New Year, New You: How to Maintain Clear Skin in 2025
As we welcome a new year, it’s the perfect time to hit “refresh” on our skincare routines and remind ourselves of the things that helped us achieve clear, glowing skin in the first place. At Beach Beauty Bar and Acne Clinic, we hear it often: clients achieve beautiful, clear skin only to fall back into old habits and forget the small but crucial things they were doing to keep their skin clear. The result? Breakouts that start to sneak back in.
If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of watching your skin start to act up after a clear period, you’re not alone. It happens to many of us. But guess what? With a little consistency and a commitment to maintaining healthy skincare habits, your clear skin can stick around for good.
As we step into 2025, here’s a quick refresher on all of the steps you should continue doing to keep your skin clear, happy, and glowing all year long!
1. Clean Up Your Laundry Routine
You’d be surprised how much your laundry routine impacts your skin! Here’s the deal: traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets contain fragrances and chemicals that can leave residue on your sheets, towels, and clothes—everything that touches your skin. This residue can irritate your skin and contribute to breakouts.
What to do:
- Switch to ECOS detergent – It’s gentle on both your skin and the environment, and it’s free from harsh chemicals and fragrances that can cause flare-ups.
- Ditch dryer sheets and fabric softener – Instead, use wool dryer balls to keep clothes soft and reduce static. They’re a safer, eco-friendly option that won’t leave any irritating residues.
And don’t forget to change your pillowcases every other day—ideally, you should be sleeping on a clean pillowcase every single night! Your face spends hours on them each night, so it’s important they stay clean and free from dirt and oils that can clog pores.
Pro Tip: Use a fresh pillow case one night, and flip it over to sleep on the clean side the next night.
2. Watch Out for These Acne Triggers in Your Diet
Your diet can play a big role in keeping your skin clear—sometimes even more than you realize. Certain foods are notorious for triggering acne, and it’s easy to overlook them as you go about your day. Here’s the list of acne triggers you need to watch out for:
- Dairy (milk, ice cream, cream cheese, sour cream, cheese, coffee creamer)
- Soy (soy sauce, edamame, asian sauces, processed foods)
- Peanuts and Peanut Butter
- Seaweed & Algae
- Shellfish
- Vitamin B12 (multi-vitamins, protein shakes, energy drinks)
- Biotin (hair vitamins and multi-vitamins)
Yes, this list may seem long, but these foods and ingredients are major acne culprits. It’s not just about avoiding dairy or peanuts in their obvious forms—you also need to be aware of where these triggers might be hidden in your food.
Review ingredients carefully on things like:
- Protein powders
- Store-bought salad dressings
- Energy drinks
- Supplements, including pre- and post-workout powders
Many of these seemingly innocent products often contain ingredients that can trigger your acne. For example, energy drinks are often packed with B12, which can lead to breakouts. Powdered greens and protein shakes may contain spirulina, algae, soy, and whey protein—all of which are known to cause acne flare-ups.
If you’re breaking out, it’s important to diligently review your nutrition. You might be unknowingly consuming acne triggers that are hidden in everyday products. Taking a moment to check labels can make all the difference.
3. Mind Your Makeup and Haircare Products
Did you know that the makeup and haircare products you use can contribute to breakouts, even if you’ve achieved clear skin in the past? Many products—like foundations, powders, and shampoos—can contain pore-clogging ingredients that are a silent culprit behind breakouts.
What to do:
- Switch to acne-safe makeup – Use our Acne-Safe Shopping List to look for makeup brands and products won’t clog your pores. This includes foundations, concealers, and powders. Text us if you need a link to the list. Or simply make the switch to our very own Stitch Cosmetics (all acne safe!)
- Choose acne-safe haircare products – Your shampoo and conditioner can end up on your pillowcase, and from there, transfer to your skin. Our Acne Safe Shopping List is full of hair products that won’t break you out.
- Don’t forget to wash your makeup brushes – This is a must! Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts. Use Go Gently cleanser or Branch Basics Concentrate to clean them.
- Use and acne-safe toothpaste — We love Made by Dentists toothpaste.
- And…use our Acne-Safe Chapstick or Vaseline for your lips.
4. Stick to Your Routine: Consistency is Key
One of the easiest ways to maintain clear skin is to stick to your skincare routine—morning and night. We know it’s tempting to skip your evening routine when you’re tired or rush through it in the morning when you’re in a hurry. But remember how diligent you were when you were working hard to clear your skin? Consistency is what got you there in the first place!
What to do:
- Morning: Cleanse, apply your acne treatment, and finish with a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen.
- Evening: Double cleanse if needed, use your acne treatments, and lock in moisture with a soothing night cream. Don’t forget to treat your skin with care before bed!
By maintaining these habits daily, you’re setting your skin up for success. It might seem like a small thing, but sticking to your routine—even on the busiest days—can make a big difference in keeping your skin clear and healthy.
5. Avoid Touching Your Face (Yes, Really!)
Touching your face transfers oils, dirt, and bacteria from your hands to your skin, which can contribute to clogged pores and acne. While this is a habit we all need to work on, it’s one of the simplest ways to prevent breakouts.
What to do:
- Avoid resting your face on your hands – Keep your hands off your face as much as possible throughout the day.
- Make sure your phone is clean – Wipe down your phone screen regularly to prevent transferring bacteria from your device to your face.
6. Schedule Regular Check-ins and Consultations
Even if you’re on the right track, having a professional acne expert to guide you along the way can be incredibly helpful. Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook small details or fall back into old habits without realizing it.
What to do:
- Book regular consultations – Whether in-person or virtual, having an acne expert evaluate your progress and give you tailored advice will ensure you’re always on the right path to clear skin.
- Get Acne Treatment Facials – Professional acne facials can help keep your skin clear by extracting impurities and nourishing your skin with the right products.
The Bottom Line: Consistency is Key
Maintaining clear skin doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require consistency. As we step into 2025, take a moment to revisit the habits that helped you get clear skin in the first place. Clean up your laundry routine, stick to your skincare regimen, eat right, and stay hydrated. And remember—if you ever need guidance or have questions about your acne journey, we’re here to help!
Let’s make 2025 the year of clear, confident, glowing skin. Ready to keep your skin clear all year long? Book a consultation today!
Cheers to clear!
Joyce