The new year inspires a fresh start, especially for outdated routines. A successful skincare resolution requires more than a new jar of cream—we need a strategy that addresses our needs now and into the future.
Zachary Novak, Salon Manager at Verbena the Salon, shares how to future-proof your skin for 2026 and beyond. According to Novak, the secret to long-term radiance is balance—protecting your skin externally while supporting it from within.
Don't Neglect the Barrier
As we refresh our routines, Novak notes that the biggest mistake people make is trying to "reset" their skin with harsh correction. In January, many people default to over-exfoliation, which strips away essential lipids needed to hold moisture.
"Think of January as the month to repair and fortify," he advises. "Your skin needs barrier repair more than it needs correction."
Novak's two non-negotiable rules for Arizona living are to always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning and to lock in hydration with rich lipids. Arizona's UV index remains high year-round. Consistent sun protection is the single best anti-aging step you can take. And our low humidity makes humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid) less effective unless they are sealed. Novak recommends applying a water-binding serum immediately after cleansing, then locking it in with a moisturizer rich in ceramides or squalane to prevent transepidermal water loss.
Ingredients for the Long-Term
To build skin resilience, Novak recommends shifting from quick fixes to long-term investments. His essential ingredients:
Hyaluronic Acid: “[It] creates an internal reservoir, able to bind up to a thousand times its weight in water, keeping skin supple and supporting barrier repair."
Antioxidants: "Ingredients such as green tea or ferulic acid neutralize free radicals before they damage collagen or DNA, effectively slowing the visible effects of aging."
Vitamins A, C, E and K: "They work synergistically. Vitamin A (retinoids) encourages cell turnover and collagen renewal; Vitamin C brightens and strengthens; Vitamin E protects lipids and calms irritation; and Vitamin K helps reduce redness and supports microcirculation."
For incorporating powerful actives like retinoids, Novak stresses that the goal is sustainable results. Start slow—two or three nights a week—and never layer strong actives on the same night.
Skincare is Self-Care
While the right products are vital, Novak maintains that you can't separate the skin from the person living in it. The gut-skin axis is a perfect example: "The skin is reactive; it mirrors what's happening inside your body," Novak says. By building resilience to daily tension through regular movement or mindfulness, you prevent that inflammation from manifesting visually.
This is why Novak says the most valuable habit is a solid, consistent routine which aligns with the skin's natural circadian rhythm, maximizing its repair cycle.
"In the morning, it sets the tone for your day; you're choosing to show up for yourself," he explains. "In the evening, it's your signal to slow down." The evening cleanse is actually Novak's favorite moment in his personal skincare routine: "There is just nothing more relieving than 'washing the day off' before bed," he shares.
Quick Takes for a Confident Glow
Novak says he believes the best skincare investments fall in three categories: protection, hydration and targeted repair. He also discusses common pitfalls: "The biggest waste of money in skincare isn't a specific product, it's misaligned expectations." Duplicating steps or chasing trends distracts from the core goal.
Instead, invest in habits that pay dividends: consistent hydration, both inside and out; green tea, especially matcha, for a boost (“It’s one of the few beverages with real clinical support for skin health,” says Novak); and the confidence that comes with having great skin. "Our skin is quite literally what we present to the world, so when it's in balance and we feel good about how we look; we can show up as our best selves."
To achieve radiant skin, Novak's advice is simple: be consistent, protect diligently and remember that professional treatments are the transformation, but at-home care is the maintenance.
At Verbena The Salon's new location, they now offer skincare treatments featuring [comfort zone] products. The Hydra Glow facial, Novak’s personal favorite, is designed to deliver “that soft, luminous finish that only true moisture balance can create.”
To try one of their new skincare services, book your first treatment with Novak and mention this article to receive 20% off.
VerbenaTheSalon.com | (480) 744-5371
3145 E. Chandler Blvd. #104, Phoenix 85048
To achieve radiant skin, Novak's advice is simple: be consistent, protect diligently and remember that professional treatments are the transformation, but at-home care is the maintenance.
"Our skin is quite literally what we present to the world, so when it's in balance and we feel good about how we look; we can show up as our best selves." - Zachary Novak, Verbena The Salon