Every year there is a sense of renewal that comes in January. It’s an opportunity to recommit to those things that you didn’t get to the prior year or it’s a chance to set some new goals and stake your claim in the new year. When it comes to your health, it’s only natural that we tend to reevaluate where we can improve at the beginning of each new year.

Let’s start with these must-know skin tips that can help you ensure that 2020 is the year you take your skin from good to great.

1. Start by acknowledging your skin is important, extremely important. Not only is it your largest organ but it protects all of your other organs as well. Consider it your shield to the world. In order to keep your shield healthy, you must moisturize it. This is easy and affordable. Make a commitment to moisturize your body after each bath or shower. This simple step will reduce the chances of skin problems and help your skin stay balanced.
   
2. Sunscreen is handy all year long. Gone are the days where we thought sunscreen was only necessary during the summer months. Next time you are at a store, purchase a travel-size sunscreen to keep in your car. When you’re going to be exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, put on your SPF and rest easy knowing you are taking care of your skin. 
3. It’s a new year and the perfect time to dump your old makeup brushes and sponges. Replace these germ containers! Fresh brushes will not only help evenly apply your makeup, but they will also keep your skin from being exposed to bacteria and germs. If you aren’t able to purchase new ones, at least clean the ones you have. Here are some useful tips from the AAD.
   
4. Get to bed! There is a reason it’s called “beauty sleep.” Yes, sleep is one of your skin’s favorite pastimes. Getting the recommended amount of shut-eye that your body needs is an excellent source of rejuvenation for your skin. While you are fast asleep, your skin is rebalancing and processing excess water for removal. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Less than that can play a role in the development of wrinkles, sagging skin and dark circles under the eyes.
   
5. Out with the old and in with the new! Now is the perfect time to check the expiration date on your skincare products. Whether it’s medications, makeup or over-the-counter lotions, check the date and discard them if they are expired. If you see 3M, 6M, 12M or 24M, that denotes the shelf life for the product (i.e. 3M = three months).
   
6. Add probiotics to your diet. Probiotics help with digestion and can help prevent and treat skin diseases such as eczema, rosacea, acne and skin allergies. Your skin reflects what you eat. According to a Fox News article in 2018, one dermatologist states, “There’s groundbreaking new science showing that the gut and the skin are intimately connected.”

Let’s make 2020 the year your skin shines. Healthy skin equals a healthy body. Cheers to a new year and new skincare routines!