How to Build Healthy Habits That Stick: Small Changes for Lasting Results

How to Build Healthy Habits That Stick: Small Changes for Lasting Results

Written by Founder, Amir Karam MD

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Building healthy habits doesn’t require a massive lifestyle overhaul. In fact, the most impactful habits often begin with small, manageable changes that you can easily incorporate into your current routine. 

By starting with small daily changes and staying consistent, you will eventually create habits that align with your goals and lifestyle. Ultimately, these habits will transform from simple actions into lasting routines that lead to meaningful, transformative results.

Since I'm focused on providing a holistic view of skin health, I wanted to share some proven tips to help you seamlessly build new healthy habits into your daily routine.

These practical strategies are designed to make habit-building simple and sustainable, helping you create routines that not only benefit your skin but also enhance your overall health and wellness.

Healthy Habits Made Simple: 10 Tips to Transform Your Life 

01.

Stack Your Habits

When you attach a new habit to an existing one, it becomes easier to remember and more natural to implement. This technique works because you’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on something you already do without much thought.

While waiting for your coffee to brew in the morning, drink a glass of water to stay hydrated, or use that time to do a quick stretch to kickstart your day with movement. Personally, I find doing my workout routine immediately upon waking up makes it automatic and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. By pairing new habits with something you’re already doing on autopilot, you create a flow that feels effortless and sustainable. 

Skincare tipBrushing your teeth is something you already do consistently, so attach your Trifecta routine to the end of it. This way, it becomes a natural part of your morning and evening routine. 

Alternatively, you can incorporate your cleansing step into your shower and, once you’re out, apply your remaining skincare steps immediately while your skin is still damp, completing your routine seamlessly alongside your shower.

02.

Set a Visible Cue

Our brains rely heavily on visual cues to trigger actions. When you place reminders in plain sight, they serve as a nudge to take action. Out of sight, out of mind—so keep the things that support your habit visible and accessible.

Place a fruit bowl on your kitchen counter or pre-cut fruits and store them at eye level in your fridge to make healthy snacking more convenient and enticing. Similarly, leaving a reusable water bottle on your desk serves as a gentle reminder to stay hydrated throughout the day. Small changes in your environment can have a big impact on building consistent habits.

Skincare tip: Keep your Trifecta products in a visible spot on your bathroom counter or shelf. For sunscreen, place it next to your makeup bag so you remember to put it on before, or next to your keys so you make sure to apply before you head out.

03.

Use the Two-Minute Rule

Starting is often the hardest part of any habit. The two-minute rule helps overcome procrastination by making the habit so simple that it feels easy to begin. Once you start, you’re more likely to keep going.

If you're trying to incorporate exercise into your day, start by simply putting on your workout shoes and stretching for two minutes. Oftentimes, taking that small, intentional step not only makes the habit feel less daunting, but will inspire you to continue and do even more. Small beginnings can lead to bigger actions over time.

Skincare tip: Look for a routine that has fewer steps. This was one of the driving forces behind Trifecta’s streamlined system. Your entire routine can be done in just two minutes, which makes skincare more manageable and approachable, becoming something you look forward to every day, rather than something you avoid.

04.

Make It Enjoyable

When a habit feels like a chore, it’s harder to stick with it. By pairing it with something you enjoy or creating a pleasant experience around it, you make the habit something you actually look forward to.

I make my stretching more enjoyable by pairing it with my evening TV show. If you’re trying to cook more at home, make the experience fun by meal prepping with music or a favorite podcast. For drinking more water, treat yourself to a new reusable water bottle or infuse your water with fresh fruits and herbs to create a refreshing, spa-like experience. These small touches can make healthy habits feel more rewarding and exciting.

Skincare tip: Turn your routine into a self-care ritual. Light a relaxing candle, play soothing music, or use this time to listen to an audiobook or podcast you love. Enjoy the luxurious feel of your products as you apply them—treat it as a small act of pampering in your day.

05.

Tie It to an Emotional Reason

Habits are more likely to stick when they’re connected to a deeper purpose or personal value. Instead of focusing solely on the action, think about why it matters to you.

Perhaps you’re preparing for a big event and want to look and feel your best. Or maybe you’re choosing healthier meals because you want the energy to keep up with your loved ones or pursue hobbies you’re passionate about. By anchoring your habits to these personal goals, they become not just tasks, but acts of intention and care. 

Skincare tip: Remind yourself, “I’m doing this routine because I want to feel confident and radiant in my skin.” Or, “Taking care of my skin is my way of investing in myself and my future.”

06.

Track Your Progress

Visualizing progress helps you stay motivated, especially when the results of a habit may not be immediately obvious. Tracking progress reinforces consistency and gives you a reason to celebrate small wins.

Use a habit-tracking app or calendar to record milestones, like the number of days in a row you have stuck to a goal, record of your daily steps, or keep a journal of your healthy meals prepared. A simple checklist can remind you of your progress and motivate you to keep going.

Skincare tip: Take before-and-after photos every 30 days. While changes like fewer fine lines or brighter skin can be gradual, seeing side-by-side comparisons will keep you inspired. Use the habit tracker in your welcome booklet to keep track of your continuous streak of daily Trifecta use.

07.

Organize Your Environment for Success

Your environment greatly influences your behavior. When you design a space that supports your habits, it removes barriers and makes it easier to follow through.

I set up a small home gym, which motivates me to get in there and stay active daily. Designate different spaces in your home to support your routines: maybe a “work-ready” zone with only the essentials to minimize distractions; or a quiet, cozy corner that you transform into an intentional space for yoga, meditation, reading, or journaling. A well-designed space invites you to stay committed to your routines.

Skincare tip: Keep your products organized together with a tray, basket, or placed on a shelf. Add things to that space to support self-care and unwinding. Avoid bathroom clutter, which can make your routine feel chaotic. For sunscreen, place a bottle by your door, in your car, or in your bag so it’s close by when you’re in the sun.

08.

Start with Keystone Habits

Keystone habits are actions that trigger a positive ripple effect, improving other areas of your life. They’re high-impact habits that lay the foundation for lasting change.

Regular exercise is a powerful keystone habit that enhances sleep quality, energy levels, and encourages healthier eating habits. Start small, such as a 15-minute daily walk or a quick home workout, and gradually build from there. Over time, this simple habit can evolve into a full fitness routine, strengthening your body and mind while boosting your mood, productivity, and even improving your skin health through better circulation and reduced stress.

Skincare tip: Establishing a successful skincare routine that includes cleansing, treating with actives, and protecting your skin can lead to a healthier, glowing complexion that inspires confidence in other areas of life.

09. 

Overcome Plateaus

Progress isn’t always linear; it often slows or stalls over time, but staying consistent and celebrating small wins can help you push through plateaus. The key is to focus on the process rather than just the outcome.

If weight loss or strength-building goals plateau, celebrate non-scale victories like more energy, endurance, or improved posture. And, don’t be afraid to try something new, like a dance class, yoga, or a wellness practice like cold plunge to keep things exciting.

Skincare tip: If progress feels slow, focus on incremental improvements, like smoother texture or fewer breakouts. Once your skin has acclimated to your routine, experiment with adding exfoliation or trying a new in-office treatment to re-accelerate results.

10.

See Yourself as Someone Who Prioritizes Your Goal

The way you see yourself shapes your behavior. By identifying as someone who values self-care, health, and wellness, you reinforce actions that align with that identity.

Remind yourself, “I’m someone who values health and well-being, so I prioritize nutritious meals and regular activity.” This identity will motivate your actions and help you stay committed.

Skincare tip: Think, “I’m someone who takes care of my skin because it’s part of how I care for myself.” Let this mindset guide you to stay consistent with your routine.


Healthy Habits Start Here

Building healthy habits isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up for yourself consistently. 

Small, intentional actions—whether it’s committing to a simple skincare routine, drinking more water, eating nutrient-dense foods, or finding time for exercise–each habit can lead to transformative results over time.

With the KaramMD Trifecta, building a skincare routine in your daily life has never been easier. 

Trifecta simplifies skincare, seamlessly fitting into your daily routine. In just under two minutes each morning and evening, it delivers clinically-tested, proven results, which means as you track your skin’s progress over the initial 30, 60, and 90 days of consistent use, you’ll feel motivated to keep going. With only three products, Trifecta not only declutters your countertops but also encourages a sense of simplicity and focus as you begin to build this new habit.

The ease of incorporating Trifecta into your life may even inspire you to elevate your approach to skin health. You might find yourself focusing more on eating foods that support your body’s natural collagen production, starting a fitness routine to boost circulation and skin detoxification.

Trifecta can serve as a keystone habit, helping you achieve goals across multiple areas of your life, because when you look good, you feel good—and that positive energy can transform your entire lifestyle.

By following these tips for building healthier daily habits you’re investing in your future self and cultivating a lifestyle that reflects confidence, vitality, and well-being.

Start today with one habit; stay consistent using these tips, and celebrate every step forward. Over time, you’ll look back and see how these habits have transformed not just your skin, but your life.

Amir Karam MD

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Founder / Creator of KaramMD Skin

Dr. Amir Karam is a renowned facial cosmetic surgeon and an authority in his field. With over two decades of experience helping patients achieve a younger, refreshed appearance. In addition to surgical procedures that sculpt a youthfully-defined facial shape, Dr. Karam takes the quality of the skin into account.

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