New Year’s resolutions have a reputation for getting broken. In fact, it’s been reported that most people abandon their resolutions as soon as two months into a new year. While we have the best intentions when setting them, we sometimes fall into the trap of aspiring to unrealistic standards. Not only does this make our resolutions difficult to achieve, but it also makes them feel like hard work (which most of us don’t have the energy or time for).

This year, instead of aspiring to unrealistic beauty goals that may leave us abandoning ship, we’re committing to small, attainable goals that are easy to achieve, and make a great impact on the health and beauty of our skin in the long run.

Lamelle Research Laboratories has identified five realistic skincare resolutions you can make (and keep!) this year:

1# Remove your makeup before going to bed

Have you ever come home late, wanting nothing more than to skip your evening routine and simply collapse onto your bed? Going to bed with makeup on is terrible for your skin and should be avoided at all costs. It clogs pores, may lead to breakouts and leaves skin looking lacklustre. Stick to your evening skincare routine every day, and always remove your makeup before going to bed – no matter how tired you are.

2# Apply SPF every single day

Did you know that your skin is vulnerable to sun-induced DNA damage all year round? This means that you need to apply a broad-spectrum sun protection product every single day, even on overcast and rainy days.

Choose an SPF with a superior formulation and additional anti-ageing benefits like Lamelle Helase 50. It protects against the full spectrum of sunlight while the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol® destroys harmful free radicals to decrease the number of harmful enzymes that cause thinning and sagging of the skin.

3# Stay hydrated

There are endless benefits to drinking water throughout the day. From better digestion to maintaining healthy blood pressure, water nourishes our bodies and helps them to function optimally. It is also essential for hydrated skin. The more water you drink, the more hydrated and plumper your skin will be, plus, as water helps flush out toxins, you’ll also enjoy a clearer complexion with fewer breakouts.

You can give your skin even more hydration by incorporating hyaluronic acid into your skincare regime. This ingredient is known to hold 1000 times its own weight in water, and is considered the very best option for dehydrated skin. Try Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum, which contains five types of hyaluronic acid for maximum skin hydration benefits.

4# Focus on antioxidants

To combat the effects of harmful free radicals on the skin and body, it’s important to ensure your diet and skincare regime is rich in high performance antioxidants. When it comes to food, be sure to eat plenty of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, oranges, bell peppers and tomatoes. The more intense the colour, the higher the antioxidant presence.

When it comes to skincare, vitamin C is your best friend. A powerful antioxidant with the ability to prevent and correct hyperpigmentation, increase the skin’s radiance and slow down the signs of ageing, vitamin C is a skincare must-have. Try Lamelle Correctives Vita C Lipid Serum. It features lipid-soluble vitamin C with jojoba and ginger root for a comfortable home treatment that delivers the skin benefits of vitamin C.

5# Stop touching your face

Harmful bacteria can be found all around us – from our cellphones to our car keys to our door handles. Most importantly, it’s also on our hands. Even if you’re diligent about washing your hands regularly, there will still be plenty of germs on your fingers throughout the day, and every time you touch your face, you’re transferring this bacteria onto your skin. The same goes for dirty cellphones and pillow cases – the bacteria they transfer to the skin is a leading cause of breakouts. Try to avoid touching your skin as much as possible and don’t pick at blemishes, as this may lead to infection. Clean your cellphone and wash your pillow case regularly – your skin will thank you for it!

If a breakout does pop up don’t fiddle with it, and instead apply Lamelle Clarity Active Control, an effective anti-inflammatory gel spot treatment designed to calm the inflammatory processes so that the area can heal as quickly as possible.

Whether you’re a dedicated skincare fanatic or a beauty newbie, these simple resolutions are easy to follow and easy to maintain, and will leave you with healthier, more beautiful looking skin.

Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za