Expert Advice | Have Acne? Try these New Year Resolutions

If you are wanting 2025 to be the year to improve your acne then we have some resolutions to help.

Commit to a Consistent Skincare Routine:

Resolution: Stick to a simple, consistent skincare routine morning and night. Aim to cleanse, treat, and moisturise daily, and don’t skip sunscreen in the morning.
Why: Consistency is key for acne control, helping to regulate oil production, unclog pores, and improve skin barrier health.

Avoid Overloading on New Products

Resolution: Introduce new skincare products one at a time and allow a few weeks to see how your skin reacts before adding more.
Why: Overloading on new products can irritate skin, disrupt its natural barrier, and lead to breakouts. Slow introduction prevents overwhelming your skin.

Embrace Skin-minimalism

Resolution: Aim for a minimalist skincare routine focused on quality over quantity, using products with proven acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and niacinamide.
Why: Fewer products reduce the risk of irritation and clogged pores, especially when targeting acne.

Avoid Touching Your Face

Resolution: Make a conscious effort to stop touching your face, picking at spots, or squeezing pimples.
Why: Touching your face spreads bacteria and can make acne worse, while picking at acne can lead to scarring.

Upgrade Your Diet with Skin-Healthy Foods

Resolution: Focus on a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, berries, and omega-3s, while reducing sugary, dairy-heavy, and processed foods.
Why: Research shows that diet can impact acne by influencing inflammation, insulin levels, and oil production.

Prioritize Stress-Relief Practices

Resolution: Incorporate stress-relief techniques into your routine, such as mIndfulness, yoga, or short breathing exercises.
Why: High-stress levels increase cortisol, which can stimulate oil production and lead to breakouts. Lowering stress can reduce these hormonal triggers.

Stay Hydrated and Use Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers

Resolution: Drink plenty of water daily and ensure your skin stays hydrated with a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) moisturiser.
Why: Dehydrated skin can lead to more oil production and clogged pores, while hydrating properly keeps the skin balanced.

Use Blue Light Protection in Skincare

Resolution: Look for sunscreens or serums with blue light protection if you spend a lot of time in front of screens.
Why: Blue light exposure from screens has been linked to skin irritation and pigmentation, which may worsen acne marks. (You can check out our recommended SPF for acne prone skin HERE)

Get Regular Sleep and Aim for a Routine

Resolution: Prioritise 7-8 hours of sleep per night and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Why: Sleep helps the skin repair itself and balances hormones, both essential for preventing acne flare-ups.

Exfoliate Gently and Regularly

Resolution: Exfoliate once or twice a week with gentle chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or lactic acid.
Why: Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells and prevents pores from clogging, which can reduce breakouts.

Keep Your Environment Clean

Resolution: Regularly wash pillowcases, towels, and phone screens to prevent bacteria build-up.
Why: Frequent contact with dirty surfaces can transfer bacteria to the skin, contributing to acne.

Consider Internal Supplements for Skin Health

Resolution: If diet alone isn’t enough, talk to a healthcare provider about supplements like zinc, probiotics, or omega-3s to support your skin.
Why: Certain supplements can reduce inflammation and help balance hormones, both of which play a role in acne. (You can check out our recommended supplements if you have acne HERE)

Invest in an Acne-Focused Dermatology Consultation

Resolution: Schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists or doctors with a special interest in dermatology for personalised advice, especially if at-home care isn’t enough to control your acne.
Why: A professional can tailor treatments like prescription creams, medication, or peels to your specific needs, improving acne outcomes faster than self-treatment alone. (You can book HERE)

Set Realistic Expectations and Be Patient

Resolution: Aim for gradual, steady improvement rather than instant results. Track your progress monthly to see changes.
Why: Acne improvement takes time, and setting realistic goals reduces stress and frustration, making you more likely to stick with your routine.

Stay Updated on Skincare Science and Trends

Resolution: Stay informed about new science-backed trends, like microbiome-friendly products or blue light protection.
Why: Acne treatments evolve, and being informed can help you make choices based on the latest findings in skin health.

These resolutions will help create a balanced approach to managing acne in 2025, combining new technologies, skincare advancements, and wellness for a healthier skin journey.