Reset Your Skin for the New Year: What to Keep, What to Skip in Your Routine

The start of a new year is the perfect time to take a closer look at your skincare routine. After months of holiday stress, cold weather, and changing habits, your skin may be sending signals that it’s time for a reset. The good news? A healthy routine doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be intentional.

As dermatology providers, we often see patients who are doing too much or using products that aren’t suited for their skin type. The new year is an opportunity to simplify, protect your skin barrier, and focus on what truly supports long-term skin health.

Here’s what to keep, what to skip, and how to build a routine that works for you in the year ahead.

What to Keep in Your Skincare Routine

1. Daily Sun Protection (Yes, Even in Winter)

Sunscreen is the most important product in any skincare routine—and it should stay year-round. UV rays can still damage the skin on cloudy days and during winter months, contributing to premature aging and skin cancer risk.

Dermatologist tip:
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it daily to exposed skin, even during colder months.

2. Gentle Cleansing

A mild, fragrance-free cleanser helps remove dirt, oil, and environmental debris without stripping the skin. This is especially important in winter, when harsh cleansers can worsen dryness and irritation.

Keep:

• Non-foaming or low-foaming cleansers
• Products labeled “gentle” or “for sensitive skin”

3. Moisturizing Consistently

Moisturizer supports your skin barrier and helps prevent dryness, flaking, and irritation. In colder weather, many people benefit from richer creams or ointments rather than lightweight lotions.

Keep moisturizing:

• After cleansing
• After showering, while skin is still slightly damp
• Morning and night if needed

4. Prescribed or Dermatologist-Recommended Treatments

If you’ve been prescribed a topical medication or treatment plan by your dermatologist, don’t abandon it at the start of the year. Consistency is key for managing conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

If something isn’t working—or is causing irritation—schedule a visit rather than stopping on your own.

What to Skip in the New Year

1. Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation can be helpful, but too much can damage the skin barrier, leading to redness, breakouts, and sensitivity. Using multiple exfoliating products at once is a common mistake.

Skip:

• Daily scrubs
• Layering exfoliating acids with retinoids without guidance
• Exfoliating irritated or inflamed skin

2. Trend-Driven Skincare Overload

Social media trends often promote complex routines with many active ingredients. While popular, these routines aren’t always evidence-based—or right for your skin.

More products don’t mean better results. In fact, they often increase the risk of irritation.

3. Ignoring Your Skin Type

What works for someone else may not work for you. Using products that aren’t appropriate for your skin type can worsen dryness, acne, or sensitivity.

For example:

• Oily skin still needs moisturizer
• Dry skin may need fewer actives
• Sensitive skin benefits from fragrance-free formulas

4. Skipping Professional Skin Care

If you’ve been relying solely on over-the-counter products without results, it may be time to seek professional guidance. Persistent acne, rashes, or changing spots should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

How to Build a Simple, Effective Routine

A strong routine doesn’t need to be complicated. Most patients do best with just a few core steps:

Morning

1. Gentle cleanser
2. Moisturizer
3. Broad-spectrum sunscreen

Evening

1. Gentle cleanser
2. Treatment product (if prescribed or recommended)
3. Moisturizer

This foundation supports skin health and can be adjusted based on individual concerns.

When to See a Dermatologist in the New Year

The new year is an ideal time to schedule:

• A full skin exam
• An acne or eczema check-in
• A review of your skincare routine
• Evaluation of any new, changing, or persistent skin concerns

A dermatologist can help tailor a routine that fits your skin type, lifestyle, and goals—saving time, money, and frustration.

Start the Year With Healthier Skin

Resetting your skincare routine isn’t about starting over—it’s about refining what works and letting go of what doesn’t. By focusing on protection, consistency, and simplicity, you can support healthier skin all year long.

If you’re unsure where to start, a dermatology visit can help you build a plan that’s right for you.