uneven skin tone, rough texture, inflammation, redness and skin cancer. Make a commitment in 2022 to consistently wear sunscreen every single day. Your skin will thank you for this. 

View our collection of mineral SPF here. 

Exfoliate at least once a week

Again, this may seem easy but I find the majority of women who aren't on a consistent skincare routine NEVER exfoliate. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells via a physical or chemical substance. As we age, our cellular turnover slows down causing a build-up of dead skin cells which leads to dry, tight or flaky skin. No matter what skin type you have, it's necessary to consistently exfoliate anywhere from 1-3 times every week. View all exfoliants HERE, but also note my breakdown of exfoliant based on skin type below. 

Oily/combination skin types: 

Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser

Almond & MIneral Treatment

Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel

Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant

Radish Seed Refining Peel

Normal/dry skin types:

Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant

Turmeric Energizing Treatment

Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel

Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel

Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser

Sensitive/reactive skin types:

Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peel

Radish Seed Refining Peel

Incorporate a targeted serum into your skincare routine

This goal may be harder to convince you to do, but I promise adding in a targeted serum will level up your skincare routine and help you reach your skincare goals the fastest. Did you know, facial serums (and facial masques) have the highest level of concentrated & active ingredients out of any other skincare product. Corrective results are better achieved with a daily serum better than cleanser, toner, exfoliant, moisturizer, masques and facial oil. You need a serum in your daily routine if you are trying to work on anything corrective such as hyperpigmentation, redness, fine lines & wrinkles, firmness, collagen & elastin support, hydration levels, and so much more. 

Take a look at my collection of serums to help you narrow down which one may be best for you. I'll also list a few of my favorite serums below that help benefit all skin types. 

Marine Flower Peptide Serum

Bamboo Firming Fluid

Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum

Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum

Vitamin C+ Enhancement Serum

Eight Greens Youth Serum

A couple more skincare goals you can incorporate in your routine to better your skin...

Face Masque at least once a week

Like I mentioned above, targeted serums and facial masques are your most beneficial products to use for reaching your skincare goals and seeing actual results. By consistently face masquing at least once a week, this gives your skin a 10-30 minute window of having active ingredients on your skin. Think of it as a mini facial you can do right at home.

Need ideas or recommendations on face masquing? Request access to our Sweet Cheeks VIP group on Facebook to see the hundreds of Sweet Cheeks clients who commit to face masking regularly and share their successes to encourage and motivate all of us. This group is amazing and so inspiring!

Wash you face every single night (makeup or not)

Sleeping in makeup can age your skin up to 7x faster! But whether you wear makeup or not, it's vital you remove the day from your face every night before bed. SPF, sweat, dirt and oils accumulate throughout the day that can lead to clogged pores and an overall more sluggish appearance. I also recommend performing a double cleanse at night. The double cleansing method is when you use an oil-based cleanser to "pre-cleanse", then follow with a traditional gel or cream based cleanser to actually wash your face. You don't have to have an oil based cleanser to double cleanse, just use your regular cleanser and wash and rinse your face twice. This method is only necessary at night unless you sleep in your makeup (though not recommended). My favorite oil cleanser is the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil. It's absolutely life changing. 

Over 150 of us just finished our 3rd annual Face Wash Challenge. This is a 90 Day Challenge we host every fall to help you dial in on your skincare routine and help create a nightly habit that sticks. If you missed the 2021 Face Wash Challenge it's ok! We'll have another one next fall.

View all facial cleansers here. 

Don't pick your skin

Set a goal for yourself to stop picking at your skin by squeezing or popping pimples. If you have a breakout or pimple that's bothering you, try icing it instead. Take an ice cube and apply to the infected or inflamed area several times a day to reduce inflammation and redness. Always apply a salicylic acid spot treatment to the infected area after icing. Repeat as necessary until healed. 

The Clear Skin Targeted Treatment is a great spot treatment and my go-to in the treatment room. 

Change your pillowcases weekly

Pillowcases and bedsheets harbor bacteria, sweat, dirt, oils and hair products that lead to inflammation and breakouts. Commit to changing linens every week for healthier skin and a better night's rest. 

ProTips: 

• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to help prevent wrinkles. Try our custom SC Satin Pillowcase.
• Keep a stack of clean pillowcases in your nightstand or dresser drawer as a reminder to change them out and for easy access.
• Set a reminder in your phone if necessary. 

Wash your makeup brushes monthly

I try to wash my makeup brushes at the beginning of every month. Try a makeup brush cleansing balm or use a gentle soap free from fragrance. Rinse clean, reshape and lay flat to dry. Again, a monthly reminder on your calendar is helpful here. 

Are you ready to set 3 skincare goals in 2022? I'd love to hear what goals you have for you and your skin in the comments section. I have a feeling this is going to be the best year yet. 

Many wishes for a prosperous and healthy NEW YEAR!

xo Tiffanie