If you’re been following our 12 Months to Transform Your Skin series, you’re probably excited about your accomplishments. 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 healthy skin care regimen into the New Year.

If you’re not quite sure how to measure your success, take some time to look into the mirror. Ask yourself the same questions you did last January:

• How does my skin feel? How your skin feels can say a lot about its overall health. Skin should feel soft and smooth to the touch. When you smile, you shouldn’t feel any tightness or discomfort in your skin. If, despite your efforts over the last year, your skin condition or texture hasn’t improved, you might consider seeing a dermatologist. If you haven’t before, read up on tips for getting the most out of your visit here.

• Have I been defending my skin from the sun? Whether you’re 25 or 55, sun protection is the foundation for every anti-aging skin care routine. Today, your regimen should include a variety of formulas that bring defense along with lifestyle choices that limit your UV exposure. For a refresher, read this article.

• Is my lifestyle taking a toll? Sleep, diet and exercise play an important role in the health of your skin and hair. As a part of your skin care efforts, you should have adopted healthy lifestyle habits, including a well-rounded diet, regular workouts and restful sleep.

• Do I take time to pamper? A bit of pampering can go a long way to enhance your mood and improve the look and feel of your skin and hair. In the past year, you should have tried a few new ways to celebrate yourself and made them a permanent part of your beauty routine. Review some new ways to pamper your skin here.

• Is acne an issue? If you’ve had issues with all-over acne or just a few blemishes here and there, hopefully it’s a problem of the past. If you haven’t been able find a successful strategy to improve the condition, it’s time to talk to a dermatologist.

• What is my skin type? Whether you have combination, dry or oily skin, your skin care regimen should now be carefully designed to address its unique needs and type. But remember, the condition of your skin can change with the seasons and as you age. So if a sudden change in your skin’s appearance or texture throws you for a loop, remember to re-evaluate your complexion. For a reminder on how to evaluate your skin type, check out this article.

• What are my skin strengths? Some of us are blessed with a clear complexion while others may boast bright, ageless eyes. Few of us have it all, but always remember to be thankful for the strengths of your skin.

Now, take another look at the list of skin care goals that you made, and spend some time evaluating your efforts and your progress. Remember, even if you’ve fallen short on a few, it’s important to think of skincare as a marathon – not a race. Stay focused on your goals and, if necessary, revise them to make them easier to obtain.

Continue your skin care success

Once the holiday is over, make sure that you stay on top of your skin care goals from the past year. Take your success into the New Year by continuing the good habits you started, and improving on any challenges you faced. Here are some tips:

• Bookmark our 12 month guide. A fresh reminder of the monthly steps toward transforming your skin will always be just a click away.

• Write down your goals. Your skin care goals and the objectives of your regimen might change from year to year. Before the New Year begins, take a few moments to write down your skin care goals for the coming year. Then, tape it to the inside of your medicine cabinet or bathroom mirror for an easy reminder.

• Enlist a friend. No matter how successful your skin care transformation was last year, this year, enlist a friend or family member to join you on your skin care journey. It could be as simple as making a monthly spa “date” with your BFF or whipping up some DIY treatments with your daughter.

• Be patient. According to PyschCentral, the latest research shows that it takes up to 66 days to form a habit that sticks. So be patient and focus on daily consistency. Whether it’s moisturizing before bed or weekly exfoliation, a sticky note on the bathroom mirror or the reminder function on your cell phone can help you remember recently acquired skin care steps.

Make a list and check it twice

Now that you’ve achieved an incredible goal, take some time to celebrate your success – and write down your holiday wish list. And – even the latest science suggests that you don’t have to feel guilty about rewarding yourself. The Wall Street Journal identifies sweet celebratory indulgences as a good tool for helping to make new habits stick.

• Skincare

• Philosophy Hope for the Holidays Set features everything you need to help your complexion survive the hectic holiday season. This award-winning set includes hope in a jar original formula moisturizer for all skin types, eye hope advanced anti-aging eye cream, and hope springs eternal deep sea ultra-fine hydrating mist.

• Fragrances

• Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Eau Fraiche is an ideal winter fragrance, offering the aroma of an exotic island escape. This spicy scent blends sensual notes of ginger, cardamom, jasmine and tuberose with a warm base of patchouli and musk.

• Calvin Klein Euphoria Gift Set is a classic scent that’s sophisticated and sensual. This gift set is the perfect holiday stocking stuffer and includes both Euphoria Sensual Skin Lotion and Euphoria Eau de Parfum Spray.

• Top tools

• Clarisonic PLUS Skin Care System with Deep Pore Cleansing - Blue is a cleansing tool that goes above and beyond by enhancing the efficacy of your skin care products while mildly exfoliating and purifying pores. This electric brush is ideal for all skin types including aging, sensitive and oily skin, and is guaranteed to improve the health, look and feel of your complexion.

• NuBrillance Microdermabrasion System brings the spa to the comfort of home. Experience a gentle, effective microdermabrasion with this advanced kit that contains a dual action system with gentle crystal-free technology. First, a genuine diamond wand tip gently exfoliates dead and flaking cells on the skin’s surface, revealing fresh, clear skin beneath. Then, vacuum stimulation encourages collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Hair

• T3 Micro Veloce Hair Dryer is the ideal way to dry your locks without compromising your hair’s structural integrity – which is especially vulnerable during the dry, cold winter months. Powered by advanced Tourmaline technology which features high-quality Tourmaline gemstones infused deep into the dryer's chassis, this hair dryer brings the maximum ionic and infrared heat benefits possible for faster drying time and healthier hair.

• Frederic Fekkai Classic Brush is a great surprise to find in your stocking. This handcrafted brush is made in France from faux tortoise and natural boar bristles, and unlike other models, leaves hair super shiny and ultra smooth.

Bottom line – It’s just the beginning

Whether you’ve been committed to your New Years’ skin care resolutions since day one or fell off the wagon partway through, success is measured by the health and appearance of your skin. Progress – no matter how large or how small – looks different for everyone. The important thing is that you’re on the road to a lifelong transformation in the way that you care for your skin. No matter how young – or how old – it’s never the wrong time to transform your skin care routine.

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See also:

Evaluate Your Skin Care Journey So Far (July)

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)