A New Year means a fresh start - and not just for your inbox or fitness goals. Let’s talk about something that’s with you every single day: your skin. Whether you're battling breakouts, chasing that natural glow, or just trying to understand why your skin is being so dramatic, 2025 is your year to take control.

Here’s a simple, actionable 9-step plan with a focus on the ultimate nemesis: acne. No fluff, just real, science-backed steps to healthier skin.

STEP 1: UNDERSTAND YOUR SKIN

Your skincare journey begins with understanding your skin’s unique needs. Taking the time to identify triggers and assess your current routine can help you build a plan that works.

YOUR ACTION PLAN:

1. Observe your skin: Track when breakouts occur and what might be triggering them (diet, hormones, stress).
2. Evaluate your products: Identify harsh or drying ingredients that might be damaging your skin barrier.
3. Use tools like the Dermala Skin Quiz for personalized insights and product recommendations.

Pro Tip: Keep a skin journal to log patterns like breakouts, dryness, and other changes.

STEP 2: CEANSE GENTLY

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine, but it’s important to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils.

YOUR ACTION PLAN:

1. Use a gentle, microbiome-friendly cleanser like Dermala’s Best CLEANSE Forever® AM/PM Cleanser.
2. Cleanse twice daily - once in the morning and once in the evening.
3. Pair your cleanser with Dermala’s topical skincare products and supplements formulated with microbiome-derived ingredients to keep your skin balanced and protected.

Pro Tip: Avoid over-cleansing or using abrasive scrubs, as they can irritate your skin and worsen breakouts.

STEP 3: BALANCE YOUR SKIN MICROBIOME

Your skin’s microbiome - the natural community of good bacteria - plays a key role in protecting against acne and inflammation.

YOUR ACTION PLAN:

1. Choose products with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to support and restore your microbiome.
2. Avoid over-exfoliating or using harsh treatments that can disrupt your skin’s natural balance.
3. Incorporate Dermala’s science-backed and clinically tested products for acne-prone skin formulated with microbiome-derived ingredients.

Pro Tip: Learn more about the science of the microbiome and how it impacts your skin health.

STEP 4: HYDRATE WITHOUT CLOGGING PORES

Hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, even if you have acne-prone or oily skin.

YOUR ACTION PLAN:

1. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer like Dermala’s OAT So Sweet™ Daily Moisturizer.
2. Apply moisturizer after cleansing and treatment products to lock in hydration and strengthen your skin barrier.
3. Look for multitasking ingredients like ceramides and colloidal oatmeal in OAT So Sweet™ Daily Moisturizer for soothing and barrier repair.

Pro Tip: Start with a small amount of moisturizer and build up as needed to find the perfect balance.

STEP 5: TREAT ACNE GENTLY

Effective acne treatments don’t have to be harsh. A gentle, targeted approach can treat breakouts without irritating your skin.

YOUR ACTION PLAN:

1. Use gentle actives like salicylic acid to exfoliate and niacinamide to calm redness.
2. Apply treatments only to problem areas to avoid unnecessary irritation.
3. Try Dermala’s SCANTILY Pad® Acne Treatment for microbiome-friendly, science-backed results. Lear how and why they work.

Pro Tip: Learn about Dermala’s acne clinical trial results.

STEP 6: SUPPORT YOUR SKIN FROM WITHIN

Your gut health plays a key role in your skin’s appearance. A balanced gut microbiome can reduce inflammation and regulate hormones.

YOUR ACTION PLAN:

1. Add probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha to your diet.
2. Stay hydrated and include fiber-rich foods to maintain gut health.
3. Supplement your diet with Dermala’s SUPPLEMEANT To Be® Pre + Probiotic + Vitamin Skin Mix.

Pro Tip: Discover the science behind the gut-skin connection and how it affects acne.

STEP 7: PROTECT YOUR SKIN DAILY

Sunscreen is essential for preventing post-acne dark spots, scarring, and premature aging, regardless of the season.

YOUR ACTION PLAN:

1. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
2. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula suitable for acne-prone skin.
3. Pair your sunscreen with microbiome-friendly skincare for extra protection.

Pro Tip: Read the Skin Cancer Foundation's guide to sunscreen.

STEP 8: STAY CONSISTENT AND PATIENT

Skincare is a journey that requires commitment. Most products take 4–6 weeks to show noticeable results.

YOUR ACTION PLAN:

1. Stick to a simple routine: Cleanse, treat, hydrate, and protect.
2. Avoid switching products too frequently. Let your routine work its magic.
3. Track your progress with tools like the Dermala Skin Tracker.

Pro Tip: Take progress photos every two weeks to stay motivated and see how far you’ve come.

STEP 9: CELEBRATE PROGRESS, BIG OR SMALL

Clear skin doesn’t happen overnight, but every milestone is worth celebrating. Whether it’s fewer breakouts, smoother texture, or simply sticking to your routine, progress matters.

YOUR ACTION PLAN:

1. Focus on progress, not perfection: Celebrate smoother texture, fewer breakouts, or sticking to your routine.
2. Reward yourself with a relaxing face mask or treat for hitting a skincare goal.
3. Share your wins with supportive friends or the Dermala community.

Pro Tip: Celebrate your unique journey and remember that every small step counts.

YOUR CLEAR SKIN GOALS FOR 2025

1. Understand your skin.
2. Cleanse gently.
3. Balance your microbiome.
4. Hydrate effectively.
5. Treat acne with care.
6. Support your skin from within.
7. Protect daily with SPF.
8. Stay consistent and patient.
9. Celebrate your progress.

This year, make your skincare simple, effective, and enjoyable. With Dermala’s microbiome-friendly, science-backed, and clinically validated products, you’re one step closer to healthier, glowing skin.

Ready to start your journey? Take the Dermala Skin Quiz.