New Year Skincare Resolutions You Can Actually Keep
Dr. Pimple Popper shares her advice for getting your best skin in 2026.
Published:
4 minute read
Most of us have a skincare goal: clearer skin, younger-looking skin, glowing skin…you name it. The best New Year skin goals aren’t about overhauling everything at once. They’re about building habits you can realistically stick to. Dermatologist and SLMD Skincare founder Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), shares practical, dermatologist-approved skincare resolutions designed to help your skin look healthier all year long.
Fast Facts: Skincare resolutions you can stick to
- Consistency matters more than using more products
- Most skincare results take weeks, not days
- Face and body skin have different needs
- Daily sunscreen is the most effective anti-aging habit
Resolution #1: Look younger with ingredients that actually work
Who doesn’t want to look a little more fresh-faced? While no skincare product can turn back time, certain dermatologist-recommended ingredients can help improve visible signs of aging when used consistently.
Key ingredients to look for include:
- Retinoids (like retinol): Promote cell turnover, slow collagen breakdown, and even out skin tone. Try: SLMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids exfoliate dead surface cells, revealing younger skin and improving the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. Try: SLMD AHA/BHA Swipes
- Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin, fades hyperpigmentation, and protects against environmental damage. Try: SLMD Vitamin C Serum
- Hyaluronic acid: A humectant that deeply hydrates and plumps skin, giving a dewy, youthful glow. Try: SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer, Hyaluronic Acid Serum
If committing to daily actives feels overwhelming, approaches like skin cycling — alternating products throughout the week — can help you stay consistent without irritating your skin.
Dr. Pimple Popper's Anti-Aging Picks
Resolution #2: Take better care of your body skin
“It’s natural to focus on your face, but your body skin deserves attention too,” says Dr. Lee. Body bumps are extremely common, but they don’t all have the same cause.
Common body skin concerns include:
- Body acne on the back, chest, or shoulders. Try: SLMD Body Acne System
- Keratosis pilaris (KP), which causes rough, bumpy skin due to keratin buildup. Try: SLMD Body Smoothing System
- Ingrown hairs, which can look like acne but require different care. Try: SLMD AHA/BHA Swipes, BP Acne Spot Treatment
Treating your body skin with the same care as your face — using targeted products and keeping skin hydrated — can help improve texture and clarity over time.
Dr. Pimple Popper's Body Skin Picks
Resolution #3: Wash your face before bed (every night)
Washing your face before bed might feel like a chore, but skipping this essential step can lead to dullness, breakouts, and even premature aging. “Cleansing every night is not only essential for your skin health,” says Dr. Lee, “it’s also a great way to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.”
Cleansing removes oil, makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants, setting the stage for your skin’s overnight repair process. Look for cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help penetrate pores and gently exfoliate.
Try: SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Resolution #4: Get your acne under control
If you’re using random products and cute pimple patches, it’s time to level up with a complete routine. “I started SLMD with the Acne System because there wasn’t another kit that addressed acne at every stage, while protecting the skin barrier,” explains Dr. Lee. Acne begins with clogged pores and progresses to inflammation.
Treat both with ingredients like:
- Salicylic acid to help clear pores and prevent blackheads and whiteheads
- Benzoyl peroxide to reduce acne-causing bacteria
- Sulfur to help calm redness and active breakouts
- Retinol to support cell turnover and help prevent post-acne marks
Stick to a consistent routine and be patient — acne treatments often take several weeks to show visible results.
Try: SLMD Acne System, Body Acne System, After Acne
Dr. Pimple Popper's Acne-Fighting Picks
Resolution #5: Protect your skin every day with sunscreen
If there’s one skincare habit to prioritize, it’s daily sun protection. Ultraviolet rays contribute to premature aging, dark spots, and skin cancer.
“Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in your routine,” says Dr. Lee. “It protects against visible signs of aging and helps prevent damage you can’t always see.”
To make sunscreen use realistic:
- Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher
- Apply every morning as the final step in your skincare routine
- Reapply when spending extended time outdoors
Pairing sunscreen with antioxidants like vitamin C can provide additional defense against free radical damage.
Try: SLMD Vitamin C Serum, Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
Skincare Routine FAQ: New Year Skin Goals
Q: How long does a skincare routine take to work?
A: Most skincare routines take several weeks to show visible results. Consistency matters more than quick fixes, especially when treating acne or signs of aging.
Q: What’s the most important skincare habit to stick to?
A: Cleansing your skin every night and wearing sunscreen every morning are the two habits that support every other step in your routine.
Q: Do you need to change your skincare routine every year?
A: If your routine is working, keep it. Small adjustments based on seasonal changes or new concerns are usually more effective than starting over.
Q: What happens if you skip your skincare routine sometimes?
A: Missing a day occasionally won’t undo progress, but frequent inconsistency can slow results and increase irritation when restarting active products.
Q: How many skincare products do you really need?
A: Most people only need a cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and one targeted treatment based on their main concern.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be overwhelming. Start small and focus on routines you can stick to, like cleansing every night or adding a targeted treatment. Over time, these habits add up to healthier, clearer, and more radiant skin.
