When the new year rolls around, we usually make big promises to hit the gym every day or beef up our bank accounts, but one vital organ often gets overlooked in the resolution rush: our skin. If you’re considering strategizing how to take on your beauty resolutions, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest viral trends or 12-step routines flooding our social media feeds, but proper skin health is rarely about the flashiest product. Instead, dermatologists advise focusing on daily, disciplined habits that protect your skin’s barrier and improve its long-term vitality.
So this year, forget the complex gimmicks. Whether you’re looking to reverse sun damage, soothe chronic sensitivity or finally master the art of the “less is more” routine, we’ve rounded up a few habits you can implement into your daily routine. From the non-negotiable rule of year-round SPF to the surprising benefits of washing your face with warm water, these are the professional secrets to achieving your healthiest, most radiant glow yet. To help you adopt a few easy skin practices, we sat down with Adeline Kikam DO, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Brown Skin Derm and Skinclusive Dermatology, to identify essential beauty resolutions for 2026.
Change pillowcases at least twice weekly
Be honest: when was the last time you actually changed your sheets or pillowcases? If you have to stop and think about it, you’re probably overdue for a swap, and your skin is likely paying the price. “Think of it this way: the less oil, bacteria, hair product and sweat you have touching your face, the fewer breakouts and irritations you’ll deal with,” explains Dr. Kikam. For an extra boost, she recommends switching to silk or satin pillowcases, which don’t absorb as much moisture as cotton and help keep your skin hydrated while you sleep.
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Get more beauty sleep
We’ve all heard that we need eight hours of sleep, but it turns out “beauty sleep” isn’t just a cliche. While you’re dreaming, your body is actually going into overdrive to undo the damage of the day.
“Sleep is when your skin switches from ‘protection mode’ to ‘repair mode,’” says Dr. Kikam. “During these hours, your cortisol levels drop, which helps keep inflammation and puffiness at bay, and your face literally looks more rested when you get more sleep.” Simply put: getting those eight hours might be the easiest (and cheapest) skincare treatment you’ll ever find.
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Keep your hands off your face
Dr. Kikam says one of the easiest habits to adopt during the day is to keep your hands off your face to keep your skin clean and clear. “Keeping your hands away from your face is especially important for skin pickers,” she shares. “Hands carry bacteria and dirt and should always be clean if touching the face.” Following this advice can result in fewer breakouts, less redness and less inflammation, which alone can transform skin.
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Take screen breaks for your eyes and face
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to decrease your screen time, taking a break from screens can also help release tension in your face. “Squinting and tech-neck contribute to tension lines and jaw clenching, which can age appearance,” Dr. Kikram tells Good Housekeeping. “If you regularly spend a few hours in front of a screen each day, set reminders to relax your face and stretch your neck and shoulders.”
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Streamline your beauty routine
Less is more when it comes to healthy skin. While we may be tempted to stock up on the latest trendy products, your skin just needs a few essentials: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer and daily SPF. “Too many products can stress the skin,” advises Dr. Kikram. “Commit to less but consistent and effective skincare and your skin will thank you.”
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Commit to one “non-negotiable” self-care habit
Prioritizing self-care can also work wonders for your skin and an effective self-care habit can look different to each person. “Self-care can be something small but daily, such as a walk, stretching, journaling or breathing deeply,” Dr. Kikam says. “Lowering your stress can mean better hormones and better skin.”
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Avoid processed sugar
Satisfying a sweet tooth with fresh fruit rather than processed sugar is a powerful way to protect your complexion from the inside out. “Sugar accelerates aging and may damage collagen, which leads to premature aging,” says Dr. Kikam. By choosing antioxidant-rich fruits over refined sugars, you can provide your skin with the vital nutrients it needs to repair itself and maintain its elasticity.
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Don’t squeeze pimples
Feel a pimple forming? It may be tempting to squeeze a pimple, but keeping your hands off increases the chance your skin will heal properly. “Replace the habit of picking your skin with pimple patches or anything that occupies your hands like fidget rings or stress balls,” Dr. Kikram says. “This protects your skin barrier and prevents scars.”
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Wash your face with lukewarm water
When it’s time to remove makeup, Dr. Kikam advises using lukewarm water rather than piping hot. “Heat strips skin of moisture and can worsen skin redness, especially in conditions like rosacea and can worsen melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation,” she says. “Stick with lukewarm water, which can result in calmer skin long-term.”
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Exfoliate regularly
To keep your skin soft, Dr. Kikam recommends committing to a regular, gentle exfoliating routine. “As we grow older, our skin’s natural turnover slows down, making skin prone to dullness,” she says. “Exfoliating at least twice a week helps speed up turnover and improve radiance.”
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