Last January, we challenged you to embark on a 12-month trek toward healthier skin. The first step was to revaluate your skin care routine and make new goals by examining your skin’s type and identifying its unique challenges.

Six months later, it’s time to examine your progress. Grab a piece of scratch paper, and jot down answers to the following questions:

• What is my skin type, and how does my current regimen support its needs?

• Are my current skin care practices and products helping to improve the condition of my skin’s challenges (i.e. acne, dryness or aging)?

• When I look in the mirror, what improvements do I see? What challenges still exist?

• In what ways have I pampered myself during the last few months? How did these experiences make me feel? How did they benefit my skin and/or overall health?

• In what specific ways do I protect my skin from sun damage?

• What are my skin strengths (i.e. even tone, healthy hydration, etc.)?

• Is my routine working for my (i.e. budget, lifestyle)?

So how have you done so far? Based on your answers, you may want to celebrate. Or, you may feel disappointed because you aren’t seeing the results you’d hope for.

Even if you’re not feeling so celebratory, it’s not time to give up yet. Instead, ask yourself the following questions to determine what might be undermining your skin care success:

1. Have I been consistent in practicing my new skin care habits?

Your lack of results might be due to inconsistent efforts to change your routine. Whether you’ve put off your visit to the dermatologist or have forgotten to update those expired products, it’s essential to stick to the goals you made.

But, if change isn’t so easy for you, don’t worry: You’re not alone! It’s hard to adopt new habits – especially New Year’s resolutions. But, you can beat the statistics and stick to your goals by following this advice:

• Be realistic. Whether it’s changing your diet or sticking to a skin care regimen, new habits aren’t easy to adopt – no matter the magnitude. But social psychologist Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson explains in Psychology Today that many individuals underestimate the difficulty of change and simply understanding the challenge is proven to promote better results. She writes, “Studies show that people who are realistic about what it will take to succeed naturally plan more, put in more effort, and persist longer in pursuit of their goals.”

• Get specific. Expansive or unrealistic goals that don’t clearly define your end result are tricky to follow. Research shows more specific objectives are easier to achieve and help you remain more motivated. For example, a goal like “I want to improve my skin” is hard to stay on top of and measure. On the other hand, “I want to wear SPF every day” is simple and well defined.

• Find a buddy. Executive success coach Ray B. Williams recommends adopting an “accountability buddy” to help you stay on track of your goals. So whether it’s your spouse, sister-in-law or close coworker, recruit a pal that you can report your results to.

• Celebrate success . Don’t focus on failures; identify your successes – no matter how big or how small. Also, forget the past, and embrace the present moment to build on what you’ve accomplished so far.

• Take baby steps, day-by-day. While New Year’s is the most common time to embrace a new habit, Williams advises to extend your resolution over the entire year and focus on taking baby steps each day.

So whether it’s lathering on sunscreen daily or giving yourself time to pamper, don’t give up on your skin care goals. It’s not too late to redefine your goals, develop new habits and improve the health and look of your skin.

2. Do I need to readdress my skin care challenges?

Another reason you may not notice improvement? Perhaps the strategies you’ve adopted to improve your skin care regimen aren’t working. For example, if you’re seeking reduce the appearance of acne, you may need to try several different treatments until you find the one that works for you.

Whether it’s acne, aging or just overall appearance, if your lack of results leads you to wonder whether the products you use work for your skin, consider taking your concerns to your dermatologist. He or she has the clinical expertise to evaluate the rate of progress based on your skin type and treatment regimen and can recommend personalized improvements.

3. Have I been patient enough for the results I’m after?

Like most things in life, noticeable change takes time. For example, if you just overhauled your summer skin care regimen, it might not bring a dramatic change in how your skin looks or feels right away. But, you can be rest assured that the addition of SPF will bring lasting benefits years down the road when your complexion reveals less age-related damage.

Whether it’s an over the counter wrinkle cream or microdermabrasian at the medi-spa, all treatments require a different amount of time to work before noticeable results are seen. If you’re concerned, you can always bring your questions to your dermatologist or esthetician. He or she can give you personalized advice based on your skin type and regimen.

Stay on track for skin care success

Now that you’re six months closer to sweet skin care success, be sure to stay tuned for the second half of our 12 Months to Transform Your Skin series, which will include the following installments:

• August: It’s back-to-school time – do some homework. A complete study guide for finding science-based and balanced information on the latest, greatest skin care ingredients – and what products to find them in.

• September: Go beyond the basics. In-depth information on how exercise, sleep and diet influence skin, and a how-to guide for using these lifestyle factors to your skin’s advantage.

• October: Ready your winter skin care routine. A complete guide for winterizing your skin care routine – including leading products and treatments for maintaining gorgeous, glowing skin during cold, dry weather.

• November: Get a makeover by a professional makeup artist. Easy tips for updating your look, such as how to get the most out of a makeover or consultation, and the hottest color and cosmetic trends for the coming year.

• December: Celebrate success! And make your holiday wish list. Not sure how to measure your success? We’ll help you evaluate your year-end achievements – and offer some indulgent ideas for celebrating your skin care success. Also, you’ll find tips for taking your new skin care regimen into the New Year.

Whether you’re happy with your progress or heading back to the drawing board, it’s important to take some time to celebrate your successes. Your beauty routine should be a positive experience that promotes a healthy, attractive appearance from the inside out.

See also:

Sidestep Stale Skin Care: How to Reconsider Your Routine (January)

Update Your Skin Care Arsenal (February)

Dermatologist 101: How a Visit Can Transform Your Routine (March)

Experience a New Way to Pamper (April)

Celebrate Skin Cancer Awareness Month With Skin-Saving Screening (May)

Reinvent Your Summer Skin Care Routine (June)