How To Achieve The Ultimate New Year Skincare Glow-Up!

New Year, New You…but make it glowy.

How exactly do we do that?

Young Hollywood enlisted RN, BSN, Aesthetic Injector + Laser Specialist Elizabeth Schwartz of the Kian Institute to help us kick off the year feeling confident, refreshed, and totally yourself (just with better skin)! Whether you’re dreaming of smoother skin, a subtle something, or that “people keep asking what you did” kind of radiance, take this as your sign to treat yourself and start the year shining from the inside out. Think confidence boosts, smart self-care, and a little science-backed sparkle as we present a Top 10 list of must-do glow goals, from skin-loving habits to feel-good upgrades that fit real life. Ready to press refresh and start the year glowing? Let’s dive in!

1. The New Year as a Reset for Your Skin

Elizabeth: January is one of my favorite times to reset the skin because the pace naturally slows after the holidays. Winter weather, travel, stress, and late nights often leave the skin dehydrated, inflamed, and a little out of balance. Instead of chasing quick fixes, this is the perfect time to focus on long-term skin health: repairing the barrier, restoring hydration, and setting realistic goals. I always encourage my patients to think of January as the foundation month for the year ahead, where small, intentional habits lead to lasting results.

2. The Value of Professional Skin Analysis

Elizabeth: A professional consultation goes far beyond what you can see in the mirror. During a skin analysis, I assess hydration levels, barrier integrity, texture, tone, elasticity, and underlying inflammation, things that often aren’t obvious day to day. I’ve noticed that many patients are surprised to learn that concerns like dullness or breakouts are actually rooted in dehydration or barrier damage. This is why customization matters. Online advice can be helpful, but your skin deserves an individualized plan that considers your lifestyle, goals, and biology.

3. Building a Personalized Skincare Routine

Elizabeth: The best skincare routine is one you can realistically maintain. You don’t need a 12-step regimen to have healthy skin. In fact, more is often less. I always recommend starting by mastering the basics: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. From there, I thoughtfully introduce targeted actives like Vitamin C or retinol-based products on what the skin actually needs. Medical-grade skincare plays a key role because these formulations are clinically tested to penetrate beyond the surface and create real, lasting change. At the end of the day, consistency will always matter more than complexity, in my opinion.

4. Treatments to Kick Off the Year Right

Elizabeth: Winter is actually my favorite season for professional skin treatments. With lower sun exposure, it’s the perfect time to safely work on deeper concerns. I often start with chemical peels to reset dull, stressed skin, then use laser treatments like PicoPro to refine tone and texture. Regenerative treatments like EZ Gel and Sculptra are a cornerstone of my practice because they encourage your own collagen to do the work. These treatments aren’t about freezing time; they’re about helping your skin age better, from the inside out.

5. Skin Goals vs. Skin Resolutions

Elizabeth: I see a lot of people come in saying they just want better skin, and my job is to help turn that into something realistic and achievable. For some, that looks like quarterly tox treatments, microneedling every few months, or planning for a yearly laser. I always remind my patients to think of their skin like a savings account. Collagen is the currency, and every treatment is a small deposit you’re making toward healthier, more resilient skin over time. You don’t need dramatic changes to see progress. It’s those subtle, consistent improvements that lead to skin that looks refreshed, healthy, and confident.

6. Supporting Skin from the Inside Out

Elizabeth: I see it every day, skin reflects what’s happening internally. Nutrition, hydration, sleep, and stress all show up on your face, whether we like it or not. That’s why I’m a big believer in supporting skin from the inside out, not just treating what we see on the surface. Staying hydrated, incorporating collagen-rich foods like bone broth (which I personally drink most mornings), and using supplements when appropriate can make a real difference over time. I also talk a lot with my patients about stress. Gentle movement, stretching, or yoga helps regulate stress hormones that contribute to inflammation and breakouts. Even simple habits, like a few minutes of lymphatic drainage at night, can quietly but visibly support healthier skin.

7. Upgrading Your Home Routine

Elizabeth: One of the biggest shifts I help patients make is simplifying. So many people come in doing too much. Harsh scrubs, too many actives, or changing products constantly. Swapping physical exfoliants for gentle acids, introducing actives slowly, and knowing when to pull back are often the smartest upgrades. I see product fatigue and over-exfoliation all the time, and it’s usually why skin feels irritated, sensitive, or stuck. My goal is to help patients build a home routine that actually supports the treatments they’re investing in, not works against them. Healthy skin comes from working with your skin, not overwhelming it.

8. Maintenance is Key

Elizabeth: The best results I see don’t come from one-off treatments, they come from consistency. Skin responds best when treatments are done as a thoughtful series over time. Small, steady improvements throughout the year lead to meaningful changes in texture, tone, and firmness. I love regular check-ins because they allow me to adjust treatment plans as your skin changes with seasons, stress, and lifestyle. I see skincare as a long-term partnership. When patients and providers work together, the results feel more natural, sustainable, and truly rewarding.

9. Skincare Myths to Leave Behind in the New Year

Elizabeth: One myth I’d love to leave behind is that “viral” means safe or effective. I see so much barrier damage from trends and DIY hacks that weren’t designed for real skin, especially at-home microneedling, which I strongly discourage. Medical-grade products and treatments are powerful and evidence-based, but they need to be used correctly and with intention. More isn’t better. Respecting the skin, protecting the barrier, and knowing when not to do something is just as important as knowing what to do.

10. Embracing Confidence, Not Perfection

Elizabeth: Skincare isn’t about chasing perfection, and I’m very honest with my patients about that. My job isn’t to sell treatments or change how someone looks; it’s to help them feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. Aging itself isn’t the problem. What I see that causes frustration is when skin is neglected, rushed, or treated without a real plan. I believe in working with time, not trying to erase it. When treatments are done intentionally and thoughtfully, they don’t make you look different, they help you look rested, healthy, and like yourself on your best day. That’s always the goal: results that feel natural, sustainable, and align.

Happy Glow Year!