New Year, New You: 5 Skin Care Resolutions to Make This Year

January feels like a fresh start, and if you’re thinking about your skin health as the calendar flips, you’re in good company. The new year brings a chance to set goals that stick — and your skin deserves to be part of that plan.

At Vivida Dermatology, with locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, our board-certified dermatologists help patients create realistic skincare routines and catch problems early. These five resolutions blend everyday habits with professional care to keep your skin healthy all year long.

1. Schedule your annual skin cancer screening

Most people wait until they notice something worrying before booking a dermatology appointment. But skin cancer screening works best when you make it routine, just like your annual physical.

Early detection saves lives. Melanoma caught in its earliest stage has a five-year survival rate above 99%, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Once it spreads to lymph nodes or other organs, that rate drops significantly.

During a full-body skin exam, we check for suspicious moles, irregular borders, color changes, and new growths. We also examine areas you can’t easily see yourself — your scalp, back, and between your toes. If you have a family history of skin cancer, multiple moles, or a history of severe sunburns, annual screenings are even more important.

2. Fix your sunscreen application technique

You probably know you should wear sunscreen, but applying it correctly takes more effort than most people realize. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every single day, even when you’re not planning outdoor activities.

Here’s how to tweak your sunscreen routine to better protect your skin:

• Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside
• Use enough to fill a shot glass (about one ounce) for your entire body
• Reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors
• Don’t forget your ears, neck, hands, and the tops of your feet
• Choose water-resistant formulas when swimming or sweating

Most people use only 25-50% of the recommended amount, which means they’re getting far less protection than the SPF number suggests. 

3. Stop picking at your skin

Picking at acne, scabs, or dry patches feels satisfying in the moment, but it causes lasting damage. When you squeeze or scratch at blemishes, you push bacteria deeper into your skin, increase inflammation, and raise your risk of permanent scarring.

Your hands carry bacteria, oils, and environmental dirt that transfer directly to your face when you touch it. Try keeping your hands busy with a stress ball, applying a healing ointment to dry areas so there’s nothing rough to pick at, or wearing thin cotton gloves at night if you tend to scratch while sleeping.

If picking has become compulsive or you’re creating open wounds, talk to us. This behavior may indicate an underlying condition called dermatillomania, which responds well to treatment.

4. Replace your pillowcase more often

Your pillowcase collects dead skin cells, oils, bacteria, hair products, and anything else on your face and hair while you sleep. Pressing your face into this buildup night after night clogs pores and contributes to breakouts, especially if you’re prone to acne.

Washing your pillowcase at least once a week helps, but cleaning it twice a week yields better results. 

5. Add retinoids to your evening routine

Retinoids remain the gold standard for preventing and treating signs of aging. These vitamin A derivatives increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin texture. They also help with acne, enlarged pores, and uneven pigmentation.

You can start with over-the-counter retinol products, which are gentler than prescription-strength options. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin every other night for the first few weeks to let your skin adjust. Once you tolerate it well, you can increase to nightly use.

You might notice some initial dryness or flaking as your skin adjusts — this is normal and usually subsides after a few weeks.

Make this year count for your skin at Vivida Dermatology

Small, consistent changes add up to noticeable improvements in your skin health. Our dermatologists at Vivida Dermatology can help you build a routine that fits your lifestyle and addresses your specific concerns.

Call us or book an appointment online at one of our offices in Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada, or St. George, Utah, to start the year with a professional skin evaluation.