A new year is more than just a fresh calendar—it’s a chance to refine your approach to skincare, embrace smarter beauty habits, and finally commit to the routines that make a real difference. If you’re ready to elevate your beauty practices in 2026, we’ve gathered 26 practical, expert-backed tips to help you look and feel your best all year long.
1. Schedule a professional skincare evaluation
Before investing in new products or treatments, understand what your skin actually needs. Our skincare consultations include a SkinCeuticals SkinScope LED analysis that reveals hidden sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and congestion beneath your skin’s surface. This personalized assessment helps you build a skincare routine tailored to your specific concerns rather than guessing what might work.
2. Simplify your routine
More steps don’t always mean better results. In 2026, the focus is shifting toward fewer, better-chosen products. Aim for a streamlined morning and evening routine with multi-tasking formulas that deliver hydration, gentle exfoliation, and barrier support without overwhelming your skin.
3. Make sunscreen non-negotiable
Daily SPF isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential for preventing premature aging and protecting against skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors near windows. Our medical-grade skincare includes lightweight sunscreens that won’t leave a greasy finish.
4. Don’t forget your neck, ears, and eyelids
These areas show aging faster than anywhere else and are often overlooked. The skin on your eyelids is thin, your neck moves constantly, and your ears are exposed to the sun all day. Extend your SPF and skincare products to these forgotten zones for comprehensive protection.
5. Stop picking at your skin
Constantly touching or picking at breakouts disrupts your skin barrier and leads to scarring and hyperpigmentation. If you need extractions, book a professional Hydrafacial instead of trying to handle things at home. Our aestheticians use comfortable suction technology to clear congestion without damaging your skin.
6. Swap your pillowcase weekly
This simple hygiene habit can make a surprising difference in skin clarity. Pillowcases accumulate oil, bacteria, and skincare residue that transfer back to your face while you sleep. Use fresh cases at least once a week, and opt for silk or satin to reduce friction.
7. Let your skin air-dry after cleansing
After washing your face, gently pat away excess water with clean hands and allow your skin to air-dry for 30-60 seconds before applying serums. This eliminates bacteria transfer from towels and helps products absorb better into slightly damp skin. Be gentle with your complexion (don’t slap or tug at it)—your skin responds better to kindness than aggression.
“I simply cannot say enough wonderful things about Ziba Medical Spa at Movassaghi Plastic surgery. The minute you walk in the door you are greeted with a smile and treated like family… The clinicians I’ve worked with are very informative and thorough, taking the time to answer any questions and address concerns. And everyone I’ve encountered is extremely professional and skilled. I absolutely recommend Ziba Medical Spa for all of your skincare needs.”
—5-Star Google Review
8. Add a retinoid to your routine
Retinoids are one of the most effective ingredients for reducing wrinkles, improving skin texture, and evening out tone. Start with a pea-sized amount every third night and gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts. We recommend prescription-strength formulas for maximum efficacy.
9. Invest in professional treatments
At-home skincare is essential, but professional treatments deliver results you can’t achieve alone. Whether it’s laser skin resurfacing for sun damage, RF microneedling for texture, or regular facials for maintenance, consistent professional care compounds over time.
10. Try peptides for long-term skin health
Peptides support collagen production and skin repair at a cellular level. These powerful ingredients work quietly over time to strengthen your skin without irritation, making them perfect for sensitive skin types or those new to active ingredients.
11. Be consistent with your routine
Results come from repetition, not intensity. Commit to your morning and evening skincare routine every single day in 2026. Hold yourself to it, and before long it becomes second nature.
12. Layer products correctly
Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency: cleanser, toner, serums, moisturizer, then SPF in the morning. This ensures each product can penetrate properly and work effectively.
13. Consider Botox for prevention
You don’t need to wait until lines are deeply etched. Botox works by relaxing the muscles that create expression lines, and starting treatments in your late 20s or early 30s can prevent deeper wrinkles from forming over time.
14. Use filler strategically
Dermal fillers restore lost volume where your face needs it most—whether that’s hollowed cheeks, thinning lips, or deepening nasolabial folds. Our expert injectors use precise techniques to create natural-looking results that enhance your features without changing your appearance.
15. Give your hair a break from heat
Daily heat styling causes cumulative damage. Embrace your natural texture more often, use heat protectant when you do style, and treat your hair to nourishing masks weekly. If thinning hair concerns you, explore our GetHairMD treatments for non-surgical restoration.
16. Address body concerns, too
Your skincare shouldn’t stop at your face. CoolSculpting eliminates stubborn fat, Avéli reduces cellulite, and Sofwave tightens loose skin—all without surgery or significant downtime.
17. Exfoliate with intention
Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps products absorb better. Choose between gentle physical exfoliation with microdermabrasion or chemical exfoliation with glycolic or mandelic acid, depending on your skin’s needs and sensitivity.
18. Address veins and discoloration
Visible veins, broken capillaries, and pigmentation make skin look older. Our laser vein treatments and laser skin treatments effectively clear these concerns for a more even, youthful complexion.
“This practice is exceptional. Very experienced, cutting edge new procedures and excellent results. The Aestheticians are so helpful in recommending good skin care products. The office staff is always friendly and makes you feel important and valued.”
—5-Star Google Review
19. Declutter your beauty stash seasonally
Go through your products every three months. Toss expired items, give away unopened extras you won’t use, and curate a collection that truly serves your skin. A clean vanity makes it easier to stick with your routine.
20. Hydrate from the inside out
Water intake directly impacts your skin’s plumpness and radiance. Aim for at least eight glasses daily, and consider adding hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens to your diet.
21. Manage stress for clearer skin
Stress hormones wreak havoc on your complexion, triggering breakouts and accelerating aging. Build in daily moments of calm—whether through meditation, deep breathing, or simply stepping outside for fresh air.
22. Prioritize sleep quality
Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest each night, and consider a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent sleep lines.
23. Embrace preventative treatments
Waiting until problems are severe makes them harder and more expensive to treat. Address concerns like fine lines, sun damage, and volume loss early when solutions are more effective and less invasive. It’s much easier to prevent skin concerns ahead of time than it is to try to remove them after-the-fact!
24. Choose medical-grade products
Over-the-counter products contain only a fraction of the active ingredients found in physician-only products. Medical-grade skincare delivers faster, more noticeable results because formulations aren’t limited by the same regulations.
25. Keep your lips exfoliated and hydrated
Dry, flaky lips age your entire appearance. Gently exfoliate with a soft toothbrush or lip scrub once or twice a week, then seal in moisture with a nourishing balm. For more definition or to smooth lip lines, dermal fillers can restore fullness while Botox softens vertical lines above the upper lip.
26. Work with experts who know your skin
Your skin changes with seasons, stress, hormones, and age. Having a trusted team who understands your history and goals ensures your treatments and products evolve with you.
Meet one of the most experienced medical spa teams in Eugene
Schedule your skincare evaluation at Ziba Medical Spa in Eugene, Oregon by calling (541) 686-8700 or contacting us online. Led by award-winning plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi, our expert team is here to help you create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle and delivers the results you’re looking for.
