Why You Shouldn’t Start a New Skincare Routine in January, According to an Expert
Rhysa Phommachanh, health and skincare expert at Landys Chemist, has shared her advice on whether it’s really possible to ‘reset’ your skin in the new year and how to do it safely.
What impact does excess alcohol, heavy food, and late nights have on our skin?
“When you consume high levels of alcohol and rich foods, the collagen and elastin proteins that maintain the skin’s structure can become damaged, causing a loss of elasticity. This not only prevents the skin’s natural bounce, but also contributes to increased sebum production, which leads to acne, dehydration, and a rougher, uneven texture. Sleep is equally as vital, and getting a good night’s sleep is important, as sleep is when our skin repairs itself, producing more collagen and reducing dark under-eye circles.
When does our skin return to its normal state?
Rhysa adds: “Our skin will typically start to rebalance after 7-21 days, but this depends on dehydration, sleep quality, and inflammation levels. It’s important to focus on recovery and not an overnight transformation.”
Rhysa’s 3-step January skin reset
Step 1: Repair the skin barrier
“The priority in early January should be repairing and protecting the skin rather than introducing a new skincare routine. Strip it back and focus on just using a gentle moisturiser, cleanser, and SPF. Avoid using exfoliants, retinoids, and fragranced products, as these can be too harsh on the skin when it’s in a recovery state.”
Step 2: Rebalance your skin
“Once your skin’s hydration has improved and it’s begun to stabilise, this stage is about calming redness, supporting skin turnover, and gently improving texture without overloading the skin. Try using a gentle exfoliant once a week if your skin feels settled, and begin to introduce calming ingredients like niacinamide. You can also try supporting skin internally with omega-3s and vitamin D.”
Step 3: Strengthen and maintain skin
“By late January, your skin should now be more resilient, so it’s time to reinforce good habits and prevent recurring dryness, breakouts, or flare-ups. Slowly reintroduce skincare actives if you normally use them, but keep your routine simple and consistent. Remember, long-term skin health is built on consistency.”
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