9 Skincare Resolutions You Should Make In 2016

I'm a firm believer in the power of New Year's resolutions. Yes, they can be silly and overdone, but if you really want to change something about yourself, there's something to be said for starting over with a clean slate in January. I still credit my former New Year's resolution to stop being such a picky eater as the reason I'm a much more adventurous eater now and have gotten over a few of my many food aversions. This year, I'm trying something new and making several resolutions, including taking better care of my skin — and you should too! Here are the nine skincare resolutions you should make in 2016. You won't regret it!

In general, I'm pretty particular about my skincare routine. I'm not perfect, but I wear sunscreen most days and am one of the few 22 year olds I know who has not one, but two favorite anti-aging eye creams. However, I definitely have room for improvement when it comes to skincare. I'm guilty of picking (or popping) pimples when I'm stressed out, which is one of the cardinal sins of skincare. I'm also terrible about taking long, hot showers, which are a surefire way to dry out your skin. So here's the beauty resolutions you (and I) should be making in 2016.

1. Wear SPF Every Day, Regardless Of The Weather

Olay Complete All-day Moisturizer, $9.99, olay.com

This is the number one skincare rule that you should be following. I know it's hard to remember every day, which is why I store my sunscreen next to my toothpaste in my bathroom cabinet. I never leave the house without brushing my teeth, so now I remember SPF every day.

2. Take Better Care Of Your Hands & Neck

Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Hand Cream, $14.99, target.com

Hands are one of the first parts of your body that show aging, because they are exposed to UV rays every day and we rarely remember to put sunscreen on them. This year, I'm resolving to change that by applying SPF to my face, neck and hands every day. As a bonus, that extra moisture will keep your hands soft through the winter.

3. Cut Your Long, Hot Showers In Half

Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion, $5.99, target.com

Yes, a shower can be relaxing at the end of a long day. However, if you're spending 25+ minutes under a screaming hot spray, you're leeching all the moisture out of your dry winter skin. At the very least, make sure you're moisturizing properly. I love this lotion, which you can apply in the shower.

4. Exfoliate Everywhere

Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator, $26, sephora.com

Regular exfoliation is key for your face, but it's also a good idea to exfoliate the rest of your body regularly as well. Invest in a nice body scrub and foot pumice and use them at least once a week. Follow your exfoliating session with lotion for your body and vaseline and a thick pair of socks for your feet. You'll avoid dry winter skin easily.

5. Stop Falling For "Miracle" Products

I love coconut oil as much as the next girl, but I'm also aware that there is no such thing as a miracle product. Yes, coconut oil is a great moisturizer, but it's not going to protect your skin from UV rays or get all the dirty out of your hair. There's a reason scientists keep creating new beauty products, and I, for one, will be using all the scientific advances I can this year (in addition to my fave natural beauty products).

6. Stop Picking Your Skin, Hair & Nails

Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, $6, burtsbees.com

We all know we're not supposed to pick or pop pimples. While that's a great beauty resolution to have, I'm taking it one step further this year and expanding that to my nails and hair as well. I'm notorious for picking my nails to shreds when I'm nervous, and I'm just as bad with my split ends. Not to mention I've seriously got to stop picking my skin and popping pimples. So this year my resolution is simple: No more picking.

7. Don't Work Out With Makeup On

Yes To Cucumbers Face Cleanser Towelettes, $5.69, target.com

This is something I need to work on, because hello, I'm vain. When my skin feels sallow and dry, there's basically nothing I want to do less than stare at it in a mirror for an hour. This year, I'm going to try harder to stop working out without taking off my makeup. Because let's be real, I'm most likely not meeting my soul mate at pilates class, and it's worth avoiding the breakouts that come with working out with makeup on. Keep gentle makeup removing wipes in your purse or gym bag so you don't have an option when you forget to pack your face wash.

8. Remove Your Makeup Every Night

Wonder Cloth Makeup Remover, $9.07, amazon.com

I know it's hard to remove your makeup after a long day at the office (or long night at a bar), but you'll thank yourself in the morning for taking the time to remove it. And if you're like me, you'll be glad you avoided the telltale whitehead that always pops up when you don't remove it. I love this all-natural cloth, which removes makeup like magic.

9. Appreciate Your Skin For What It Is

Everyone has the occasional breakout and no one's skin is pore-less, despite what airbrushed makeup commercials want you to believe. My number one skincare resolution this year is to appreciate my skin, despite its flaws, freckles, and scars.

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Images: Isla Murray/Bustle, Courtesy of Brands, Frédéric Poirot/Flickr