The Skincare reset with Aisha Ahmada
Our favourite skincare content creator @aishaxahmada takes us through her skincare goals for 2026. The practices and products that have been long-term non-negotiables, and all the ways she’ll be upgrading her routine for a new era.
By Aisha Ahmada - Published: 02.02.26
January always feels like a reset button. What does a skincare reset look like to you at this time of year?
A skincare reset for me is going through all my products and seeing what works for me and what doesn’t. I started ‘Project Pan’ last year [using up existing makeup and skincare products], and it really made me think about what I’m buying and using and whether or not I enjoy the products enough to repurchase.
After the festive season wind-down and the testing weather conditions we’ve been experiencing in the UK recently, what are the signs that tell you your skin needs extra care?
I know my skin well enough now to know when it needs extra moisture or if a product doesn’t sit right on my skin. At this time of year if I feel like I tend to add extra serums into my routine just so that my skin doesn’t end up feeling dehydrated half way through the day.
When winter rolls in, what are the non-negotiables in your routine you come back to every year?
A very good serum will take you a long way, I love the Clarins Double Serum! It has been one of my favourite serums for years now and I always go back to it especially in the colder months.
Cleansing in winter can be a fine line. How do you keep skin clean without leaving it feeling stripped or dried out?
The cleansers I use don’t really change throughout the year as my skin is more on the oily side however I don’t really use extremely harsh cleansers as I feel they do more damage than good on me, one that has a good balance between cleaning and not stripping my skin is my go to.
Exfoliating can feel risky in the colder months. How do you ensure you get the most out of exfoliation in winter without overdoing it?
It’s always what you put on after exfoliation, a good toner and serum after exfoliation helps to make sure your skin barrier isn’t being damaged or dry afterwards. I like the Charlotte Tilbury toner as it has a milky consistency and I find that to be the best for hydration.
Hydration is everything in January. What are some moisture hacks you lean on to keep your skin feeling comfortable and protected?
Layering your skincare is an amazing hack, light layers ensures you’re not overdoing it and makes your skin feel comfortable and protected.
To complement your skincare routine, what are some other self-care rituals you’re practicing to see you through the last stretch of winter, which often feels like it lasts the longest?
I’ve changed my routine to go to gym in the morning rather than late afternoon, this ensures I use up my day wisely and it helps me start the day in a better mood. The longer I'm out when it’s daylight the easier it is to feel like I'm making use of my days wisely.
Cold air, heating, late nights... do you have any overnight recovery tricks you use when your skin is feeling a bit stressed out by winter?
I love a good sheet mask or even an overnight mask! Sometimes sleeping in the overnight mask feels slightly uncomfortable so I tend to actually put it on a few hours before bed when unwinding, that way I feel good sleeping but I also end up going to sleep with glowy skin that lasts till the next morning.
Could you give a summary of your AM and PM winter skincare routines. What are some of the key differences between them and what are you focusing on most in the morning and evening?
In the morning, I like to look more glowy so I use products that give me more of a glass skin effect with sunscreen to finish it off. My evening routine is a little heavier so that my skin can replenish itself overnight. I like using the Estée Lauder night repair overnight treatment, my skin feels so plump after waking up!
Looking ahead, what skincare habits have you left behind in 2025 and what will you be taking with you into 2026?
I’m leaving behind trying every product just because it’s viral or trending and sticking to Project Pan, it helped me build a solid routine based on what I love and what suits my skin the best.
