How To Turn Your Skin Care Resolutions Into Skin Care Habits

6 min read

December 15,2024

HEALTH

How To Turn Your Skin Care Resolutions Into Skin Care Habits

6 min read

December 15,2024

HEALTH

Every January, the promise of a fresh start inspires you to kick off the year with ambitious plans for glowing, healthy skin. Whether you want to wear sunscreen daily, remember to cleanse and moisturize, or take a holistic approach to your skin care, it's easy to be enthusiastic about these goals. Yet, despite these good intentions, why do so many great skin care resolutions fail or be forgotten? Turning those skin care resolutions into consistent habits requires more than ambition; it takes strategy, consistency, and even a bit of psychology.

01

Why Do Most Skin Care Resolutions Fail?

So many skin care resolutions fail because they’re built on good intentions but lack a strong foundation. Too often, people aim high without considering how to fit their skin care goals into their daily lives. Overwhelming routines, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of knowledge about your skin's needs can set you up for failure. On top of that, keeping your skin healthy takes patience. Unlike hitting the gym, where you might feel stronger in a week or two, visible changes in your skin can take months. With no immediate reward or solid plan to keep you going, it’s easy to let those resolutions slip through the cracks.That's why around 80% of people give up on their New Year’s resolution by the second week of January. There is even a name for it: Quitters Day.[1]

01

Why Do Most Skin Care Resolutions Fail?

So many skin care resolutions fail because they’re built on good intentions but lack a strong foundation. Too often, people aim high without considering how to fit their skin care goals into their daily lives. Overwhelming routines, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of knowledge about your skin's needs can set you up for failure. On top of that, keeping your skin healthy takes patience. Unlike hitting the gym, where you might feel stronger in a week or two, visible changes in your skin can take months. With no immediate reward or solid plan to keep you going, it’s easy to let those resolutions slip through the cracks.That's why around 80% of people give up on their New Year’s resolution by the second week of January. There is even a name for it: Quitters Day.[1]

02

How Can You Make Your Skin Care Habits Stick

Let’s dive into science-backed techniques that will help turn your skin care resolutions into daily habits that stick with you for years to come:

#1: Start Small, But Steady

One of the biggest mistakes most people make when forming new habits is trying to change everything at once. While changing everything all at once might feel exciting, it’s rarely sustainable.[2] The real secret to lasting success is starting small. Begin with a straightforward habit—like cleansing your face every night—and stick with it until it becomes second nature. Once you’ve nailed that, slowly add in other steps, such as using a serum or trying a weekly mask. You don't need to immediately implement a 10-step skin care routine for effective results with OneSkin. Since our products are perfect for addressing skin aging little habits, like applying sunscreen daily (OS-01 FACE SPF and OS-01 BODY SPF are our favorites), consistently cleansing with PREP, or using our topical supplements OS-01 EYE, OS-01 FACE, and OS-01 BODY, create a ripple effect over time. Building on these steady, foundational practices will create a routine that grows effortlessly into something transformative. After all, your skin care resolution doesn't have to be static; it can evolve and grow into strong habits throughout the year.

02

How Can You Make Your Skin Care Habits Stick

Let’s dive into science-backed techniques that will help turn your skin care resolutions into daily habits that stick with you for years to come:

#1: Start Small, But Steady

One of the biggest mistakes most people make when forming new habits is trying to change everything at once. While changing everything all at once might feel exciting, it’s rarely sustainable.[2] The real secret to lasting success is starting small. Begin with a straightforward habit—like cleansing your face every night—and stick with it until it becomes second nature. Once you’ve nailed that, slowly add in other steps, such as using a serum or trying a weekly mask. You don't need to immediately implement a 10-step skin care routine for effective results with OneSkin. Since our products are perfect for addressing skin aging little habits, like applying sunscreen daily (OS-01 FACE SPF and OS-01 BODY SPF are our favorites), consistently cleansing with PREP, or using our topical supplements OS-01 EYE, OS-01 FACE, and OS-01 BODY, create a ripple effect over time. Building on these steady, foundational practices will create a routine that grows effortlessly into something transformative. After all, your skin care resolution doesn't have to be static; it can evolve and grow into strong habits throughout the year.

#2: Focus on Consistency, Not Perfection

Perfectionism often hinders long-term habit formation, leading to frustration and abandonment of goals when lapses occur. Aiming for consistency instead of perfection is what really matters. Missed a night? Don’t stress. Skin care is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s part of the journey. Just pick up where you left off and keep going.[2] Focusing on steady effort over time helps you stay flexible and keep your goals in sight without the pressure of getting it "just right" every single day.

#2: Focus on Consistency, Not Perfection

Perfectionism often hinders long-term habit formation, leading to frustration and abandonment of goals when lapses occur. Aiming for consistency instead of perfection is what really matters. Missed a night? Don’t stress. Skin care is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s part of the journey. Just pick up where you left off and keep going.[2] Focusing on steady effort over time helps you stay flexible and keep your goals in sight without the pressure of getting it "just right" every single day.

#3: Link Your Resolutions to Existing Routines

One of the easiest ways to stick to your resolutions is by linking them to the habits you already have. This practice of habit stacking helps reduce your cognitive resistance to habit formation.[3] Here are some simple ways to integrate skin care practices into your daily life:

Add your favorite cleanser—ours is PREP—into your nightly routine.
Apply your moisturizer immediately after brushing your teeth.
Multitask by applying a face mask during your favorite podcast, show, or weekend journaling session.
Keep your lip balm in your bag and apply it whenever you check your emails.

Linking skin care with stuff you already do makes it less of a “new thing” and more of a “why didn’t I always do this?”

#3: Link Your Resolutions to Existing Routines

One of the easiest ways to stick to your resolutions is by linking them to the habits you already have. This practice of habit stacking helps reduce your cognitive resistance to habit formation.[3] Here are some simple ways to integrate skin care practices into your daily life:

Add your favorite cleanser—ours is PREP—into your nightly routine.
Apply your moisturizer immediately after brushing your teeth.
Multitask by applying a face mask during your favorite podcast, show, or weekend journaling session.
Keep your lip balm in your bag and apply it whenever you check your emails.

Linking skin care with stuff you already do makes it less of a “new thing” and more of a “why didn’t I always do this?”

#4: Reward Yourself For Skin Care Wins

Keeping up with your skin care routine is no small feat, so why not celebrate every step you take toward healthier skin along the way? Consistency is key, and recognizing small milestones like a week-long streak with simple but meaningful treats—like upgrading to a luxurious serum, a new lip balm, or just a self-care night—can help reinforce the idea that caring for your skin is an act of self-love that deserves recognition.

#4: Reward Yourself For Skin Care Wins

Keeping up with your skin care routine is no small feat, so why not celebrate every step you take toward healthier skin along the way? Consistency is key, and recognizing small milestones like a week-long streak with simple but meaningful treats—like upgrading to a luxurious serum, a new lip balm, or just a self-care night—can help reinforce the idea that caring for your skin is an act of self-love that deserves recognition.

#5: Track Your Progress

Tracking your skin care progress is a powerful way to stay in control of your skin health. Use a method that works for you—a notebook, an app, or even a simple checklist—and watch how consistency pays off.By documenting changes like reduced redness, smoother texture, or brighter skin, you’ll see the results of your dedication unfold. Tracking also helps you identify what’s working and what might need tweaking. It’s not just about accountability; it’s about celebrating your journey and taking pride in how far you’ve come.

#5: Track Your Progress

Tracking your skin care progress is a powerful way to stay in control of your skin health. Use a method that works for you—a notebook, an app, or even a simple checklist—and watch how consistency pays off.By documenting changes like reduced redness, smoother texture, or brighter skin, you’ll see the results of your dedication unfold. Tracking also helps you identify what’s working and what might need tweaking. It’s not just about accountability; it’s about celebrating your journey and taking pride in how far you’ve come.

#6: Educate Yourself About Your Skin

Your skin has its own personality—so why not get to know it? Understanding your skin type and what it loves (and doesn’t love) makes it much easier to choose the right products and stick to your routine. Plus, staying consistent feels natural when you know the why behind your routine.

#6: Educate Yourself About Your Skin

Your skin has its own personality—so why not get to know it? Understanding your skin type and what it loves (and doesn’t love) makes it much easier to choose the right products and stick to your routine. Plus, staying consistent feels natural when you know the why behind your routine.

#7: Find Community In Your Goals

There’s power in shared goals. Connecting with others who are also on a journey to healthier skin creates a network of support, motivation, and inspiration. Whether it’s a group chat or finding a friend to go on a skin care journey with, a community keeps you accountable and excited.[2,4]Together, you can celebrate progress, trade tips, and lift each other up. Teamwork makes the dream work—even in skin care!

#7: Find Community In Your Goals

There’s power in shared goals. Connecting with others who are also on a journey to healthier skin creates a network of support, motivation, and inspiration. Whether it’s a group chat or finding a friend to go on a skin care journey with, a community keeps you accountable and excited.[2,4]Together, you can celebrate progress, trade tips, and lift each other up. Teamwork makes the dream work—even in skin care!

#8: Bring The Fun Back to Self-Care

Elevating your skin care routine from obligation to enjoyment helps prevent skin care from feeling like a chore and feeling more like the self-care it is. By adding elements of relaxation and enjoyment, you can transform it into a ritual that feels truly special.[5] Light a candle, play soothing music, and experiment with fun new products to keep things exciting.This year, commit to something greater than a fleeting skin care resolution. With patience, commitment, and flexibility, you can create a routine that’s as effortless as it is effective.

#8: Bring The Fun Back to Self-Care

Elevating your skin care routine from obligation to enjoyment helps prevent skin care from feeling like a chore and feeling more like the self-care it is. By adding elements of relaxation and enjoyment, you can transform it into a ritual that feels truly special.[5] Light a candle, play soothing music, and experiment with fun new products to keep things exciting.This year, commit to something greater than a fleeting skin care resolution. With patience, commitment, and flexibility, you can create a routine that’s as effortless as it is effective.

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Key Takeaways:

The new year offers a fresh opportunity to set meaningful skin care resolutions, but turning those aspirations into habits requires a blend of strategy, patience, and consistency to ensure lasting success.
Start small and build gradually by focusing on one simple habit at a time, adding steps over time for sustainable progress.
Prioritize consistency over perfection by maintaining steady effort and flexibility, even if you occasionally miss a step.
Integrate skin care into your existing habits and track your progress to stay motivated and celebrate achievements along the way.
Understand your skin’s needs, connect with a supportive community, and make your routine enjoyable to foster long-lasting commitment.

Key Takeaways:

The new year offers a fresh opportunity to set meaningful skin care resolutions, but turning those aspirations into habits requires a blend of strategy, patience, and consistency to ensure lasting success.
Start small and build gradually by focusing on one simple habit at a time, adding steps over time for sustainable progress.
Prioritize consistency over perfection by maintaining steady effort and flexibility, even if you occasionally miss a step.
Integrate skin care into your existing habits and track your progress to stay motivated and celebrate achievements along the way.
Understand your skin’s needs, connect with a supportive community, and make your routine enjoyable to foster long-lasting commitment.

References

Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin

Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.

Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin

Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.