The beginning of the year naturally brings a rush of resolutions, and when it comes to skincare, January feels like the ideal moment to reset. While some habits fade by February, the Cosmo beauty team and I have set a few skin-first intentions we’re determined to maintain all year long.
From subtle lifestyle shifts to staying consistent with skincare tools and treatments, these are the habits we’re holding ourselves to in order to get the most out of our routines and keep our skin looking and feeling its best. Feel free to adopt a few—or all—of them for yourself.
1. Take Better Care of Your Linens
After a four-year battle with acne, I’ve learned that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in skin clarity. Two habits I now refuse to skip are regularly changing my pillowcases and avoiding reusable towels on my face. Even silk pillowcases, while gentle on skin and hair, can trap oil, sweat, and bacteria if they aren’t washed often. Keeping them clean has helped calm my skin and keep pores clearer—and it makes bedtime feel better too.
I’ve also stopped using bath or hand towels to dry my face. Reusing towels can transfer bacteria back onto freshly cleansed skin, undoing all that effort. Switching to disposable or face-only towels, like those from Clean Skin Club and Peace Out, has noticeably helped keep breakouts under control.
2. Stop Touching and Picking at Your Skin
As tempting as it may be to pick at pores or blemishes, beauty director Lauren Balsamo is making a conscious effort to leave her skin alone. “Every time I pick at a breakout, I’m left with red or brown marks that last for weeks,” she says. Constant touching can disrupt the skin barrier, increasing the risk of scarring and more breakouts.
Instead, she plans to book professional deep-cleaning facials when extractions are needed, rather than trying to manage them at home.
3. Stay Consistent With LED Treatments
“Using my at-home LED devices consistently is my main goal,” says beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson. Beauty editor Beth Gillette agrees, noting that LED tools only deliver results when used regularly.
Her plan is to incorporate red-light therapy into her routine more often, whether during hair-wash days or as part of her nighttime wind-down ritual.
4. Commit to Vitamin C Again
When it comes to brightening, few ingredients compare to vitamin C. In the past, many formulas were frustrating to use due to odor, pilling, or rapid oxidation. But in 2026, a new generation of vitamin C serums has reignited interest in this powerhouse ingredient.
“I forgot how effective a good vitamin C serum can be,” says Balsamo. Vitamin C helps fade existing dark spots, prevent new discoloration, protect against environmental stressors, and in some cases, support collagen production.
- Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced – $76 at medik8.com
- Skinfix Barrier+ 15% Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Serum – $69 at Sephora
5. Introduce New Products Slowly
“Last year, I stripped my routine down completely when my hormonal acne spiraled,” says Gillette. While difficult for someone who loves testing new products, simplifying was essential to get her skin back on track.
Now, she’s carefully reintroducing clinically proven ingredients, focusing on formulas that support barrier repair and the skin’s microbiome. Dermatologists support this approach, reinforcing that less is more when it comes to skincare in 2026.
6. Make Sauna Sessions a Habit
Regular sauna use encourages a deep, detoxifying sweat that can help boost circulation and reduce cortisol levels, supporting overall skin health. Beyond the visible glow, the experience itself is deeply relaxing and feels like a complete reset.
Since mental health and acne are closely connected, making time for this ritual can benefit both your mind and your skin.
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, covering everything from body care to hair care. For this piece, she gathered skincare resolutions from the Cosmo beauty team to highlight practical ways to reset routines for the new year.
