Tips to Get a Beauty-Forward Fresh Start

“New year, new me” is a phrase we’ve all said once or twice (or thirty times), and for good reason. The new year brings an opportunity to refresh, start with a clean slate, and finally begin those better-for-you habits we’ve been putting off until after the holidays. Maybe it’s a big change, or maybe it’s as simple as committing to washing your makeup off every night, no matter how tedious it might feel. (If you’re judging me for that last sentence, I envy you.)

For me, as a thirty-something who thought I’d have every routine nailed down by now, my goals for the new year are to focus on self-care. I’m going to get the mani-pedi or blowout, even if it means committing an hour of my time. I’m also honing in on a skincare routine tailored to my needs, and reminding myself that getting dressed up on a work-from-home day is not off the table.

Feeling the urge for a new year’s beauty refresh, but unsure where to start? Ahead, we’ve tapped a few experts to share why the start of 2026 is a great time to embrace a simple upgrade or two, complete with the most common concerns and a few ideas to consider for skin, makeup, and hair.

The Art of the New Year’s Beauty Revamp

The new year often feels like a good time for a rebirth of self, or—in a less dramatic fashion—to start some new positive self-care habits. But it’s not all mental: January is also a time of year when your skin, hair, and body need a little extra TLC. “New Year’s is always about getting a fresh start, and for some people, that may be related to products and skincare,” explains board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD. “Some people focus on new skincare concerns, which may require different products than they are using. For others, it may be that holiday stress and travel take their toll and cause people to want to reset. Some people may have also received new skincare products or devices and are interested in testing them out.” Garshick’s last point holds merit this time of year, as the holidays often lead to finally getting that new skincare device or trending hair tool.

On the topic of hair, “after the holidays, people often feel like their hair needs a reset,” says hairstylist Paulina Raciborski. “Between increased heat styling, frequent events, and winter weather, your hair can lose its shine and overall health. The New Year is a natural point to reassess what’s working and what isn’t. A hair refresh is often about restoring condition, simplifying maintenance, and choosing a look that’s easy to maintain for the months ahead.”

Common New Year’s Beauty Concerns

Dry skin, makeup not sitting right, hair falling flat, you name it: Winter brings wellness challenges, but the new year brings solutions. Below are a few concerns you might be experiencing at this time—all are common, which means you’ll also find plenty of potential fixes.

Dry Skin

“Winter can cause skin dryness on the face and the body,” Garshick explains. “Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and increased exposure to indoor heating can all lead to dryness and irritation. This can also lead to the itchy feeling associated with dry skin. General dryness can also increase the potential for eczema, which can appear as pink flaky patches on the face or body.” The same applies to hair, which can result in dryness, breakage, split ends, and faded color as a result.

Products are your friend here, the experts agree. Whether it’s nailing the ideal dry skin routine or adding a hydrating hair mask to your holiday wishlist, we’ve got a solution for all of your target concerns.

Post-Summer Sun Damage

As if shorter days and colder temperatures weren’t punishment enough, our skin is also a visual reminder of the environment around us. Often, as we enter winter months, sun damage from the summer becomes more apparent.

“The new year is a common time for treatments that help address post-summer skin, using lasers and chemical peels to reduce signs of sun damage, including sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles,” Garshick notes. “Many patients come in wanting to reverse the cumulative effects of sun exposure from warmer months.”

Dullness

This concern impacts us across the board. Dull skin leads to less-than-ideal product application, and dull hair can cause color and styling issues. “During the winter, the cold temperatures and lack of humidity in the air can lead to dryness of the skin,” Garshick says. “Indoor heating and hot showers can also lead to a loss of moisture and make the skin more vulnerable to irritation and a dull appearance. Additionally, holiday travel can take its toll and leave the skin looking dull, so boosting radiance in the new year is key.”

As for hair, beyond environmental factors, Raciborski adds that sometimes it comes down to simply not having time or energy for maintenance. “Many people also notice their haircut or color no longer feels polished or easy to maintain after a busy season,” she notes. “Hair may feel dull, heavier, or harder to style, which usually signals it’s time for a refresh rather than a major change.”

Acne Flare-Ups and Compromised Skin Barrier

“Holiday travel and not removing makeup can trigger worsening breakouts, and for some people, the new year can be a good time to focus on dealing with them,” Garshick says. And sometimes, quick attempts at tackling new skin concerns can disrupt the skin barrier. “Over-exfoliation, harsh cleansing, or trying new products if traveling can disrupt the moisture barrier, leaving skin feeling tight, sensitive, and irritated,” Garshick continues. “For this reason, some people may find it helpful to simplify their routine in the new year.” As the saying goes, less is more.

Beauty Refreshes to Start the Year Right

Regardless of your concerns, the new year brings new opportunity to correct and redirect, and our experts have some great ideas on where to start. From booking that long-awaited appointment to simple at-home switches, check out six of their top ideas below.

In-Office Treatments

Committing to a refreshed at-home skincare routine is phase one, but phase two of a new year’s beauty upgrade is leaning into dermatologist treatments that target your specific concerns. “The winter is especially good for procedures like chemical peels given overall decreased UV exposure during this time,” Garshick explains. Below are just a few treatments you might consider—each has its own set of benefits, so you have options that fit a range of goals.

• Chemical peels: Looking to glow this year? “Chemical peels use exfoliating solutions to remove the dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, and smoother complexion,” Garshick tells us. While there’s a bit of downtime involved in a professional peel, it can be well worth it in revealing radiant, rejuvenated skin.
• Laser treatments: “Laser treatments target signs of aging like sun damage, age spots, and uneven skin texture,” Garshick says. “These treatments encourage collagen production, leaving your skin smoother and more even-toned.”
• Microneedling: If your primary goal is smoother, plumper skin, “microneedling like InMode Morpheus8 is excellent for post-holiday skin rejuvenation,” Garshick shares. “This treatment uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin that support collagen production. It’s particularly effective for improving texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines.”

Refresh Your Makeup Bag

We’ve all got that one makeup product (or multiple) that’s our go-to, but may or may not be long past its shelf life. While I’m typically in denial that any beauty item I put on my face could be expired, there’s no avoiding the passage of time.

“Clean out your makeup bags,” emphasizes celebrity makeup artist Renny Vasquez. “Get rid of anything that has expired or is not serving you through the winter months. Record the date you opened the products, or add the date to your calendar when you plan to refresh them. This way, you know when it’s time to replace.”

Get a Fresh Cut and Color

Maybe it’s dramatic, or maybe it’s a simple dead-end chop. But either way, Raciborski says the new year is the perfect excuse. “A trim or refined shape can help remove damage and restore movement,” she notes. “Choosing a cut or color plan that prioritizes manageability and long term results [is a good New Year’s plan].”

Raciborski notes that subtle color adjustments like a gloss or toner can be a great alternative to a full color session to feel fresh with minimal upkeep. She also says that deep conditioning and bond repair are important to “strengthen hair after the holidays,” and reworking your styling routine to reduce heat can improve your hair health in the long run.

Upgrade Your Home Skin Routine

If making it to a dermatologist’s office for treatment isn’t an option for you, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your routine at home. “Gua sha is a simple but effective way to elevate your at-home routine,” Garshick shares. “With just a few minutes a day, it can help reduce puffiness, support lymphatic drainage, and improve circulation. It’s also a great way to build a moment of mindful self-care into your morning or evening.”

Beyond tools, specific products can help you achieve a post-dermatologist glow at home. “For those looking to up their anti-aging skincare game, using a retinoid is key,” Garshick tells us. “Retinoids are available over-the-counter or as a prescription, and [they] stimulate collagen production and help overall tone and texture.”

But don’t forget that protection and nourishment are as important as all you’re doing to sculpt and glow. “Regardless of what you do to your skin, it is always important to ensure a healthy skin barrier to minimize dryness and ensure the skin can best tolerate procedures and active ingredients,” Garshick says. “Look for moisturizers containing barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and cleansers that won’t strip the skin of its natural [barrier].”

A New Piercing or Tattoo

Beauty goes beyond the classic definition, and if you’re looking to spice up your look in the new year, a new tattoo or piercing might just be the answer. Gone are the days of holding yourself back from tattoos, and with so many options from dainty to daring, there’s something for everyone. If you’ve had a new tat on your mind for a while or are feeling inspired by a certain trend or aesthetic, it could be just the energy you need to discover the 2026 version of yourself.

If you’re looking for a semi-permanent change but aren’t ready to commit to a tattoo, a piercing feels like a happy medium. It’s still fun and flashy, but it’s possible to change up the look once it’s healed (or remove it later, if need be). If you’re looking for fresh options to consider, check out our roundup of the fastest-healing piercings.

Bring Your Manicure Mood Board to Life

If a permanent change isn’t in the cards for you next year, we get it. In that case, the new year is a great time to finally test out that funky manicure you’ve had bookmarked for half of 2025. Perhaps it’s caviar nails for a night out, cocktail-inspired nails to carry the holiday festivities a little longer (even if you’re observing dry January), or a bold cheetah print nail just because. No matter what, a bold mani is a seamless yet effective way to upgrade your look for the new year.

The Final Takeaway

The new year brings new opportunities for beauty upgrades, positive habit changes, and an excuse to pamper yourself more—no matter what that looks like for you. It’s a great excuse to finally go for any treatments or major changes you’ve been mulling over, but even the smallest of routine upgrades (or low-key hair and nail updates) can be just what you need to rejuvenate your spirit for 2026. If you were looking for an excuse to invest in self-care, this is your sign to do so.