Key points:

• Why the New Year is the right time to reset your skin.
• The home care device I suggest for a winter glow-up.
• Step-by-step skincare routines for a fresh start in 2026.

Between the cold and dry winter air and indulging in your favorite treats, the New Year is an excellent time for a skin reset. Post-summer anti-aging routines get more attention, but winter can wreak havoc on your skin and moisture barrier. I know you understand the importance of switching to a heavier moisturizer, but let’s explore how to refresh, rejuvenate, and restore your skin to start 2026 off right!

WHY THE NEW YEAR IS THE IDEAL TIME TO RESET YOUR SKIN

Beyond being a fresh start in every area of life, the holiday and winter season present a few unique skincare challenges. At the top of this list is how holiday indulgence, travel, and dry air impact skin health.

STIMULATE COLLAGEN AFTER HOLIDAY INDULGENCE

I’m all for enjoying extra indulgences during the holiday season, as holiday meals and sweet treats are nostalgic traditions. However, few things  degrade collagen faster than sugar. And if you drank a bit more during the holidays, you may also be internally dehydrated. So, it’s time to stimulate collagen production and restore moisture internally and externally.

RESTORE FIRMNESS AND TONE AFTER TRAVEL

Between travel, the general hustle of the holidays, and vacation, you may have allowed your skincare routine to fall by the wayside. In addition, holiday activities and spending time with family may have disrupted your fitness routine. Even a month of decreased physical activity and at-home facials can show on your face. Especially when combined with the other two factors on this list.

COLD AND DRY AIR DEGRADES YOUR MOISTURE BARRIER

Winter is chilly! Even if you live in a moderate climate, the air is cooler and drier during the winter. When indoors, most heating sources extract the humidity from the air. The more you’re exposed to winter wind and weather, the harder your skin must work to maintain hydration. Overnight and desktop humidifiers help, but restoring your moisture barrier requires more than increased humidity.

MY PREFERRED DEVICE FOR A WINTER GLOW UP

If the multi-step treatments below aren’t for you, but you’re looking for a pro-grade device for at-home use that is easy to use for your skin-resetting glow up, I suggest the  Hybrid Lift Pro. This multi-modality device is safe, gentle, and effective. It has 3 modalities and provides immediate relief for winter skin stress. I also suggest this device in the multi-step treatments below, but at 10 minutes 2 times a week, it’s a dream for my low-maintenance clients. You’ll see visible lifting after your first treatment.

• The heat is soothing and pushes actives deep into your skin, rapidly restoring your moisture layer while boosting circulation.
• The EMS lifts, tones, and sculpts your jowls, neck, and eyes, while plumping out your skin for a smoothing and tightening effect.
• The EMS and randomized vibration give your face a mini-workout and boost circulation, delivering nourishing and restorative antioxidants. 

Choose from 3 modalities:

• Mode 1: Randomized vibration.
• Mode 2: Randomized vibration and heat.
• Mode 3: Randomized vibration, heat, and EMS.

When using Mode 1 and 2, you can glide the Hybrid Lift Pro over a sheet mask, skincare oil, hydrating serum, or conductive gel. Be mindful that you can’t use masks, oil, or serum under all skincare devices. With Mode 3, you need to use a conductive gel or moisturizing sheet mask, such as the PLLA-infused  25K Gold Volumizing Sheet Mask. When using over a sheet mask, it’s easier if you lie down to complete your treatments. You can use a handheld mirror so that you can see where you’re working.

Pro tip: Pass over your  facial vectors 7 to 10 times each for maximum lifting and plumping.

THE EXACT STEPS I USE TO RESET MY CLIENT’S SKIN FOR WINTER

As a Master Esthetician, I’ve tested countless products, devices, and treatments over the last 25 years. I’ve created a signature facial that I tailor to each client’s skin conditions. My method combines targeted massage, high-performing actives, and devices. That is my basic framework, but I layer actives and use multiple devices to address seasonal skin conditions and prompt rejuvenation in the areas most concerning to each client.

The framework below is an easy and effective skin reset routine. I dive into which products I use for each step in the next section.

STEP 1. CLEANSE

Single or double cleanse your skin. If your skin is tight or dull, and you haven’t yet, switch to a gentle and hydrating facial cleanser. I know that cleansers are where many clients prefer to be economizing, but most cleansers strip your skin. Even many over-the-counter cleansers labeled “gentle”, as the key differentiator in these products is that they don’t contain fragrance. All of my CBE Botanicals Cleansers are PH balanced for the skin.

STEP 2. EXFOLIATE

Now I suggest a deep exfoliation method, but something gentle enough that you can complete the rest of your skincare treatment. If you’re 40+, it’s time to add chemical exfoliators to your year-round skincare routine. Cellular turnover slows with age, and in cold weather, leaving granular exfoliators less effective. So, regardless of your age, consider using a chemical exfoliator, such as HOP+ PLLA Pro Micro Peel at least once a week during the winter. 

STEP 3. LYMPHATIC MASSAGE

When I complete a facial on a client, it’s targeted to their areas of facial tension and lymphatic buildup. Since you may not be able to identify where you’re holding tension in your face, complete a lymphatic massage. The microcurrents in the next step will release your tension. Especially if you run across your 11 facial vectors. If you have mylar bags or clench your jaw, begin with a  buccal massage.

Step 4. MICROCURRENT/EMS

There are over 70 muscles in the face and neck that overlap in an intricate manner. So, when one muscle is weak or tight, it drags down the surrounding muscles and fascia. This is true throughout the body, but the visible effects are more noticeable on your face and neck.

Microcurrents cause muscles to contract, stretching and strengthening long and interconnected bands of muscles and tissues. As mentioned above, the  Hybrid Lift Pro is a top pick for home care because it’s so gentle. 

STEP 5. SEALING HYDRATION

I always suggest high-performing actives that address your current skin conditions and seasonal needs. In the winter, I advise using formulations that create a hydrating seal over your skin. This locks in moisture while minimizing the amount of dry air and environmental toxins that penetrate your moisture barrier.

During the day, you can use an ampoule or my go-to glossy skin BB cream the  Blue Pearlsation  Cushion. This BB Cream is ideal if you want to create a faux-glow while you refresh and reset your skin, or any time you want a gorgeous glassy skin finish. It doubles as your broad-spectrum sunscreen. Ampoules are super serums that double as serum and moisturizer. Apply ampoules morning or evening, with or without layering moisturizer on top. 

STEP 6. UV PROTECTION

During the day, layer broad-spectrum UV protection on top of ampoules. Even if it’s grey or cloudy, the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin. No, they aren’t as harsh as peak-heat rays, but you can’t skip sunscreen in the winter. And don’t forget, fluorescent lighting and your smartphone, notebook, computer, and other screens emit blue light, which damages collagen and elastin.

Now, let’s do a deep dive into the products I prefer for winter. I suggest more than one product in some of the steps below. Select formulations that address your unique skin needs, and feel free to mix things up to keep your skin guessing.

Multi- Step Skin Reset Routines With Esthetician -Approved Product

If you want to complete an ultra-restorative glow up, these 2 multi-step reset routines are tailored to support winter skin health. They include my top picks for hydrating and rejuvenating winter actives.

15-MINUTE QUICK RESET

STEP 1. CLEANSE

Double cleanse with  Just Say Ahh Revitalizing Cleanser.

STEP 2. EXFOLIATE

Chemically exfoliate with either  In the Clear Mandelic Acid Exfoliating Pads or Pilleo Skin Prep.

STEP 3. ANTI-AGING DEVICE

Prep skin for the  Hybrid Lift Pro with the  CBE Botanicals Conducting Duo. Apply Hydrate + Conduct before using the Hybrid Lift Pro. Apply Mist + Conduct as needed to maintain comfortable slip and glide.

STEP 4. NOURISH

Choose your serum by your skin’s current needs. Apply 1 of the following:

• Nourish, hydrate, and protect skin with the  Rejuvenating Ampoule.
• Nourish, brighten, and soothe with  Triple C+ Gold.
• Nourish, firm, and refine pores with PLLA-infused  CaviPLLA+ O2 Advanced Volumizing Serum.

STEP 5. MOISTURIZE

To volumize while restoring moisture, apply the PLLA-infused  Volume Boost Moisturizer at least once a day. Or to moisturize while renewing skin, apply apple stem-cell-infused  Renew + Hydrate.

STEP 6. UV PROTECTION

If you’re home for the day, you’re done. If the sun is still shining, apply broad-spectrum UV protection.  Dr. Esthé’s line of lotion-like sunscreens are lightweight and contain ingredients that support your winter skin reset. If you haven’t applied PLLA to your skin yet, you can apply the  All Mineral Face and Body Sunscreen.

25-MINUTE WEEKEND DEEP RESET

STEP 1. CLEANSE

Double cleanse with  Just Say Ahh Revitalizing Cleanser.

STEP 2. EXFOLIATE

Complete a gentle at-home peel with  PLLA Pro Micro Peel. Avoid the eye and lip area and leave on 1 minute for your first treatment, building up to 2 minutes maximum.

STEP 3. HYDRATING MASK

Apply the PLLA-infused  25K Gold Volumizing Sheet Mask to your face for 10 to 15 minutes. This powerful formulation deeply hydrates, plumps, and strengthens your skin barrier against external toxins.

STEP 4. ANTI-AGING DEVICE

Keep your sheet mask on and lie down while using the  Hybrid Lift Pro for 5 minutes on each side of your face. Once complete, remove the sheet mask, and tap the excess serum in.

STEP 5. EYE AND LIP SERUM

Your sheet mask nourishes your face, now it’s time to nourish the thinner skin around your eyes and lips with the PLLA-infused  Promoter Repair Eye and Lip Cream.

STEP 6. MOISTURIZE

To volumize while restoring moisture, apply the PLLA-infused  Volume Boost Moisturizer at least once a day.

STEP 7. UV PROTECTION

If you’re home for the day, you’re done. If the sun is still shining, apply broad-spectrum UV protection. For an added layer of PLLA, apply  All Mineral Face and Body Sunscreen, or apply one of  Dr. Esthé’s lotion-like sunscreens.

Your Best Skin Starts Here: The Christine Byer Beauty Club

Another way to start the New Year off right is by joining the  Christine Byer Beauty Club. As a member, you’ll enjoy exclusive skincare tips for your local climate, lifestyle, skin type, and skin conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a skin reset?

Resetting your skin is the process of upgrading your daily products and at-home treatments to support your skin health. This includes restoring hydration, rebuilding your skin barrier, reversing pigmentation, refining pores, and tightening, smoothing, and lifting skin.

How often should I complete the routines above?

Complete the multi-step routines once a week, and use the  Hybrid Lift Pro twice a week.

Are the skin barrier reset routines above only for winter?

The rejuvenating routines above are designed to restore moisture to dehydrated winter skin, but you can use them to inspire your year-round home care treatments.