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Easy skincare to jumpstart your new year with a new glow.

Without fail, we make New Year resolutions that are meant to push ourselves. Then, usually a few months in, we get tired, bored or busy, and just give up. But we want to make 2016 different. This year, instead of making grand resolutions, we're promising to follow an easy skincare regimen. So easy that it'd be silly not to keep up the good habits!

Wash Your Face Every Night

We get it. Sometimes it's just plain hard to come home from an evening out and not fall right into bed. But not in 2016!

Dermatologists agree how (and even if) you wash your face affects your appearance. Not only does washing your face remove makeup and oil, but it also removes dead skin cells, which can cause skin to look dry and lose its natural brilliance. For best results, wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser. You should also avoid scrubbing your skin because rough scrubbing will irritate skin.

Exfoliate Regularly

Skin renews itself about every 30 days. If old cells remain on the surface and build up, they can contribute to a flat, dull appearance as well as blemishes and scaling. Now you ask, what does "regularly" mean? Unfortunately, the answer is different for everyone depending on skin type.

Most dermatologists will agree once to twice a week is effective. Start to exfoliate once a week and see how your skin reacts before increasing the frequency. However, you should pay extra attention when the weather changes. You may find you'll need to exfoliate less often in winter weather, which generally leads to drier and more easily irritated skin.

Clean and Replace Makeup & Shaving Supplies

Makeup is especially vulnerable to bacteria, which means your old makeup and/or dirty brushes and sponges can cause an infection.

• Disposable Razor: Replace weekly or bi-weekly, depending on how often you use them and how they are stored.
• Lip Gloss and Lipstick: You should only keep lip gloss for about six months. Lipstick and pencils have a slightly longer shelf life and can last up to a year.
• Loofah: If you notice any mold or discoloration, toss it immediately. If not, replace your loofah about once a month.
• Mascara: Mascara has the shortest shelf life of all beauty products and should be discarded two-three months after opening.
• Foundation: If your foundation has separated or feels thick/clumpy or thin/runny, replace it. Otherwise, the shelf life of foundation is six months to a year.
• Makeup Brushes: The shelf life of a brush depends on the quality and how often you wash them. At the very least, brushes should be washed once a week.
• Makeup Sponges: Toss your sponges at least once a month, if you're really diligent about cleaning them. Sponges should be washed after every use, but given the inexpensive cost, you may prefer to toss a sponge after application.

WEAR SUNSCREEN

Yes, we really did feel that caps lock was necessary for that heading. Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. Not to mention UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots.

We have heard many women say, "I wear sunscreen everyday because it's in my makeup." Unfortunately, the low SPF and small amount applied are not enough to thoroughly protect your skin. The key is to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. A great rule of thumb is to use one ounce of sunscreen – enough to fill a shot glass – to cover the exposed areas of your body.

See a Dermatologist Once a Year

The American Academy of Dermatologists suggests an in-office appointment with a dermatologist at least once a year for a thorough skin examination. Additionally, many dermatologists suggest checking your birthday suit on your birthday so you'll be sure to notice any changes to your skin. When caught early, skin cancer is very treatable.

Melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer) incidence rates have been increasing for at least 30 years. It is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old.

To get immediate diagnosis online for any of these conditions, start your visit now with DermatologistOnCall®.