Sticking with a 2026 Clean Skincare Routine: New Year, Healthier You
New year, same routine. You created some New Year’s resolutions to turn yourself into the person you want to be, but come February, you’ve gotten complacent, you’re exhausted, and maybe you just don’t know how to keep up with your goals. Let’s put an end to that and help you accomplish what you’ve set out for yourself: sticking to a clean skincare routine. We’re clean skincare experts, and today we’re going to be your fairy godparent as we walk you through exactly what you need to do to stick with a clean skincare routine.
Here’s a little cheat sheet to help you address some common skin concerns:
Cleanser:
Every skincare routine must begin with a cleanser. You wouldn’t take a shower without soap, so don’t start your skincare before cleansing. A good cleanser will remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities without stripping away natural oils in your skin. Tailor your cleanser to your skin’s needs. For example, if you have dry skin, opt for something that adds a little hydration.
Toner/Essence:
Following up with a toner helps prep your skin for the next steps and can balance your skin’s microbiome. Look for some that have antioxidants and other ingredients that align with your skin needs. Avoid ingredients like alcohols and fragrances, as these can cause irritation/dry out your skin and aren’t found in clean beauty products.
Serums/Oils:
This is where the fun stuff comes in. Serums and oils are made to target your skin’s specific needs and get your skin looking its absolute best. Check the cheat sheet above to get an idea of what to look for.
If skin brightening and supporting mature skin is one of your goals, try Illumine Face Oil, which is packed with botanicals containing vitamin C. And for the sensitive skin folk, Serene Face Oil supports skin health with a limited ingredient list.
Moisturizer:
Finalize your routine with a moisturizer that will nourish your skin as it needs. For the oily readers, you should probably opt for something lightweight to prevent breakouts. And on the opposite end, for the dry skin havers, a heavier moisturizer may be needed so you don’t feel like a desert the next day.
Need help picking out a product? Our Peptide Face Cream is an all-around beneficial cream that boosts skin with peptides and essential amino acids.
Many brands (like us) offer samples so you can try out new products without committing to the cost of a full-sized bottle. Pick out a few samples at a time, or maybe get the whole array a brand has to offer.
And remember: a long routine doesn’t always mean better. Decluttering doesn’t just have to be for your attic, but can also apply to skincare, makeup, and household routines.
Most of all, remember that consistency is better than perfection. As long as you keep showing up, your clean-living routines will turn into a habit. Then, you can fine-tune it until it’s perfect.
The Basics of a Clean Skincare Routine
Assess Your Skin Needs
We hear all the time that skincare is a journey. When you could have skin that’s oily, sensitive, mature, dehydrated, etcetera etcetera, we understand why. Figuring out what concerns you have for your skin and what you want to improve is the first step to any skincare routine. And the good news is, even with sticking to clean beauty only, there’s still guaranteed to be a clean beauty product for you.Here’s a little cheat sheet to help you address some common skin concerns:
- Oily Skin: Stick to lighter moisturizers and avoid heavy humectants. Jojoba oil may help balance sebum production.
- Dry Skin: Hydration is your friend. Look for heavier, long-lasting moisturizers and follow up with humectants like shea butter.
- Dehydrated Skin: Lock in moisture with humectants like aloe and honey. Follow up with oils for longer, deeper hydration.
- Mature Skin: Look for vitamin C for brightening effects and retinol alternatives to lessen fine lines. Find clean beauty products in this roundup.
- Sensitive Skin: Opt for products with minimal ingredients. Avoid fragrances, essential oils, and exfoliating acids. Get your sensitive product recs here.
- Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C brightens the skin and can lessen the look of dark spots. This roundup features our favorite vitamin C products. While tailored to mature skin, anyone of all ages can benefit from these products.
Your 4-Step Starter Routine
A good routine will have these components: Cleanser, toner, serum/oil, and moisturizer. Here’s what to look for:Cleanser:
Every skincare routine must begin with a cleanser. You wouldn’t take a shower without soap, so don’t start your skincare before cleansing. A good cleanser will remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities without stripping away natural oils in your skin. Tailor your cleanser to your skin’s needs. For example, if you have dry skin, opt for something that adds a little hydration.
Toner/Essence:
Following up with a toner helps prep your skin for the next steps and can balance your skin’s microbiome. Look for some that have antioxidants and other ingredients that align with your skin needs. Avoid ingredients like alcohols and fragrances, as these can cause irritation/dry out your skin and aren’t found in clean beauty products.
Serums/Oils:
This is where the fun stuff comes in. Serums and oils are made to target your skin’s specific needs and get your skin looking its absolute best. Check the cheat sheet above to get an idea of what to look for.
If skin brightening and supporting mature skin is one of your goals, try Illumine Face Oil, which is packed with botanicals containing vitamin C. And for the sensitive skin folk, Serene Face Oil supports skin health with a limited ingredient list.
Moisturizer:
Finalize your routine with a moisturizer that will nourish your skin as it needs. For the oily readers, you should probably opt for something lightweight to prevent breakouts. And on the opposite end, for the dry skin havers, a heavier moisturizer may be needed so you don’t feel like a desert the next day.
Need help picking out a product? Our Peptide Face Cream is an all-around beneficial cream that boosts skin with peptides and essential amino acids.
Sticking to Clean-Living: No Failing Your Resolutions Allowed
Clean living might seem impossible in the beginning, especially if you’re thinking about replacing all your household cleaners, makeup, skincare, clothing, etc. But clean living is very doable with the right know-how. Here’s how we recommend going about clean living as a newbie.Start Small, End Big
Converting to a clean-living lifestyle doesn’t have to start monumentally. Exchange a few things at a time to avoid burnout. It takes time to find new, clean products that work and that you love, so give yourself some grace if you don’t go all in right away.Many brands (like us) offer samples so you can try out new products without committing to the cost of a full-sized bottle. Pick out a few samples at a time, or maybe get the whole array a brand has to offer.
And remember: a long routine doesn’t always mean better. Decluttering doesn’t just have to be for your attic, but can also apply to skincare, makeup, and household routines.
Build Rituals, Not Just Routines
Turn clean living into a daily practice. Create a space that makes you want to stick with it. For example, turn your skincare space into a cozy corner that invites you in. Then, set yourself up for success by creating a routine that fits your lifestyle. If you’re not a morning person, why develop a 10+ step morning skincare routine? And follow brands/bloggers who can guide you through practicing clean living with tips and insider knowledge. (May we suggest ourselves? Ahem ahem.)Most of all, remember that consistency is better than perfection. As long as you keep showing up, your clean-living routines will turn into a habit. Then, you can fine-tune it until it’s perfect.
