As we move into the new year, now is a good time to take stock and make plans. Setting specific resolutions can help to focus the mind—what changes do you want to see in 2026?  How do you want to look after your body and mind in the coming months?  

“It’s one thing to make resolutions, but you also need to be realistic,” says Gemma Clare, Holistic Skin and Wellbeing Expert, London. “If you want better skin, for example, clinical studies show that it usually takes around 90 days to see significant improvements. Long-lasting changes can take time. This is where digging deeper and identifying your true ‘intention’ can lead to better results. When you’ve got a clear intention, this will help you to stay more committed to your goals.”

Read on to discover the skincare resolutions our Experts recommend...

Clear out your beauty cupboard

“This is genuinely one of the most valuable things you can do,” says Dr Emmaline Ashley, Cosmetic Physician and Founder, Ashley Aesthetics. “If something has been sitting untouched for months, has it expired? Check for changes in texture, colour, or smell. Also, take stock of what you're hoarding, before buying something new. It's impossible to tell if a skincare product actually works if you're only using it sporadically. So, make sure you're not wasting money on things that are just gathering dust.”

Schedule a consultation 

“Make an appointment with an aesthetics practitioner to develop a treatment plan focused on your areas of concern,” says Amish Patel, BEM, Aesthetics Practitioner and Skincare Expert, Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic. “For example, you may want to soften expression lines, restore lost volume or remove signs of pigmentation. An expert skin specialist will advise you on the most suitable treatments and skincare for your skin type.”

Review your skincare 

“Think about how the changing seasons affect your skin,” says Ashley.  “You might need richer hydration in winter, or lighter textures in summer. But, keep things simple, and if you are making changes, change one product at a time. That way, if your skin reacts to something—either well or badly—you'll actually know what's responsible. Using exactly the right products will always do more for your skin than complexity.”

Be consistent

“The most effective skincare routine is one that you practice regularly, as consistency can make a huge difference," says Clare. "This means cleansing your skin daily, and double cleansing at night, especially if you’ve been wearing make-up or sunscreen. Regular exfoliation at least twice a week is also crucial, as a build up of dead cells can make skin look dull, dehydrated and lined—it also stops products being absorbed properly. Think of in-clinic treatments like going to the gym, you wouldn’t expect a toned body after one Pilates session—they have a cumulative effect.”  

Wear SPF every day

“If you want to maintain youthful skin and protect it from harmful UV rays—yes, even in winter!—you need to apply an SPF (at least 30) every single day," says Clare. "Choose sunscreen products according to your skin's requirements eg: hydrating or oil-free. It’s easy to mistake dehydration for dryness, and end up using heavy moisturisers in winter that just sit on the skin, when it would be more beneficial to use hydrating skincare (eg: serum) teamed with an SPF.”  

Book an in-clinic treatment

“One of my favourite treatments to start the new year is the PRP facial, a regenerative treatment using platelet-rich plasma to volumise and rejuvenate the skin—it can really work wonders if you’re looking to improve your skin tone and texture," says Patel. "Microneedling promotes a smoother more youthful complexion, which makes it another great glow-up treatment at this time of year.”

View treatments as maintenance

“Approach in-clinic treatments as part of a structured maintenance plan, rather than an occasional indulgence,” recommends Dr Anna Hemming from Thames Skin Clinic, Twickenham. “Regular HydraFacial treatments, for example, combined with targeted boosters and supported by medical-grade skincare at home, help to cleanse, hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. When done consistently, they optimise the skin’s ability to respond to more advanced treatments such as injectables, microneedling, or energy based devices.”

Fast track a skin reset 

“People are increasingly looking for treatments that offer natural, long lasting results,” says Alice Henshaw, Nurse Prescriber for Allergan Aesthetics. “One stand out option is Juvéderm Skinvive, which is the only skin booster proven to provide up to nine months hydration following a single treatment. It’s the perfect ‘reset’ treatment to restore balance when skin appears dull or dehydrated, improving hydration from within, enhancing luminosity and overall texture.”

Make peptides non-negotiable 

“Use a high-performance peptide serum such as ZO Skin Health Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate as a core part of your morning and evening routine,” says Hemming. “Peptides are essential cellular messengers that support collagen production, skin repair and barrier strength—used daily, they help improve firmness, refine skin texture and enhance resilience against environmental stressors. This is a simple, yet powerful ritual that delivers long-term benefits rather than a quick fix.”

Keep it simple

“One big mistake people often make is to overload the skin with multiple ingredients, which can compromise the skin barrier and lead to irritation or breakouts,” says Henshaw. "The new year is the perfect time to strip back your routine. Prioritise barrier support and hydration, use a gentle cleanser, a well formulated moisturiser and targeted actives.”