Introduction
As 2025 draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reassess your skin's needs and refresh your entire routine for a radiant 2026. After months of environmental stress, seasonal changes, and daily exposure, your skin needs a comprehensive reset. We've carefully selected standout products across all essential categories—cleansers, serums, moisturizers, treatments, and sunscreens—that deliver visible, measurable results. Whether you're starting fresh or optimizing an existing routine, this year-end skin reset guide provides everything you need for a luminous, healthy complexion entering the new year.
Step 1 – The Perfect Cleanser: Avene Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
Why Cleansing is the Foundation:
A proper cleanser removes impurities, old skin cells, and product residue—creating the ideal foundation for active ingredients.
Benefits of Avene Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser:
- Polishes away impurities with gentle AHA micro-granules
- Removes dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing
- Prepares skin for maximum absorption of treatments
- Improves skin texture and radiance immediately
- Gentle enough for daily use, effective enough to see results
How to Use:
- Wet face with lukewarm water
- Apply small amount and massage gently for 60 seconds
- Focus on T-zone, cheeks, and chin
- Rinse thoroughly with water
- Pat dry (don't rub)
When to Use:
- Morning and evening for optimal results
- Can reduce to 3-4 times per week if skin is sensitive
- Pairs perfectly with next steps in this routine
- Shop Avene Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
Step 2 – Daily Serum Power: IS CLINICAL Polyvitamin Serum
Why Serums Matter:
Serums deliver concentrated actives deeper into skin, providing targeted benefits that moisturizers cannot alone achieve.
Benefits of IS CLINICAL Polyvitamin Serum:
- Broad-spectrum antioxidants protect from environmental damage
- Prevents free radical damage that causes aging
- Brightens dull complexion
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Lightweight formula absorbs quickly
- Perfect for morning use under SPF
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin A: Supports cell turnover
- Vitamin C: Brightening and collagen support
- Vitamin E: Antioxidant protection
- Antioxidant complex: Guards against pollution and UV damage
How to Use:
- After cleansing, apply 2-3 drops to damp skin
- Gently press into skin (avoid tugging)
- Wait 1-2 minutes for absorption
- Follow with moisturizer
- Use SPF during day
When to Use:
- Every morning in your routine
- Provides foundation for all daytime skincare
- Essential for anyone in polluted environments or frequent sun exposure
- Shop IS CLINICAL Polyvitamin Serum
Step 3 – Intensive Hydration: Dermaceutic Hyalceutic Intense Moisturiser
Why Deep Hydration is Non-Negotiable:
Hydrated skin is healthy, resilient skin that resists wrinkles, irritation, and environmental stress.
Benefits of Dermaceutic Hyalceutic Intense Moisturiser:
- Dual-weight hyaluronic acid for deep AND surface hydration
- Locks in serum benefits
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Reduces transepidermal water loss
- Plumps fine lines temporarily while improving permanently
- Rich texture that's not greasy
- Suitable for all skin types when used correctly
Hyaluronic Acid Technology:
High molecular weight HA: Hydrates skin surface
Low molecular weight HA: Penetrates deeper layers
Combined action = complete hydration
How to Use:
Apply after serum (while skin still slightly damp)
Use pea-size amount
Gently press into skin upward motions
Allow 2-3 minutes for full absorption
Can layer additional products after
When to Use:
Morning and evening for optimal hydration
Especially important in winter months
Pairs perfectly with active ingredients
Shop Dermaceutic Hyalceutic Intense Moisturiser
Step 4 – Overnight Transformation: Dermaceutic Active Retinol 1.0%
Why Nighttime Treatment is Crucial:
Overnight is when skin naturally repairs and regenerates—this is when powerful actives work most effectively.
Benefits of Dermaceutic Active Retinol 1.0 Intense Age Defense Serum:
Time-release technology reduces irritation
Accelerates collagen production
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Improves skin texture and firmness
Unclogs pores and prevents breakouts
Visible results within 8 weeks
Buffers included for sensitive skin tolerance
Critical: Retinol Rules
Only use at night (retinol increases sun sensitivity)
Always use SPF during day when using retinol
Start slowly (1-2x weekly initially)
Never skip moisturizer after (essential for comfort and efficacy)
How to Use:
- After moisturizer has fully absorbed
- Apply pea-size amount to face
- Gently press in with fingertips
- Follow with additional moisturizer if desired
- Use 3-5 nights per week based on tolerance
When to Use:
- Nights only (non-negotiable)
- Start 1-2x per week
- Gradually increase frequency as skin adapts
- Continue throughout year for sustained benefits
- Week 2-4: Texture improves
- Week 4-8: Fine lines noticeably reduce
- Week 8-12: Significant anti-aging visible
- Month 3+: Ongoing improvement and prevention
- Shop Dermaceutic Active Retinol 1.0%
Expected Results Timeline:
Step 5 – Maximum Protection: Coola Classic Organic SPF50
Why SPF is Your Most Important Anti-Aging Product:
Sun damage is responsible for 80% of visible aging—protecting is essential.
Benefits of Coola Classic Organic SPF50:
High-level mineral SPF with hydrating actives
Mineral formula safe for sensitive skin
Water-resistant for all activities
Antioxidant-rich to neutralize free radicals
Prevents sun damage, age spots, and skin cancer
Essential when using active ingredients like retinol
Why Mineral Sunscreen?
Physical blockers (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) reflect UV rays
Safer for sensitive skin
Works immediately (no wait time)
Better with active skincare ingredients
No chemical irritation risk
How to Use:
Apply last step in morning routine
Use ½ teaspoon for face and neck
Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure
Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming
Non-negotiable even on cloudy days
When to Use:
Every single morning without exception
Year-round (UV damage occurs even in winter/cloudy days)
Reapply throughout day especially with active ingredients
Critical when using retinol or vitamin C
Shop Coola Classic Organic SPF50
Your Year-End Skin Reset Timeline
Week 1: Establishment Phase
Introduce new cleanser (mornings and evenings)Start serum (mornings only)
Add moisturizer (mornings and evenings)
Observe baseline skin condition
Week 2-3: Build Foundation
Skin should feel more hydrated
Texture improves
Begin retinol at 1x per week
Always use SPF
Monitor for any reactions
Week 4-6: Optimize
Increase retinol to 2x per week
All steps should feel natural
First visible improvements in texture and radiance
Fine lines beginning to soften
Week 6-8+: Full Results Begin
Increase retinol to 3x per week (if tolerance allows)
Noticeable reduction in fine lines
Significant improvements in radiance and firmness
Skin barrier strengthened
Ready to continue into 2026 with confidence
Troubleshooting Your Year-End Skin Reset
Issue: Retinol irritation
Solution: Reduce frequency to 1x weekly; apply to completely dry skin; ensure moisturizer follows
Issue: Dryness or flaking
Solution: Add extra moisturizer layer; reduce active frequency; ensure adequate hydration with hyaluronic acidIssue: No visible results after 2 weeks
Solution: Be patient (8 weeks is minimum); ensure consistent use; verify SPF use with activesIssue: Breakouts increase
Solution: This is often normal "skin purging" from retinol; continue use; reduce frequency if severe; consult dermatologist if concerningConclusion & CTA
Start your year-end skin reset today. This comprehensive 5-step routine combines cleansing, treatment, hydration, transformation, and protection—everything your skin needs for a radiant 2026. Shop the Year-End Reset Edit at The Dermatology Store:
Avene Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
IS CLINICAL POLYVITAMIN SERUM
Dermaceutic Hyalceutic Intense Moisturiser
Dermaceutic Active Retinol 1.0%
Coola Classic Organic SPF50
Reset your skin with these top picks and enter 2026 with a fresh, healthy, glowing complexion.