Top Dermatologist-Approved Skin Care Resolutions for 2025

It’s that time of year again—time to say goodbye to the holiday chaos and hello to a fresh start (cue the resolutions!). While many of us vow to exercise more or scroll less on our phones, I’ve got a resolution you’ll actually want to stick to in 2025: show your skin some love.

This year, let’s take a break from over-complicated routines and make some simple but impactful changes to your skincare routine. No need to break the bank or over-complicate things. Here are five dermatologist-approved resolutions to get your skin glowing and thriving all year long!

1. Swap Retinol for Retinal – It’s Like Retinol, But Better!

If you've been loyal to your retinol for years but feel like it's not quite giving you the skin results you crave, it might be time for an upgrade. Dermatologists recommend giving retinal (retinaldehyde) a try. This superstar ingredient is derived from vitamin A, and it's like the cool cousin of retinol.

Why retinal? Here's the deal: Retinal is more potent than regular retinol because it requires fewer conversion steps to become retinoic acid (the active form that actually does the heavy lifting on your skin). This means it works faster and, for many people, with less irritation.

• Tip for Sensitive Skin: If you have dry or sensitive skin and prescription-strength retinoids sound a bit too intense, retinal could be your perfect match. Plus, it’s available over the counter, so no prescription is needed!

2. Don’t Forget Your Neck and Hands!

Listen, we all obsess over our faces (and for good reason), but let’s talk about those neglected areas—the neck, chest, and hands. These areas can betray your age even when your face is glowing. They’re just as vulnerable to sun damage, cold weather, and all sorts of environmental factors. The good news? It doesn’t take much to show them some TLC.

• Neck & Chest Care: No need for a fancy décolletage cream—just bring your regular moisturizer down to your neck and chest. Keep it gentle though, as these areas are super delicate and may not love strong acids like your face does.
• Pro Tip: Add peptides and hyaluronic acid to keep these areas firm and hydrated. Oh, and sunscreen is non-negotiable, even on cloudy days!

Top Picks for Neck & Chest Care:

• Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Face & Neck Cream – Luxury that works.
• Peter Thomas Roth Ultimate Solution Moisturizer – Multitasking at its finest.
• Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer – The affordable option that delivers!

3. Power Up Your Moisturizer with Growth Factors and Peptides

The skincare world has no shortage of buzzwords, but in 2025, growth factors and peptides are the ingredients that should have your full attention. These little proteins are skincare superheroes and can work wonders for your skin’s hydration, elasticity, and overall strength.

• Growth Factors stimulate hydration and cell turnover, which can help improve skin texture and reduce fine lines.
• Peptides, on the other hand, work hard to repair and strengthen your skin barrier (you know, the part of your skin that keeps moisture in and nasties out).

4. Get Smart About LED Masks

These tools might look a little sci-fi, but they’re definitely not just a fad. LED face masks use red, blue, and infrared light at different wavelengths to treat various skin issues like acne, fine lines, and even skin texture.

• Red Light: Boosts collagen production and helps with elasticity.
• Blue Light: Targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
• Infrared Light: Goes deeper to repair skin damage and reduce fine lines.

But, here’s the annoying catch: You’ll have to commit to using these masks consistently. No one-time miracle here. Most experts recommend regular use (daily or several times a week) for several months to see significant improvements. We also found that as soon as you stop using it, your skin will revert back to how it was fairly quickly too.

5. Sunscreen: Yes, Even in Winter!

Winter might make you want to ditch sunscreen, but here’s a little fact check: 80% of UV rays can still penetrate through clouds, and UVA rays (the ones responsible for aging and skin damage) can even make it through glass windows. So, sunscreen is still a must, no matter how cold or gloomy it gets outside.

Sunscreen Essentials:

• Choose a lightweight, hydrating sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50. Don’t forget to protect that delicate skin on your neck and hands, too.
• Tinted sunscreens are a great option if you’re worried about hyperpigmentation or visible light.

Stick to Skinimalism

This year in 2025 it is all about skinimalism—embracing simple, effective routines over the overwhelming multi-step ones. Focus on strengthening your skin’s barrier, add a few high-quality ingredients to your arsenal, and stay consistent. After all, healthy skin is all about balance, not an overload of products. Cheers to glowing skin all year long!