How to Have Glowing Skin in 2026
Listen, I know you're juggling approximately 47 things right now. So let's cut through the noise and talk about what actually works for getting clearer, healthier skin this year, without the overwhelm.
DOUBLE CLEANSE AT NIGHT (YES, REALLY)
I know, I know, you're tired. But this is non-negotiable, friend.
Your first cleanse removes all the junk from the day: oil, dirt, makeup, and whatever mystery substance your toddler wiped on your face.
Second cleanse? That's where the magic happens. I'm obsessed with mandelic acid cleansers right now, they target acne AND pigmentation without being harsh.
And please, for the love of all things holy, stop using coconut or olive oil on your face. Those food molecules are way too big for your pores. Save them for your salad.
Quick tip: In the morning, skip the wash (unless your esthetician says otherwise) and just use a toner. You're welcome for those extra 2 minutes of sleep.
STOP CLOGGING YOUR PORES
These ingredients are sabotaging your skin right now:
Coconut or olive oil (yes, even the "fancy" ones)
Laureth-4 & 23
Isopropyl isostearate/myristate
Cocoa/shea butter
I know the internet told you coconut oil is a miracle worker. The internet lied.
Want soft, radiant skin? Check ingredient labels and shop at your local spa where we actually know what we're selling.
GET PROFESSIONAL FACIALS EVERY 3-5 WEEKS
There are some things you just can't DIY, mama.
A licensed esthetician has tools, training, and a magnifying lamp to see things you can't. We'll exfoliate, extract, and send you out glowing while you enjoy 60 minutes of someone else touching your face instead of tiny hands pulling at you.
Trust me on this one.
THE HYDRATION SANDWICH (MY CURRENT OBSESSION)
Forget complicated 12-step routines. The hydration sandwich is where it's at, mostly hydrating products with just one or two actives targeting your specific concerns.
Here's the lineup:
Double cleanse
Hydrating toner on damp skin
Serum with actives (vitamin C in the morning, keep it at 10% or under!)
Mandelic acid if you're fighting acne or dark spots
Hydrating moisturizers (try our Restore or Oxy-Infuse)
Oil at night OR SPF in the morning
That's it. Simple, effective, done.
DITCH THE HARSH STUFF
We're done with products that strip our skin in 2026.
Skip these until you build tolerance:
Vitamin C above 10%
High-strength salicylic acid
Benzoyl peroxide (and don't layer anything on top of this one!)
Go for gentle instead:
Lactic acid
Mandelic acid (seriously, I'm obsessed)
Your skin will thank you.
WEAR MINERAL SPF EVERY SINGLE DAY
Not chemical - MINERAL.
Chemical sunscreen absorbs into your body and only lasts 2 hours. Mineral physically blocks UV rays and actually protects you.
Anything over SPF 50 is just marketing nonsense, friend.
Our tinted mineral SPF 35 at the spa is chef's kiss, and no, I'm not just saying that because we sell it.
HYDRATE INSIDE AND OUT
Drink your water. 92 oz a day sounds like a lot until you realize how much better your skin looks when you're actually hydrated. Add lemon, ginger, fruit, or electrolyte powder to make it less boring.
Feed your skin. Use peptides and vitamin C (that 10% or under rule again!) to keep your skin plump and glowing. Vitamin C in the morning, peptides or hyaluronic acid at night under your moisturizer.
SLEEP LIKE YOUR SKIN DEPENDS ON IT (BECAUSE IT DOES)
Those 7-9 hours aren't optional, mama.
In the first 3 hours, your body produces growth hormone to heal damage. Next 2 hours? Melatonin fights free radicals. Final 3 hours? Cortisol drops and your skin gets its deepest recovery.
Skip sleep and your body produces hunger hormones that make you raid the pantry at 10pm and potentially break out from all that dairy or sugar.
Been there. Not worth it.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS (I SEE YOU)
Cortisol, that stress hormone, will absolutely wreck your skin if you let it.
Science has linked stress directly to acne, eczema, and psoriasis. So move your body, dance in your kitchen, meditate for 5 minutes, or just lock yourself in the bathroom for some deep breaths.
Whatever it takes.
LIMIT THE WINE, DITCH THE CIGARETTES
A 4oz glass of wine? Fine. More than that regularly? Your skin's paying for it through dehydration and faster aging.
Smoking? Just no. It steals blood flow from your skin, gives you premature wrinkles, and puts bags under your eyes from nicotine withdrawal overnight.
You deserve better.
HERE'S THE TRUTH
Science shows you replace about 1% of your body's cells every day. Each new cell comes in a little stronger or a little weaker depending on how you're living your life.
You're the only one with the power to make changes that give you the health and beauty you deserve, friend.
And if you need help figuring out what your skin actually needs? That's literally what I'm here for.
Let's get you glowing in 2026. 💙
