{"id":17931,"date":"2025-12-04T18:03:45","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T18:03:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=17931"},"modified":"2025-12-04T18:03:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T18:03:45","slug":"10-things-ill-do-better-for-my-skin-and-hair-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/04\/10-things-ill-do-better-for-my-skin-and-hair-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things I\u2019ll Do Better for My Skin and Hair in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Dr. Hope Mitchell, Board-Certified Dermatologist<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe Truth Contributor<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

As 2025 closes, December is a good time to reflect, and prepare<\/strong> to reset, and renew our commitment to healthier skin \u2014 because our skin is more than appearance; it\u2019s a reflection of overall well-being.<\/p>\n


\n<\/strong>Each January offers a clean slate, a moment to recommit to habits that nurture our bodies and minds. And when it comes to your skin \u2014 your body\u2019s largest and most visible organ \u2014 small, intentional changes can make a lasting difference. As a board-certified dermatologist, I often remind my patients that skincare isn\u2019t about perfection; it\u2019s about protection, prevention, and consistency. Here are ten resolutions to consider that will help you glow confidently into 2026.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. I\u2019ll wear sunscreen every day \u2014 no excuses.
    \n<\/strong>Sun protection is the single most important habit for maintaining healthy skin, regardless of race. Eliminating sunscreen from a skincare regimen is the single most common cause of uneven skin tone, dark spots, melasma and hyperpigmentation. There are many sunscreen options on the market (including moisturizers with spf) that do not leave a \u201cwhite cast\u201d on melanated skin\u00a0 A broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, applied daily, is non-negotiable \u2014 even in the winter.<\/li>\n
  2. I\u2019ll keep my skincare routine simple and consistent.
    \n<\/strong>You don\u2019t need a 10-step routine to achieve great results. Stick to the basics: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer suited for your skin type and daily sunscreen. Consistency will always outperform complexity.<\/li>\n
  3. I\u2019ll moisturize while my skin is still damp.
    \n<\/strong>Applying moisturizer right after cleansing helps seal in hydration and strengthen your skin barrier. This simple step is especially important in the dry, cold months when moisture loss is common, and \u201cashy skin\u201d is on the rise.<\/li>\n
  4. I\u2019ll stop picking at my skin.
    \n<\/strong>It\u2019s tempting to touch or pick at blemishes, but doing so can lead to permanent scarring, delayed healing, infection, and long-term, sometimes irreversible discoloration. Instead, seek a dermatologist to guide you toward safe and effective treatments for acne and other skin concerns.<\/li>\n
  5. I\u2019ll schedule an annual skin exam.
    \n<\/strong>Just as you visit your primary care provider for checkups, your dermatologist should be part of your preventive health routine. Annual skin exams help detect conditions like skin cancer early, when they are most treatable.<\/li>\n
  6. I\u2019ll prioritize sleep, hydration and nutrition.
    \n<\/strong>Your lifestyle shows on your skin. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night, drink plenty of water, and choose foods rich in protein, fiber, antioxidants, omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, and E. These habits support your skin\u2019s ability to repair and renew itself.<\/li>\n
  7. I\u2019ll stop comparing my skin to others.
    \n<\/strong>Every person\u2019s skin is unique, and comparison often leads to frustration. Focus on your own progress and celebrate the improvements you see \u2014 whether that\u2019s fewer breakouts, better hydration, or a smoother texture.<\/li>\n
  8. I\u2019ll pay attention to my scalp and hair health.
    \n<\/strong>Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. If you\u2019re noticing changes such as thinning, breakage, or shedding, early evaluation is key. Many causes of hair loss \u2014 including those more common in women of color \u2014 respond well to timely treatment.<\/li>\n
  9. I\u2019ll protect my skin barrier.
    \n<\/strong>Your skin barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out. Over-exfoliating, using harsh cleansers, or skipping moisturizer can weaken it. Gentle care, hydration, and avoiding overly aggressive routines will keep your skin resilient and calm.<\/li>\n
  10. I\u2019ll make self-care part of my skincare.
    \n<\/strong>Stress can trigger flare-ups of acne, eczema, and other conditions. Take time to rest, practice gratitude, and do things that bring you joy. When your mind is at ease, your skin often follows.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Finally:
    \n<\/strong>Healthy skin doesn\u2019t happen by chance \u2014 it\u2019s built through daily choices and consistency. As you step into 2026, think of skincare as self-care and make your dermatologist part of your wellness team. Together, we can create a plan that helps you protect, nurture, and celebrate the skin you\u2019re in.<\/p>\n


    \nDr. Hope Mitchell<\/em><\/strong> is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology<\/strong> in Perrysburg and Fremont, Ohio. With over 25 years of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology, she is passionate about empowering patients to take charge of their skin health. Visit MitchellDerm.com<\/strong> or follow @DrHopeMitchell<\/strong> for expert skincare insights and updates.<\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    By Dr. Hope Mitchell, Board-Certified Dermatologist The Truth Contributor As 2025 closes, December is a good time to reflect, and prepare to reset, and renew our commitment to healthier skin \u2014 because our skin is more than appearance; it\u2019s a reflection of overall well-being. Each January offers a clean slate, a moment to recommit to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"wf_post_folders":[323],"class_list":["post-17931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17931"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17932,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17931\/revisions\/17932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17931"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=17931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}