The Ultimate Annual Guide to Skincare, Wellness & Aesthetic Appointments

As the seasons shift, so do your skin, beauty goals, and overall wellness needs. So why not let your routine change with them? Staying in sync with the weather, your lifestyle, and the natural rhythms of the year can make a big difference in how your skin looks and how your treatments perform. That’s why this yearly skincare calendar exists: to keep things simple, timely, and totally doable.

In this annual beauty checklist, you’ll find clear suggestions for what to schedule, start, or swap each month. We’ll cover the best times for aesthetic treatments, the seasonal skincare tweaks that actually matter, and the wellness habits that help you feel your best. Everything is built around derm-approved timing and real-life practicality, so you can glow with less guesswork and more confidence.

Ready to make 2026 your most effortless beauty year yet? Keep reading.

What Is a Beauty Calendar and Why Should You Follow One?

A beauty calendar is a month-by-month checklist that offers simple monthly skincare reminders to help you stay on top of skincare, aesthetic upkeep, and wellness habits throughout the year. It highlights the small but important tasks that are easy to forget, like scheduling your annual skin check, updating your SPF before summer, or switching to lighter formulas as the weather warms. By laying out these prompts in a clear, seasonal flow, a beauty calendar keeps your routine organized and effortless. It’s essentially a friendly nudge at the right moment, helping your beauty habits feel smoother and more intentional all year long.

What Beauty and Skincare Tasks Should You Do in January?

January is the perfect time to book your annual skin cancer screening, especially if you haven’t had one in the past year. A full-body exam with a board-certified dermatologist helps detect early signs of skin cancer, which is far more treatable when caught early. Even if you’re diligent with SPF, moles and lesions can change subtly over time, so a professional check is essential. Getting it on the books at the start of the year ensures you don’t forget, and it sets a proactive tone for your overall skin health.

What Beauty Reminders Are Important in February?

February is an ideal month to focus on hand health, since winter weather and constant washing can leave skin feeling dry and tight. A weekly hand mask or an overnight treatment with a rich, occlusive cream can help replenish moisture and restore softness. Look for formulas featuring shea butter, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid, which are especially effective for repairing the skin barrier. “During the winter months, our hands are especially vulnerable to dryness and barrier damage,” says AEDIT Founder and board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. William Kennedy. “Cold weather and frequent handwashing strips the skin of moisture, so February is an ideal time to incorporate intensive treatments like Aquaphor Repairing Hand Masks or Patchology Rosé Fingers. I also recommend keeping a rich hand cream—such as L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream or Neutrogena Norwegian Formula— on hand to maintain hydration throughout the day.” Pair your mask with a daily hand cream and SPF to keep hands protected and comfortable through the remainder of winter.

What Should You Schedule or Start in March for Your Skin?

March is a great time to schedule any last-minute laser hair removal sessions before spring and summer arrive. You naturally get less sun exposure this month compared to the brighter seasons ahead. That’s important because recent UV exposure increases melanin in the skin, which can raise the risk of irritation or hyperpigmentation after treatment and make the laser less precise. Booking in March also gives you time to complete a couple of sessions before summer, when avoiding sun becomes more difficult. Think of this month as your “last call” window to wrap up treatments before warm-weather activities bring more consistent sun exposure.

How Should You Transition Your Skincare in April?

April is when you'll want to switch from a heavy moisturizing cream to a lighter lotion as the weather warms up. Creams are great for winter because they lock in moisture, but their richer, more occlusive formulas can trap heat and sweat once temperatures rise, which may lead to clogged pores or general discomfort. A lotion offers a more breathable, lightweight texture while still giving your skin the hydration it needs in spring. Making this seasonal swap helps keep your skin balanced and comfortable, and it sets you up to avoid the congestion and breakouts that can come with increasing humidity.

What Beauty Maintenance Should You Prioritize in May?

As May brings warmer days, it’s a good time to refresh your SPF routine. During winter you’re usually fully covered, but spring means short sleeves, shorts, and more exposed skin that needs protection. Check your sunscreens, replace anything that looks funky or is expired, and make sure you have all the products you’ll need for the summer months ahead. Updating your SPF now ensures you’re stocked and ready for pool days, beach weekends, and any extra time outdoors to come.

What Summer Beauty Reminders Should You Follow in June?

June is a great reminder that spring cleaning shouldn’t stop at your closet—it should include your skincare and makeup, too. Most beauty products have a limited lifespan: mascara should be replaced every three months, liquid makeup every six to twelve, and lotions or creams within a year of opening. With that in mind, take a moment to check expiration dates, toss anything that smells off or has changed texture, and clean your makeup brushes and skincare tools. You can also set aside winter products you won’t use again until colder months.

What Skincare and Wellness Tasks Are Best for July?

Sunscreen and excessive sweat can quickly build up in hot months like July and lead to clogged pores or bumps. Incorporating gentle body exfoliation helps clear away that extra layer before it turns into irritation. Dr. Kennedy recommends choosing something mild—such as a light AHA, BHA, or soft scrub—and using it just a few times a week to avoid over-exfoliating. “I often suggest gentle body exfoliants like First Aid Beauty – KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub or Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment, which help clear buildup and smooth the skin without being overly harsh.” Focusing on areas like the arms, legs, and back can make a noticeable difference in how smooth and comfortable your skin feels. Adding this simple step keeps your skin fresh and resilient through peak summer heat.

What Should You Do in August to Prep for Fall Skin Needs?

If you paused retinoids over the summer, the end of August is a good time to ease back into them. As the days gradually cool and you spend less time in strong sun, retinoids become easier to reintroduce without as much risk of irritation or sun sensitivity. Start slowly with a lower concentration or reduce your weekly use until your skin adjusts again. Pairing your retinoid with a gentle moisturizer can also help minimize dryness. Reestablishing this habit now prepares your skin for fall, when retinoids become especially helpful for addressing dullness, uneven tone, and any lingering signs of summer.

What Beauty Appointments Should You Schedule in September?

September is an ideal month to schedule beauty appointments that pair well with the return of cooler, less sunny weather. While spring is great for wrapping up laser hair removal, early fall is better suited for treatments that require stricter sun avoidance, such as IPL, laser resurfacing, and medium-depth chemical peels. These are the procedures that help target sun spots, uneven tone, and texture—concerns that often show up after a summer spent outdoors. It’s also a smart time to plan microneedling sessions, since skin generally tolerates them better when UV exposure drops. Booking in September sets you up for visible results by the holidays.

How Should You Update Your Skincare Routine in October?

October is when cooler air and indoor heating start to dry out your skin, making it a good time to boost hydration and strengthen your moisture barrier. Adding a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can help maintain plumpness as humidity drops. It’s also smart to reassess your cleanser: if you’ve been using a gel or foaming formula, switching to a cream or milky cleanser can prevent that tight, stripped feeling that often shows up in fall. These small swaps help your skin stay comfortable, balanced, and resilient as temperatures continue to dip.

What Pre-Holiday Beauty Tasks Belong in November?

November is the ideal month to tackle any pre-holiday beauty tasks that require a little lead time. If you’re considering treatments like Botox, filler, microneedling, or a light chemical peel, scheduling them now ensures your skin has time to settle and reveal its best results before holiday events. It’s also a great moment to shape or tint your brows, refresh your haircut or color, and restock any makeup staples you’ll rely on for parties and photos. By handling these appointments in November, you avoid the December rush and give yourself plenty of breathing room to look polished and feel prepared.

What Skincare and Aesthetic Maintenance Is Best for December?

Full of holiday festivities, indulgent treats, and celebratory libations, December can take a toll on your skin, leading to dullness, puffiness, and breakouts. Fortunately, there are simple ways to help counter these effects and keep your complexion balanced. “I encourage patients to focus on consistency rather than overdoing it,” says Dr. Kennedy. “Prioritize cleansing at night, layer in a hydrating serum to combat winter dryness, and use a gentle exfoliant just once or twice a week to keep skin clear without disrupting the barrier.” Supporting your skin from the inside out also helps—drinking plenty of water and incorporating antioxidant-rich foods can minimize inflammation. These small steps keep your skin steady through the season without major treatments.