6 New Year’s Resolutions for Our Best 2021 Skin

It’s that time—to reflect on the past year and focus on goals for the next. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the biggest fan of traditional New Year’s resolutions—I’ve come to the realization that I likely won’t experience a magical transformation overnight. Instead, I brainstorm holistic works-in-progress. Sure, some may be career and fitness-related, but my resolutions don’t end there (ahem, skincare!). As expected, part of the Beautylish editorial team’s 2021 ambitions is healthier skin. Here are our skincare resolutions for 2021—hopefully they’ll inspire yours.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

“My skincare resolution for the new year is to moisturize my face more often. I pretty much just stopped doing any sort of skincare in 2020. I tried some products here and there, but it was sporadic and not part of a consistent routine. Now that it’s winter and the air is drier, the effects of my neglect are literally written all over my face :(. I’ll start with baby steps—at least 3 times a week?“ —Christina F.

Bring on the oils and essences

“I started using oils and essences, specifically Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil, during quarantine and have seen a huge difference and clearing of my skin. I was always scared to add oils to my already combo/oily skin, but I’m a little mad at myself for not trying them sooner. In 2021, I want to incorporate more oils and essences into my skincare routine and am curious to see what other benefits they hold!” —Des A.

Waste less

“When it comes to beauty, my New Year’s resolution is to create less waste with my routine. Whether it’s opting for cleansing bars instead of face wash in a bottle, choosing products with recycled (and recyclable!) packaging, or recycling my beauty empties via a program like TerraCycle, I plan to keep as much waste out of the landfill as I can. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to go fully zero-waste, but I can definitely reduce the amount of single-use plastic I currently consume in my beauty routine.”—Kathryn F.

Sleep your way to better skin

“Confession time: most nights, I moisturize my face with coconut oil from the kitchen and rub vaseline around my eyes and lips before heading to bed. Obviously, I need to step up my nighttime routine from that of a traveling salesman in the 1930s. My resolution is to find a good serum, face oil, and eye cream that repairs, balances, really penetrates and isn’t wimpy with its benefits. It wouldn’t hurt if it had a nice fragrance that sent me off to sleep feeling more refined instead of smelling like my rice cooker.” —Michael A.

Get clean

“Over the past couple of years, I’ve dabbled in clean and organic skincare and makeup. I’ve learned more about natural ingredients and cleaner options on the market and become much more conscious of what I put on my skin. In 2021, I want to take it to the next level and transform my skincare routine to be mostly (if not completely) clean and nontoxic with naturally-derived ingredients.” —Nurain A.

Treat yourself!

“In 2021, I plan to treat my skin to a mini DIY spa session every weekend. Whether it’s an exfoliating bath soak or a massage with a facial roller and hydrating oil, I’ll set aside more time to give my skin a therapeutic pick-me-up before each workweek. Deeply treating skin resets and recharges your body’s largest organ, and it’s a great way to sneak in some ‘me time’.” —Victoria V.