We’re only a few days into 2014 and the New Year’s resolutions are still going strong. Plates are filled with fruits and veggies, sports bras and running shoes are actually seeing the light of day, wallets have remained closed (despite the bevy of post-holiday sales), and all in all we’re feeling pretty pleased. But there is one last resolution that is VERY important. In 2014, we want to turn back the clock and reveal newer, younger, fresher skin. Sound like a beauty resolution you can get on board with? We’ve got the five-point plan to better looking skin.

Scrub Smarter

Physical exfoliators are known for delivering that baby soft feel, but in 2014 it’s time to up the exfoliation game. Switch to chemical exfoliation to boost cell turnover and smooth skin texture. Once or twice a week whip out an enzyme-based exfoliator, which will dissolve dead skin cells on the top layers of skin and clean deep down into pores. If you can’t give up the feeling of a good physical exfoliation, choose a product that offers both chemical and physical exfoliation. Just make sure to pick one with tiny beads or seeds (smooth and round) like Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment or Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub to avoid irritating the skin.

 

Pick a Peel

Getting squeaky clean with bi-weekly exfoliating treatments is a must, but nighttime is when skin cells really get to work. So add an overnight peel to your weekly regimen. Look for one with the anti-aging super ingredient glycolic acid. Alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids promote cell renewal and draw moisture into the skin, paving the way for a fine line-free face. Fall asleep with a layer of Garnier Skin Renew Cinical Dark Spot Overnight Peel or Brad Ultra Peel on your skin and wake up to a smoother, brighter complexion.

 

Reach for Retinol

Retinol is the gold standard in the treatment of wrinkles. As we age, we start to lose collagen. Retinols increase the formation of collagen, making firmer skin a totally attainable goal. Reverse the signs of aging with a pea-sized dollop of La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] or Verso Skincare Super Facial Serum. Remember, over-the-counter retinols are not as irritating as prescription strength retinoids, but if you have sensitive skin you should still work your way up to everyday usage and always wear sunscreen.

 

Brighten up

Fine lines and wrinkles aren’t the only skin concerns standing in the way of our New Year’s beauty resolution. Dull, uneven skin tone is an often-overlooked foe in the fight against anti-aging. This year, make sure to fight aging on all fronts and choose a moisturizer that promises to even discoloration and brighten all over. Reap the skin-brightening benefits of vitamin C with an antioxidant-rich moisturizer like L’Oréal Even Skin Tone All Skin Types Day/Night Cream or Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer.

 

Chill out

And finally, once the medicine cabinet is stocked with all the products necessary to make 2014 your best skin year yet, the final order of business is relaxation. Stress has a way of manifesting itself right where you want it least: on your face. Whether it’s in the form of an unexpected blemish or a few, new fine lines, the effects of stress are especially measurable in beauty terms. Perhaps putting an end to all of life’s stressors is a bit ambitious, but at the very least pick healthy stress-relieving outlets. Swap after-work cigarettes for savasana and ice-cold (alcoholic) nightcaps for hot tea and your skin is sure to thank you.

 

What are your New Year’s beauty resolutions? Share them below.

 

Photos: Thinkstock