With the drying winter weather upon us, exfoliating once or twice a week is crucial. I know this -- and yet I still don't whip out my Clarisonic Mia, $125, as often as I know I should. (Hint: No cash for the Mia? I also love the OLAY Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System, $29.99).
I also plan to try this homemade exfoliation recipe from Mila Kunis' esthetician Scott-Vincent Borba:
Start by exfoliating skin from head to toe with oatmeal and honey to soothe and condition your skin. Next, soak in a lukewarm milk bath made with a half gallon of milk and two Alka-Seltzer tablets (to stimulate oxygen).
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Resolution No. 2: Wear sunscreen every day
I know, I know -- I shouldn't be cutting corners on this one. New York City-based dermatologist Ranella Hirsh, MD, reminds me that it's important to wear sunscreen every day -- even in the winter. UV damage can lead to brown spots, more wrinkles, and all sorts of not-so-pretty stuff in addition to the big C.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every two hours year-round on any exposed skin. (Try Clarins UV Plus Day Screen SPF 40, $40.) At the very least, cover your face, chest, hands and forearms at least 30 minutes before heading out the door.
Have you made one of the "typical" New Year's resolutions? You know, lose weight, eat healthy, stress less, find more "me-time?" Not me.
Sorry, but those resolutions have a high potential for failure. And the mere thought of failing seriously stresses me out, which in turn sends me straight to the couch with a jumbo-sized bag of Lays (see where I'm going with this?).
My alternative strategy for 2015: I'm going to start with the small stuff.
For example, my resolutions this year aren't dependent on total abstinence from chocolate and total adherence to new "rules" I don't have the willpower to follow. Instead, I am laser-focused on one area that desperately needs work: nixing my bad beauty habits. My theory? Reaching these little goals will help me gain the momentum I need to tackle the bigger stuff.