10 Skincare Resolutions You Should Make in 2021

Now that 2020 has finally come to a close, it’s time to embrace the new year and the opportunities it has in store. If you find yourself realizing there’s a lot you’d like to change in 2021, you’re not alone. Before you start making resolutions left and right, however, take a moment to reflect on the past year and think practically about the year ahead.

Though we’ve made a lot of progress in the fight against COVID-19, it’s difficult to imagine that life might truly be “back to normal” until the summer or fall. With this in mind, you may need to rethink some of your New Year’s resolutions – especially those that involve social contact.

The good news is there’s never been a better time to focus on yourself (in a healthy way, of course). That’s right – we’re talking about self-care! Rather than making a resolution to hit the gym three times a week or to be more outgoing in your social life, resolve to start taking better care of your skin. There are plenty of simple changes you can make to your beauty regimen that will make a big difference in the new year and for years to come.

Here are the 10 skincare resolutions you should make in 2021.

1. Commit to daily cleansing.

If you make no other resolutions this year, commit to daily cleansing. Washing your face should be a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine and it is a simple step that can make a world of difference. Vow to cleanse twice a daily (morning and evening) before you put your makeup on for the day and before you head to bed. Choose a cleanser appropriate for your skin type and skin conditions to make sure you start your day on the right foot and to prepare your skin to properly absorb your nighttime products.

A light foaming gel cleanser is ideal for combination or oily skin like Yon-Ka Gel Nettoyant. Cream cleansers like Nettoyant Crème replenish skin’s lipids while cleansing, making them the perfect choice for dry and sensitive skin. If you want something suitable for all skin types, try a water-based cleanser like Eau Micellaire.

2. Wash your pillowcases every few days.

When you lay your head down to rest at the end of the day, you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the cleanliness of your pillowcase. The truth is your pillowcase can harbor bacteria, not to mention the fact that it collects oil, dirt, and sweat while you sleep. Sleeping on a dirty pillowcase can worsen existing skin concerns or trigger new ones, so replace your pillowcase every two to three days. Stock up so you have extras – you don’t want to have to do laundry three times a week!

3. Make moisturizing a priority.

Though cleansing is the most important step in any skincare routine, moisturizing probably comes second. Keeping your skin hydrated is the key to ensuring that it looks and feels its best. When your skin is properly hydrated, you’ll have fewer issues with excess oil and breakouts, not to mention the visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on your skin type, you may want to consider using a different moisturizer in the morning and at night.

Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to boost the moisture levels in your skin and shea butter to rebuild the skin’s protective moisture barrier. Yon-Ka Elastine Jour and Elastine Nuit moisturizers are fortified with peptides, antioxidants, and amino acids to smooth and plump the skin, day or night. For mature skin, consider the Time Resist Day/Night Duo infused with a youth-activating complex that helps defend the skin against multiple signs of aging.

4. Always wear SPF.

Wearing sunscreen is one of the best things you can do for your skin at any age. No matter what time of year (or what time of day), it’s important to protect your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Consider adding Yon-Ka SPF 50 at the end of your morning skincare routine. It may also be wise to cover exposed areas of skin and limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours between 10am and 2pm.

5. Keep your cell phone clean.

You use your hands constantly throughout the day and any germs you come into contact with can be transferred to other surfaces you touch – like your cell phone. Keeping your hands clean is essential, but you may also want to take the additional step of wiping down your cell phone periodically to kill germs. Not only can you transfer germs from your hands to your phone and back again but holding the phone up to your ear could transfer bacteria to your face. That’s a recipe for breakouts!

6. Reevaluate your skincare routine.

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your skincare routine. It’s always a good idea to adjust your routine with the changing seasons, but now might be the right time to add a new step or two to your routine. For example, if you’re not exfoliating on a regular basis you might add Gommage Yon-Ka or Guarana Scrub two or three times a week. If aging has become a concern, try adding an anti-aging serum like Cellular Code before you moisturize.

7. Add a mask at least once a week.

You already understand the importance of moisturizer, but your skin could always benefit from a boost of added hydration. Consider adding Hydra No. 1 Masque to your weekly routine to repair damage for smoother, fuller, and softer skin. Excellence Code Masque delivers a visible lifting effect overnight, leaving you looking years younger when you wake. If you’re not sure where to start, you can’t go wrong with Masque 105 to purify and detoxify the skin or Masque 103, a triple clay mask that helps tighten pores for a fresher, healthier complexion.

8. Regularly wash your makeup brushes.

Just as important as keeping your face clean is keeping clean the tools you use. Makeup brushes can accumulate bacteria over time and that bacteria can be transferred to your skin during use. Not only are there bacteria to worry about, but your brushes can accumulate dead skin cells and oil which can clog your pores, increasing your risk of breakouts. Plus, clean brushes apply makeup more efficiently than dirty ones.

9. Don’t neglect the decolletage.

When it comes to skincare, most people focus on the face. The skin on your face is more delicate than the skin on other parts of your body, but so is the skin on your neck and chest. In fact, many of the products you use on your face can also be used in these areas. Cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing are just as important for the decolletage as the face. In fact, you’re more likely to notice the early signs of aging (such as sagging skin or wrinkles) on your neck and chest before the face.

Though you can certainly use the same products on the décolleté area as you do on your face, it doesn’t hurt to give this sensitive skin a little special attention. Gently exfoliate the skin with Gommage Doux Silhouette to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface then impart a boost of long-lasting hydration with Lait Hydratant Detox.

10. Bring the spa into your home.

Even if you don’t feel comfortable going to the spa for a professional treatment, there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying a spa day at home! With Yon-Ka Paris Spa-to-Go kits you can rest and relax in the comfort of your own home while indulging in a little self-care. Choose from kits designed for stress relief, relaxation, hydration, and more. Each kit features two to three Yon-Ka products and some even include the QYKSONIC facial cleansing device.

Whether you’re making adjustments to an existing skincare routine or developing a regimen for the first time, Yon-Ka Paris is here to help. Stop in to your local Yon-Ka partner spa for customized skincare recommendations. Happy new year!