No matter what types of resolutions you’ve set for 2026, whether it’s exercising more, taking up a new hobby, or tackling a home project long overdue, chances are life will most likely get in the way to slow down, or even halt, your best intentions. You may start off running every day, ordering that crochet kit, maybe even clearing out the hallway closet, but the momentum usually peters out come the end of January. Instead of admitting defeat, which of course doesn’t have to be a negative thing, making small incremental changes may have a longer impact than major upheavals. All of this is to suggest some skincare resolutions for you to consider this year, some major, others more referential.
And speaking of referential, in the vein of getting more organized, I’m reviewing my current list of products and asking the hard question: Is this cleanser, lotion, serum doing the job it’s meant to do? Have you done a patch test, taken before-and-after or comparison photos, or simply read through the ingredients? The last one in particular is step one if you’re unsatisfied with your skin’s appearance, even with a faithful skin routine. If you think you may be having a bad reaction to a particular product, then Google “North American Baseline Series” for a standard list of allergens most commonly known to cause irritation, like redness or dry skin. If you’re not happy with your current products and they aren’t doing much for you, then chuck ‘em!
Something definitely worth keeping in your skincare cabinet is sunscreen. Daily, year-round application is the single most impactful habit for preventing premature aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Am I guilty of skipping SPF in the winter? Sometimes, but if you’re already using products like a tinted moisturizer with SPF, you’re still preventing damage even if you’re not adding an additional layer of sunscreen. I’ve used Saint Jane’s Sun Ritual Mineral SPF30 Pore Smoothing Sunscreen as my primer on days when I wear foundation. On days I don’t wear foundation, I reach for Drmtlgy’s Universal Tinted Moisturizer in SPF46 for protection and coverage. If you’re already using a broad-spectrum facial sunscreen like Native’s Unscented Sunscreen Face, you can maximize its protective benefits by layering a vitamin C or vitamin E serum underneath. Both ingredients help to neutralize UV damage while also supporting collagen production, which keeps skin supple. There’s Olay’s Super Serum 5-in1 Renewing Face Serum or The Ordinary’s Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum with vitamin C and ginseng. Both products will help boost your sunscreen and enhance skin radiance. Or go for a two-in-one product like Paula’s Choice, a 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer with SPF 50. Hard to beat a moisturizing serum and sunscreen all in one.
If hyperpigmentation is an epidermal concern for you due to acne, superficial burns, or too much sun exposure, consider adding a product containing tranexamic acid. This ingredient is effective for treating pigmentation concerns, such as calming inflammation, treating melasma (a condition that causes gray or brown patches), and improving uneven skin tone. The Inkey List’s Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment, available at Sephora, is a nighttime formula that also features a good old vitamin C and acai berry extract for added skin benefits. For a daytime treatment, try Naturium’s Tranexamic Topical Acid from Ultra Beauty. This is a serum you spray onto your face, neck, and chest, then apply moisturizer and SPF.
If you’re attempting a dry January or hoping to cut back on your drinking in general, then hopefully, better skin will give you another incentive. Alcohol can really exacerbate already inflamed or dull skin. Cutting back or eliminating it helps your skin rebalance. Further help your skin by hydrating from within by drinking lots of water, which is generally a good health practice. In fact, overall well-being, focusing on a balanced diet and exercise, plays a role in skin and hair health. If you’ve already made a resolution of this nature, then you can add skincare benefits as an additional positive result.
If, in the year of our Lord 2026, you are flirting with, planning, or maintaining injectables like filler or Botox, you would be best served to check in with a dermatologist first to make sure your skin is at its healthiest beforehand. You want to go into an injectable treatment with a strong skin barrier. Or consider a non-ablative laser treatment to improve skin texture, pigmentation, and overall radiance. If either of these procedures seems extreme or is out of your budget, consider booking a standard facial to rejuvenate your skin this winter. Facials are much more accessible and can be a treat for yourself every so often, or part of your monthly skincare routine.
Whatever resolutions you have for the new year, or if you’re looking to improve the look and feel of your skin, hopefully, some of these tips and tricks will help you set a new course. Overall, daily sunscreen and hydration are the baseline for your skin health year-round.
