If you're someone who kicks off January with a New Year's resolution to eat better, drink less, move more - you're amongst 1 in 5 Britons this 2026 (ref 1) with the usual good intentions. But let me suggest a slightly different take - one that doesn't require overhauling your entire life, just your bathroom shelf.
This year, how about committing to a proper skincare routine?
Not just for the sake of smoother, glowier skin (though that’s certainly a perk). I’m talking about genuine skin health - the kind that keeps your skin barrier strong, slows down premature ageing, and helps reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Skincare That’s About More Than Looking Good
Scottish women often think of skincare as a cosmetic indulgence. Something to dabble in when you want to chase that elusive glow. However, glowing skin is healthy skin - and as your biggest organ you should think of your skincare routine as protective, even preventative for skin lesions, whilst slowing the signs of ageing.
- Daily use of sunscreen? Evidence shows it lowers your risk of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Topical retinoids? More than just line-smoothers - they regulate skin cell turnover and reduce precancerous changes.
A good daily skincare routine is crucial for maintaining the skin’s barrier function and spotting unusual lesions early. It’s not about spending hours in the bathroom or shelling out on dozens of serums. It’s about smart consistency.
What Your Skin Actually Needs
Here’s the bare minimum, and I say this after years of experience in the aesthetics industry, and working closely with our British skincare manufacturer:
- Cleanser: Just twice a day, please. You’re rinsing off pollutants and bacteria and dead skin cells. Don’t’ over-scrub.
- Sunscreen: Non-negotiable. Every morning, rain or shine. You can’t build skin health without protection.
- Retinol (aka Vitamin A) Night-time Routine: Start low and go slow. This is the gold-standard for both anti-ageing and cell turnover - my slow-release DRVICTORIA™ Re-Boost serum is a perfect starting point.
Let’s Talk Retinoids
Retinoids are consistently rated, by dermatologists and skin researchers, for both ageing and reducing precancerous changes. (ref 2)
Clinical trials have shown that topical retinoids (the prescription-strength version of retinol) help clear actinic keratoses, the rough, sun-damaged patches that can turn into skin cancer. For transformational change, in about 18 weeks, come in for a consultation about Obagi Medical retinoids.
Sunscreen: Still the Hero
We’ve all heard it before, but daily SPF is still the most important anti-ageing (and anti-cancer) step in your entire routine. Studies show that consistent use of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher significantly reduces melanoma risk. (ref 3)
My DRVICTORIA™ Safeguard SPF 50 moisturiser is formulated for daily use, with humectants and peptides to nourish your skin, and for make-up to go on top. It’s a daily morning essential.
How to Actually Stick With It
The trick to making any resolution stick? Make it easy. Make it obvious. And, if possible, make it a pleasure - this is one resolution that should not feel punitive.
According to James Clear author of Atomic Habits (ref 4) a tool that helps is “habit stacking” - linking a new habit to an existing one using the formula: After I [current habit], I will [new habit].
So, keep it simple and link activities e.g.:
- After I get out of the shower, or brush my teeth, I will cleanse and apply my daily SPF to dry skin.
- After I apply my night-time foaming glycolic cleanser, I will then brush my teeth for 2 minutes, then I will rinse off the cleanser and apply my retinol serum.
Put your products where you’ll use them - next to your toothbrush, or bedside table. Be kind to yourself when you miss a night. This is a long game.
Consider rewarding yourself for consistency with a treat that supports your goal, rather than working against it, e.g. a professional facial like Hydrafacial or Preime Dermafacial.
The Takeaway
You don’t need a Korean-style 10-step routine, or the latest launch from a celebrity brand. What you need is a skincare habit that supports your health, your confidence and your future skin health.
So, this year, skip the fads and make skin health your resolution. Because the best glow isn’t just aesthetic - it’s a sign your skin is functioning beautifully from the inside out.
For personalised skin health advice concerning pigmentation, facial redness and congested pores book a skin analysis with our Aestheticians. For more transformational change book a consultation with Dr Asel our dental surgeon and aesthetic clinician with a diploma in dermatology. Should you be concerned about a skin lesion book an examination with The Mole Clinic who are co-located.
Author's experience
Dr Victoria Dobbie BDS has over 20 years’ experience in aesthetic medicine. She trains clinicians in advanced injection techniques and leads the medical team at DRVICTORIA™ Clinic, a HIS-regulated practice in Edinburgh.
References
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Smith, M. (2025) ‘What New Year’s resolutions are Britons making for 2026?’, YouGov, 17 December. Available at: YouGov article page (Accessed: 6 January 2026).
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Balado-Simó, P., Morgado-Carrasco, D., Gómez-Armayones, S., López-Ferrer, A., Barco, D., Ferrándiz-Pulido, C. and Podlipnik, S. (2025) ‘An Updated Review of Topical Tretinoin in Dermatology: From Acne and Photoaging to Skin Cancer’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(22), 7958. Available at: PubMed Central full text (Accessed: 5 January 2026).
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Morriss, S. and Scardamaglia, L. (2025) ‘Sun protection: a practical guide for health professionals’, Australian Prescriber, 48, pp. 173–178. Available at: Australian Prescriber article page (Accessed: 5 January 2026).
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Clear, J. (n.d.) ‘Atomic Habits Summary’, JamesClear.com. Available at: Atomic Habits Summary page (Accessed: 5 January 2026).
