New year’s resolutions are anything but new. In fact, historians assert that the first new year’s resolutions were made by ancient Babylonians around 4,000 years ago. Wonder if they were any more successful at keeping them than we are today? By last calculation, 80 percent of these promises fail before February!
But here’s a little good news. While we can’t assist you with losing weight, making new friends or finding love, we can help you make 2019 your most beautiful year yet. Consider these five resolutions that are simple enough to stick with long-term.
1. Drink more water
Your body is composed of about 60 percent water, so it’s not surprising that staying properly hydrated is so important for good health. Not only does drinking enough water help you feel more energetic and alert throughout the day, but it is also essential for beautiful skin. Dermatologists frequently tell their patients to drink 80 ounces of water a day to keep their skin hydrated, plump, elastic and blemish free.
If you find tracking your daily water intake difficult (or often forget to drink it at all), there are a number of ‘smart’ bottles and gadgets on the market to help. One such device, the Ulla, can be clipped to any water bottle. It tracks when you drink and will even blink to remind you to hydrate.
2. Wear sunscreen every day
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. But that’s not the only danger of unprotected sun exposure. An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is also caused by UV rays.
Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: applying sunscreen daily. A good sunscreen will prevent UVA and UVB radiation from reaching your skin and causing sunburn, skin cancer, sun spots and wrinkles. If you’re not spending time outdoors, a product with SPF 15 is usually sufficient. For longer exposure times, choose sunscreens with SPF 30 and above. Apply them to your face, neck, hands and any other exposed skin—even on cloudy days.
3. Moisturize regularly
Dry skin doesn’t just look dull and flaky, it can exacerbate acne issues and age-related wrinkles as well—no matter what your age. Make a resolution to moisturize your face (and body) regularly in 2019. Not only will doing so keep your complexion looking fresh and healthy, but some products can also help you fight wrinkles and age spots and provide sun protection.
Of course, choosing the right moisturizer is important. If you’re not sure where to start, the estheticians at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology can help. Call 888-569-1797 to book an appointment. New clients even receive 20 percent off their first service.
4. Clean out your makeup bag
If your makeup bag (or drawer) is stuffed to overflowing, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to resign yourself to another year of wasted time searching through half-used products for what you need. Instead, resolve to purge expired makeup products every six months.
In general, experts recommend tossing liquid makeup that is older than six months and powdered makeup that is older than two years. The typical life expectancy of mascara is only three months. The same goes for liquid eyeliners, though cream and powdered eyeliners and eyeshadows should be good for two years. Lipsticks and lip liners can last two years as well.
5. Give your hair a break
This is one of your easier resolutions to keep up! Daily shampooing, blow drying, and curling can really stress your hair, not to mention the damage that can be done by at-home bleaching and coloring. For a full calendar year of good hair days, resolve to give your tresses a break. How, you ask? Shampooing your hair less frequently can help, as can skipping the heat styling tools at least a few days a week.
For even better results, regularly pamper damaged hair with a moisturizing mask or deep conditioning treatment. At Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, our stylists swear by Matrix’s line of hair masks. There’s one formulated for every hair type. We also offer a number of hair treatments in our on-campus salons starting at just $5. Check out our salon page for more information about our services
By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology
