If you only pick up one new skincare habit this year, let it be one of these 5

The beginning of a new year has a way of making even the most grounded among us feel behind. January arrives with an avalanche of advice, rules and resolutions, each one suggesting that transformation must be immediate, visible and total. New routines promise better skin, better health and a better version of yourself, often implying that if you are not changing everything at once, you are not trying hard enough.

But real change rarely works that way. Skin does not respond well to extremes, and neither do we. The habits that genuinely support long-term skin health are not the ones driven by urgency or perfection. They are the ones that are repeated quietly, consistently and without pressure. In fact, research across health and behaviour shows that sustainable improvement is far more likely when habits are simple, flexible and easy to return to after disruption. This is especially true at this time of year, when energy is often lower, routines are still settling and the skin itself may be feeling the effects of winter, central heating and accumulated stress. Rather than aiming to do more, there is value in doing less, but doing it well. One or two small rituals, practiced regularly, will always outweigh an ambitious routine that feels overwhelming or unsustainable.

If you are approaching this year wanting to care for your skin in a way that feels supportive rather than demanding, focusing on a single habit can be a powerful place to start. Not because it is the only thing that matters, but because consistency is where meaningful change begins.

So here's a few suggestion from us...

Check your skin type during different seasons

One of the most overlooked skincare habits is simply knowing what your skin actually needs, and recognising that those needs are not fixed. Skin type is not static. It shifts with the seasons, with stress levels, hormones, environment and lifestyle. What works in summer may suddenly feel too light in winter, while products that once felt nourishing can become heavy or congesting as temperatures rise. Without checking in regularly, it is easy to continue using products that no longer suit your skin, not because they are wrong, but because your skin has changed.

Taking the time to understand your skin type and how it behaves at different times of year creates a far more intuitive approach to skincare. Instead of forcing your skin into a routine that no longer fits, you can respond to what it is asking for, whether that is more hydration, more calming support or lighter textures. This flexibility is what allows skincare habits to remain consistent without becoming frustrating. When your routine adapts with you, it becomes easier to maintain and more effective over time.

If you are unsure where to start, we offer a free skin and dosha consultation on our website, designed to help you understand your skin’s current needs and how they may shift with the seasons. It is a simple, no pressure way to adjust your routine with confidence rather than guesswork

Check your skin-type here

Cleanse your skin at least once a day 

Cleansing the skin at least once a day is fundamental because it supports the skin barrier by removing the build up that accumulates naturally through daily life. Throughout the day and night, the skin collects sebum, sweat, dead skin cells, environmental pollutants and microorganisms, all of which can interfere with normal skin function if left on the surface for extended periods. A review published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology examined the role of cleansing in skin health and concluded that appropriate daily cleansing is essential for maintaining barrier function, preventing pore congestion and supporting overall skin homeostasis. The research highlighted that effective cleansing removes surface impurities without stripping the skin, helping to preserve the integrity of the stratum corneum rather than disrupt it. This balance is critical, as both inadequate cleansing and over cleansing have been shown to compromise the skin barrier in different ways.

Beyond hygiene, regular cleansing plays an important role in how the skin behaves over time. When impurities and excess oils are not removed consistently, they can contribute to dullness, uneven texture and congestion, particularly in urban environments where pollution exposure is higher. At the same time, overly harsh cleansing can strip essential lipids, leading to dryness, sensitivity and increased reactivity. This is why the habit itself matters more than the frequency or intensity. Cleansing once a day, typically in the evening, allows the skin to reset after exposure while avoiding unnecessary disruption. Over time, this supports clearer pores, more even tone and better tolerance to the products that follow, as skincare applied to clean skin is better able to absorb and function as intended.

For cleansing to remain a sustainable habit, it needs to feel supportive rather than corrective. Cleansers should remove impurities effectively while respecting the skin’s natural lipid balance, leaving the skin comfortable rather than tight or squeaky clean. This is the principle behind how we approach cleansing within our range. Our cleansers are formulated to cleanse thoroughly without compromising the barrier, making them suitable for daily use across skin types and seasons. When practiced consistently, cleansing once a day becomes a quiet but powerful foundation, preparing the skin to receive hydration and treatment while maintaining long term balance and resilience.

Find the perfect cleanser and exfoliator for your skin...

Night moisturising as a foundational skincare habit

Night moisturising matters because it supports the skin at a time when its barrier is naturally weaker and its repair processes are most active. A well-established study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology by Le Fur and colleagues demonstrated that transepidermal water loss follows a circadian rhythm, with significantly higher water loss occurring at night compared to daytime hours. The researchers concluded that the skin barrier is less efficient overnight, making it more prone to dehydration during sleep. This finding is clinically important because increased water loss is directly linked to dryness, impaired barrier function and heightened sensitivity. Applying a moisturiser before bed helps counteract this natural rise in water loss, supplying the skin with hydration and lipids at the precise moment it needs them most.

Beyond preventing dehydration, consistent night moisturising plays a central role in strengthening the skin barrier over time. A healthy barrier is essential for regulating inflammation, maintaining comfort and protecting the skin from environmental stressors such as cold weather, indoor heating and pollution. Dermatological research consistently shows that skin with a supported barrier is less reactive, more resilient and better able to recover from daily exposure. Over weeks and months, this often translates into fewer episodes of irritation, improved softness and a more even skin appearance, not because the skin is being actively stimulated, but because it is being allowed to function optimally. Night moisturising therefore acts as a form of preventative care, supporting long-term skin health rather than addressing problems after they arise.

For this habit to be effective, simplicity and consistency matter more than intensity. Products intended for night use should prioritise barrier supportive ingredients that replenish lipids and help retain moisture, rather than relying on aggressive actives that can be difficult to tolerate long term. A formulation that feels nourishing, absorbs well and is comfortable to use encourages regular application, which is what ultimately delivers results. This is the principle behind how we formulate our night creams and facial oils. Our products are designed to work with the skin’s natural overnight repair cycle, helping to reduce moisture loss, reinforce the barrier and allow the skin to restore balance while you sleep.

Click here to find the perfect night cream for your skin...

Body brushing as a supportive skin and circulation ritual

Body brushing is a simple practice, but its value lies in how directly it supports the skin and circulatory systems when done consistently. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examining the effects of mechanical skin stimulation found that gentle brushing of the skin significantly increased local blood flow and microcirculation in the treated areas. The researchers observed that this increase in circulation improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin while supporting normal skin function. Improved microcirculation is important because it plays a role in skin tone, temperature regulation and the delivery of nutrients necessary for maintaining healthy tissue. When practiced regularly, body brushing acts as a mild physical stimulus that encourages circulation without placing stress on the skin, particularly when performed with light pressure rather than aggressive exfoliation.

Beyond circulation, body brushing supports the skin through gentle exfoliation and lymphatic movement. The outermost layer of the skin naturally sheds dead cells, but this process can slow due to dryness, cold weather or reduced circulation, leading to rough texture or dullness. Gentle brushing helps remove surface debris while encouraging lymphatic flow, which is involved in clearing metabolic waste from the tissues. While the lymphatic system does not have its own pump, rhythmic movement and external stimulation support its function. Over time, people who body brush regularly often notice smoother skin, improved tone and a greater sense of physical awareness, as the ritual encourages connection with the body rather than treating skincare as something limited to the face.

For body brushing to be beneficial, it should be approached as a supportive ritual rather than an aggressive technique. Light pressure, slow movements and consistency are far more important than force or frequency. Brushing is best followed by moisturising, as freshly stimulated skin is more receptive to hydration and barrier support. This is why we see body brushing and body moisturising as complementary habits rather than separate steps. Our body brush is designed to provide gentle stimulation without irritation, making it suitable for regular use. When paired with one of our body oils or lotions, the ritual helps maintain skin comfort, supports the barrier and reinforces the idea that caring for the body is as important as caring for the face.

Need a new body brush? Head this way....

Tongue scraping as a daily oral and skin health practice

Tongue scraping is a small ritual that delivers disproportionate benefits, particularly because it addresses oral health at its source rather than masking its symptoms. A controlled clinical study conducted by Winkel and colleagues and published in the Journal of Periodontology demonstrated that tongue scraping significantly reduced volatile sulphur compounds in the mouth, which are the primary cause of oral malodour, and was more effective than toothbrushing alone. The study showed that removing tongue coating directly reduced bacterial load on the tongue surface, which is important because the tongue harbours a large proportion of oral bacteria. This finding matters not only for breath freshness but for overall oral health, as excessive bacterial accumulation in the mouth has been linked in wider research to inflammation and systemic health issues.

From a broader health perspective, tongue scraping supports balance beyond the mouth. In Ayurveda, the tongue is seen as a reflection of digestive health, with coating viewed as a sign of metabolic residue. While this language differs from modern medicine, there is overlap in outcome. Removing bacterial build up first thing in the morning reduces the reintroduction of bacteria into the digestive system through saliva swallowing, and supports a cleaner oral environment before eating or drinking. Over time, this can contribute to improved taste perception, better oral comfort and a more mindful relationship with daily hygiene. Many people also find that tongue scraping encourages consistency in self care, as it takes seconds to complete and delivers an immediate, noticeable result.

Head this way, if you need an award winning tongue scraper...