While some of us are extremely skincare conscience, we may sometimes forget the basics, and for those of you who need to up your skincare routine, we have an excellent checklist for better-looking skin in the year to come!

Take Off Your Makeup Before You Go To Bed
Although this may seem simple, it is essential. You see when we go to sleep we are renewing our body, mind and more, which includes the skin. Wearing makeup to bed prevents your skin from this renewal process. Which can contribute to clogging your pores and outbreaks.

Wear Sunscreen All Day Everyday
You need to make sure you are protecting your skin year around from potential UV damage. Even though you may not think you are exposing yourself to harmful rays, you are. We expose ourselves to incidental sun exposure daily, from daily commutes to even the reflection in the snow. Which believe it or not is more than the sand!

Exfoliate Regularly
While you may be cleansing and applying moisturizer or anti-aging creams, that is not enough. If you want healthy, glowing skin, you should also be exfoliating. Why do you ask? Because, as we age the process of desquamation slows down, meaning that our body is slower to shed dead skin cells and produce new ones.

This buildup of dead skin cells can have an adverse effect on our complexion leaving it looking dry and dull or worse this accumulation can result in excess oil production and clogged pores, which could lead to problematic skin. Additionally, this build of dead, dull skin creates a barrier for our skincare products. So those expensive serums and creams that you’re spending all that money on can’t get to the fresh new skin which is hidden below this barrier of dead skin cells.

At Michael Todd Beauty we have a wide range of products that can help with proper exfoliation. From manually with a device like one of our Soniclears to using facial scrubs that contain ingredients that can help sloth away those unwanted dead skin cells, like our Wild Berry Peel.

Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Let's first start with the fact that our makeup brushes can harbor bacteria and dead skin cells, YUK, and who wants to put that on their skin, NOT US! But, if you are NOT cleaning your makeup brushes regularly this is precisely what you are doing.

Properly washing and storing them can keep your face clean & healthy. Furthermore, cleaning your makeup brushes will ensure they remain in the best shape and increase longevity. Makeup brushes are just as essential as the makeup itself, so taking care of them is essential. A solution to help alleviate this, is to use a Michael Todd Beauty Antimicrobial Makeup Brush, The Sonicblend. This makeup brush comes with built-in protection against microbial contamination, so the brushes stay cleaner, fresher longer.

Use A Toner
When it comes to skincare, toner does seem to be one of those products that get overlooked. However, adding the right toner to your routine can help you to achieve healthier, glowing skin.

Though there are many great toners out there, it is essential when searching that you select one that does not have artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. You also want to stay away from a toner that has drying alcohol in it as it can be damaging to the skin. Not only can the harshness of the alcohol cause irritation and harm your skins protective surface, but it is also aging, and the last thing you want to do is to make your skin appear older.

An excellent toner option is the Michael Todd Beauty blue-green algae balancing toner. This soothing toner is formulated with organic kelp, blue-green algae, black willow bark extract and hyaluronic acid in a base of 100% "Organic Aloe Vera" Leaf Juice! Plus, it's also created without waters, cheap fillers, or alcohol and it is paraben and sulfate free.

Keep Your Hands And Other Items Off Your Face
Even though you may think your hands are clean, they are not. Plus, the constant touching of your skin with your fingers can cause some issues as you can transfer bacteria, viruses, dirt and more onto the skin, hair, and follicles on your face. When these follicles become blocked, it can lead to acne and more. Furthermore, items like your cell phone can also be a culprit. Think about where that bad boy has been and then you are putting this on your face. While you can’t always have your phone on speaker, keeping antimicrobial wipes (for your phone) close by is a must.

Check the Expiration Date On Your Skincare Products
Even if you have some great skincare products, they do not last forever. Hence it is important to make sure to check the shelf life on these and don’t hesitate to discard any outdated products. Skincare products are always evolving, so when you get rid of older products, you make room for formulas that contain the latest advancements in the beauty industry. So, if you have wanted to indulge in some great skincare products, this is an excellent time to go and splurge on yourself.
.
Look At The Ingredients
You want to be mindful of your skin type, and skin’s needs as the skincare products you choose will depend on your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin you want to stay away from products that have artificial fragrances and synthetics in them as these ingredients can cause your skin to become irritated and dry. While they may smell, pretty they are not pretty for the skin. Where can you get some natural skincare products like these? Well from us of course!

Moisture From The Face Down
When people think of skincare, most think of the face, but it goes beyond that! It is essential to take care of your skin from your head to your toes. We expose ourselves to all kinds of environmental factors like dry weather, soaps, and dirt that can wreak havoc on our skin over the years! Hence you want to be moisturizing yourself from your face to your toes.

In conclusion with all the efforts we put towards a healthier new year with a New Year’s resolution, why not make skincare one of them by applying some of these tips, helping you to maintain a youthful complexion throughout the year.