Simple Skin Habits to Start Your Year

Build a Healthier Routine

Regardless of whether you participate in New Year’s Resolutions, the start of a new year is a great time to pause and think about your skincare routine. Is it actually helping your skin, or is it just taking up time or space on your counter?

Your skincare routine shouldn’t be stressful, overwhelming, or constantly changing after you find something that works. In reality, less is usually more. With the right products and a consistent routine, you can support your skin without the clutter, confusion, over-spending, or endless trial-and-error. 

Now is the perfect time to refine your routine. Let’s figure out which steps to prioritize and what to leave behind in 2025 based on your specific skin goals.

Here’s a simple step-by-step reset to help you start fresh. 

Step 1: Go Through All Your Products

Start by tossing expired products. A lot of people don’t realize that most skincare products have expiration dates. 

• Opened products usually last 6 months to 1 year
• Unopened products typically last 2-3 years

Look for the PAO (period after opening) symbol. It usually appears as a small jar icon with a number followed by “M”, like 12M for 12 months after opening. 

Active serums and “natural/organic” products often expire faster than cleansers or moisturizers. SPF becomes ineffective if expired as well. If it doesn’t include a date, toss it 3 years after buying. 

Also check for signs of expiration, including:

• Sour or unusual smells
• Changes in textures (separation, thickening, thinning)
• Color changes, usually darkening 
• Decreased effectiveness, or irritation after use

Skincare is expensive – so it’s tempting to hang on to products. But if something caused irritation or didn’t work for you, it likely won’t suddenly start working now. 

Decluttering will make your routine feel simpler and allow you to be more intentional. 

Step 2: Narrow Down to Your Essentials

We know it’s hard, but your skin will thank you. You don’t need several brands of the same product, and stocking up for later often leads to expired products.

Focus on building a routine around these product types:

• A gentle cleanser
• A moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Targeted treatments based on your skin needs 

If you’re unsure what to keep or cut, check out our Skincare Routine Guide to learn which steps actually matter and which ones you may not need. 

Step 3: Store Products Properly & Stay Organized

Once you’ve narrowed down what you’re keeping, organize your products in a cool, dark place away from humidity to help extend their shelf life. 

Helpful tips:

• Keep lids and caps tightly closed
• Use small spatulas or spoons for jar products instead of fingers to prevent bacterial contamination
• Group products together by routine (morning vs. night) for easy access
• Refrigerating certain products can extend lifespan and enhance cooling benefits — skip for oils and clay masks

When everything has a place, consistency becomes much easier. 

Step 4: Clean Your Skincare/Makeup Tools & Towels

Tools that you consistently put on your face collect bacteria that can lead to breakouts and irritation. Knowing how, and how often, to clean them can significantly improve your skin’s health.

Makeup Brushes:

• Clean every 7-10 days if used regularly or once a month if used infrequently
• Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to massage, rinse until clear, reshape, and air dry on a clean surface. 

Makeup Sponges/Beauty Blenders:

• These can hold even more bacteria (and sometimes mold)
• Clean after every use with a cleanser and warm water
• For deeper cleaning, soak in warm soapy water first
• Let air dry on a clean surface
• Silicone sponges can be a great alternative for preventing bacterial buildup

Gua Shas/Face Rollers: 

• Wipe with a microfiber or damp cloth after every use
• Wash with warm water and a gentle cleanser 1-2 times per week
• Sanitize with 70% rubbing alcohol every few weeks

Face Towels:

• Wash or change every 1-3 days or after 2-3 uses
• For acne-prone or sensitive skin, use a fresh towel daily
• Damp bathroom towels allow bacteria or mold to grow faster, always let dry completely between uses
• Single-use skincare towels can be a hygienic alternative 

Step 5: Intentionally Refresh Your Routine

The new year is also a great time to make thoughtful adjustments if you have skin goals you want to reach. 

Some ideas include: 

• Double cleansing at night 
• Changing your exfoliation schedule
• Spot or eye treatments
• Introducing a new active serum 

The key is to change one thing at a time and track how your skin responds. 

Using the SkinCheck app allows you to track your skin over time while adjusting your routine – helping you decide what’s actually worth keeping long term. 

What to Remember

Your skincare routine shouldn’t feel daunting or cluttered. You don’t need every influencer-endorsed product or a 12-step skincare routine. 

A simple, intentional reset can: 

• Reduce irritation
• Save money
• Make consistency easier
• Help your skin actually improve

Skincare isn’t about having more — it’s about having what works for you. By decluttering, simplifying, staying organized, and making thoughtful changes, you’ll set up your skin and mind for a healthier year ahead.