A fresh year is the perfect time to reset your habits, including how you care for your skin. Simple new year skincare resolutions can support healthy skin all year long and can be a great way to prioritize self-care. Best of all, you don’t need a long routine or expensive products — just a few helpful habits you can stick with.

In this article, Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, shares daily practices, gentle products, and lifestyle habits for skin that looks and feels amazing.

1. Clean Out Your Skincare Products

Start the new year by decluttering your skincare products. Many people keep more products than they need, and the mix can cause irritation or dullness. A small, curated collection also supports healthier skin and more consistent habits. 

Sort through your products and get rid of the ones you don’t use or that have expired. Old sunscreen, products with vitamin C, and retinoids lose their strength over time and may irritate your skin. Dr. Kopelman also suggests having clean products with minimal ingredients. 

2. Follow a Simple Skincare Routine

Dr. Kopelman recommends a simple routine, which is easier to follow and often better for your skin. No fluff or extra steps you don’t need or that could irritate your skin.

Here’s a quick example of a simple skincare routine:

• Wash your face
• Apply moisturizer
• Use sunscreen in the morning

3. Use a Gentle Cleanser & Moisturizer Twice Daily

The easiest way to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and balanced is by using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer in the morning and at night. If you wear makeup and/or sunscreen, double-cleanse at night to remove any excess buildup. 

If you’re prone to breakouts, Dr. Kopelman says to swap your morning gentle cleanser for an acne-focused one. Benzoyl peroxide works well for acne, while salicylic acid helps reduce blackheads. 

4. Add a Face Oil, Toner, or Hydrating Serum if Needed

If you want extra support for your skin, you can also add a face oil, toner, and/or hydrating serum. While these can be great additions to your new year skincare practice, they aren’t necessary. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to keep your routine simple and skip these steps.

Here’s how each option works:

• Toner: Use right after cleansing for a light, refreshing boost.
• Hydrating serum: Look for hyaluronic acid or niacinamide for added hydration, and apply before your moisturizer.
• Face oil: Use after moisturizer to lock in hydration and add a soft glow. If you have acne-prone skin, choose lighter oils or skip this step to avoid clogged pores.

5. Apply Sunscreen Daily

Kopelman says daily sunscreen is the most important habit for long-term skin health. Choose SPF 30 or higher and apply about a teaspoon of sunscreen to your face and neck every morning. 

You should wear sunscreen even in winter or on cloudy days because this protection helps slow down early aging, support an even skin tone, and protect your skin barrier.

6. Use a Retinoid a Few Nights Per Week

Retinoids can help improve skin texture, support collagen, and reduce fine lines, says Kopelman. They also help unclog pores and minimize acne.

Here are some helpful tips for using retinoid:

• Use a retinoid at night after washing your face and letting it dry.
• Apply only a pea-size amount — more can cause irritation.
• Start slowly, once or twice a week.
• If your skin tolerates it well, increase to a few nights per week.
• After applying your retinoid, wait a few minutes before applying moisturizer.

7. Commit to Consistency Over Perfection

A routine you can do every day works better than a long routine that’s difficult to maintain. Cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen are enough for most people. While extras can be helpful, they’re definitely optional.

Try spending at least five minutes morning and night on your skincare. Once you build the habit, these few minutes become a moment of self-care you look forward to. This shift makes your new year skincare resolutions easier to follow because it feels good, not stressful.

8. Stay Hydrated

While topical hydration is important, so is whole-body hydration. Drinking water and supporting your environment promote healthy skin and help your products work better.

A few easy hydration habits include:

• Drinking 4 to 6 cups of water each day
• Using a humidifier if you live in a dry or cold climate
• Keeping showers and baths short to avoid drying your skin
• Applying moisturizer while your face is slightly damp

9. Eat Nutritious Foods

Your diet has a real impact on your skin. Eating nutrient-rich whole foods provides your body with the vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats it needs to support skin repair and reduce inflammation. Plant-based foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are especially helpful because they’re packed with antioxidants and nutrients that promote healthier skin.

You could even set a new year skincare resolution to add fruits or vegetables to each meal. Small steps add up and can support nourished skin that feels and looks great.

10. Create a Healthy Sleep Schedule

Dr. Kopelman shares that when she follows a good sleep routine, her skin looks brighter, smoother, and more refreshed. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so a healthy nighttime routine can improve skin tone and reduce signs of aging.

The following can help you build a healthier sleep schedule for the new year:

• A relaxing wind-down routine - Gentle skincare, stretching, or breathing exercises
• A comfortable sleep environment: A cool room, soft bedding, little to no light
• At least 7 hours of sleep: Adjust based on what your body needs

New Year Skincare: Conclusion

Your new year skincare resolutions don’t need to be complicated. Choose the habits that fit your lifestyle and support your goals. Start with a simple routine, add extras if it feels right, and prioritize consistency.