Table of Contents
- Key Points
- Commit to Daily Sun Protection
- Establish a Consistent Nighttime Routine
- Schedule Your Annual Skin Check
- Prioritize Hydration Inside and Out
- Break Bad Skincare Habits
- Make Your Skin Health Resolutions Stick
- References
Key Points
- New Year’s resolutions are notoriously made and then subsequently broken.
- There are many good reasons to include skin care among your goals for the year.
- Below are some basic skin care resolutions that you should make (and are easy to keep!) to ensure healthy skin all year long.
As we step into 2026, millions of Americans are setting new year resolutions focused on health and wellness. While gym memberships and meal prep often top the list, there is one resolution that deserves equal attention: committing to healthier skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 50 million Americans have acne, 7.5 million are affected by psoriasis, and 1 in every 10 experience atopic dermatitis.1
At Rogers Dermatology, we believe that achieving your healthiest, most radiant skin does not require complicated routines or expensive miracle products, but consistency, expert guidance, and science-backed practices. Whether you are dealing with persistent acne, noticing the first signs of aging, or simply want to maintain your skin’s natural glow, the new year presents the perfect opportunity to reset your skincare habits.
Commit to Daily Sun Protection
If there is one resolution that every dermatologist in Greenville would insist upon, it is wearing sunscreen every single day. UV damage is the leading cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer, yet it is also the most preventable factor.2
Many people mistakenly believe sunscreen is only necessary during beach days or summer months. The reality is that harmful UV rays penetrate through clouds, reflect off snow, and even pass through car windows.
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and apply it to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and hands. If you wear makeup, consider a tinted mineral sunscreen that doubles as a foundation, or use a setting spray with SPF. Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and do not forget often-missed areas like your scalp part line and the tops of your feet.
When selecting a sunscreen, the most important thing is to choose one that you will use. For a deeper dive into the different types of sunscreens and tips for using them, check out our blog post.
Establish a Consistent Nighttime Routine
While morning skincare tends to focus on protection, your nighttime routine is all about repair and renewal. During sleep, your skin works overtime to regenerate cells and repair damage from the day.3 Supporting this natural process with the right products can dramatically improve your skin’s appearance and health.
A simple, effective nighttime routine we recommended includes:
- Gentle cleansing: Remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup with a cleanser suited to your skin type
- Treatment products: Apply prescription retinoids, targeted serums, or acne treatments as recommended by your dermatologist
- Moisturization: Lock in hydration with a nourishing night cream or facial oil
- Eye care: Use a dedicated eye cream to address fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles
Consistency is crucial. Your skin responds to regular care, not sporadic intensive treatments. Commit to following your nighttime routine, and you will notice significant improvements within just a few months.
Schedule Your Annual Skin Check
One of the most important new year resolutions you can make for your skin health is scheduling an annual full-body skin examination. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States (and the world), with one in five Americans developing it during their lifetime.4 Early detection is critical, as skin cancers are highly treatable when caught in their earliest stages.
During a comprehensive skin check at Rogers Dermatology, we will examine your skin from head to toe, documenting any moles, spots, or areas of concern. We look for the ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolution or change over time.
Do not wait until you notice something concerning to schedule an appointment. Make your annual skin check as routine as your dental cleaning or annual physical. Especially if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, sun damage, or numerous moles, frequent monitoring is vital.
Prioritize Hydration Inside and Out
Healthy skin starts from within, as proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining your skin’s elasticity and overall appearance.5 While topical moisturizers are important, they cannot compensate for chronic dehydration.
Make 2026 the year you finally drink enough water. While individual needs vary based on activity level, climate, and overall health, aiming for eight glasses of water per day is a solid baseline for most people. You will likely notice improvements not just in your skin but in your energy levels, digestion, and overall well-being.
Break Bad Skincare Habits
Sometimes improving your skin health is less about what you add to your routine and more about what you eliminate. This year, commit to breaking these common skincare mistakes:
- Sleeping in makeup: No matter how tired you are, always cleanse before bed
- Picking at blemishes: This can lead to scarring, infection, and prolonged healing
- Using dirty makeup brushes: Clean them weekly to prevent bacterial buildup
- Over-exfoliating: Excessive scrubbing damages your skin barrier
- Skipping moisturizer: Even oily skin needs proper hydration
- Touching your face: Your hands carry bacteria that can trigger breakouts
Breaking habits takes time and conscious effort. Choose one or two habits to tackle first, and once those become second nature, move on to the next. Remember, sustainable change happens gradually.
Make Your Skin Health Resolutions Stick
The key to success with any new year resolutions is creating sustainable habits rather than pursuing perfection. Your skin did not develop issues overnight, and most skin concerns take some time to address. Be patient with the process and celebrate small victories along the way.
At Rogers Dermatology, we are here to support you every step of the way on your journey to healthier skin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with the best dermatologist Greenville SC has to offer, and start your journey toward healthier, more radiant skin.
References
- “Skin Conditions By the Numbers,” American Academy of Dermatology, February 2025, https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers.
- Anna Chien, MD, and Heidi Jacobe, MD, “UV Radiation & Your Skin,” Skin Cancer Foundation, retrieved on January 14, 2026, from: https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/.
- Jiali Xu, Xiaoxuan Cai, Jianjun Qiao, and Hong Fang, “The Impact of Sleep Quality on Skin Color,” Indian Dermatology Online Journal, October 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12622943/.
- “Skin Cancer,” American Academy of Dermatology, retrieved on January 13, 2026, from: https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer.
- Enamul Haque Mojumdar, Quoc Dat Pham, Daniel Topgaard, and Emma Sparr, “Skin hydration: interplay between molecular dynamics, structure and water uptake in the stratum corneum,” Scientific Reports, November 2017, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-15921-5.