1. Your complexion feels bone dry.
No matter how much water you drink, the skin tends to be most dehydrated and fragile MAINLY during winter, due to cool temperatures outside, toasty heaters inside, and relatively low humidity. Brief, lukewarm baths and showers are less drying than long, hot ones. And dermatologists recommend a soak-and-smear approach: Pat the skin dry after bathing, and immediately smear on a rich, hydrating cream to sock and seal in moisture. You may also want to consider a bedroom humidifier – some people find that it improves their dryness. And if there’s a specific zone of your body that’s persistently flaky – such as your nose, forehead, ears, scalp – consider a visit with a dermatologist, who can check for skin conditions that can masquerade as dryness, such as eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis (what many people call dandruff), or even actinic keratoses (precancers of the skin that can feel like dry, scaly spots).
2. Your skin looks dull.
A natural build-up of old, dead cells on the skin’s surface can add roughness and texture and reduce light reflection off the skin, leading to a loss of radiance. Exfoliation once or twice a week can make a difference (but scrub too hard or too often, and you could leave your skin red, raw, irritated, or even scratched or traumatized). Other options include gentle face and body scrubs or brushes, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and home micro needling (sometimes called derma rollers). Or take a tip from your wise grandmother and realise that new products are not always necessary: You could just buff the skin by making small circles with a warm wet washcloth and a mild cleanser.
3. You’re breaking out.
Stress and a less-than-ideal diet could contribute to an uptick in blemishes. More and more people are turning to tea tree oil, which may help acne a bit – though this ingredient can cause skin allergies. When drugstore remedies are not enough or scars are forming, a dermatologist can tailor a prescription-strength regimen for your skin.
4. You’re noticing signs of age – and that’s a beautiful thing.
Why shouldn’t we wear with pride any well-earned fine lines that reflect a lifetime of smiles and experiences? Many effective treatments exist to address cosmetic concerns – including lasers, injectables, peels, treatments, and restorative creams. But the best gift you could give to your skin – regardless of your birth date – is consistent, everyday use of a sunscreen or moisturizer with broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ protection. We can’t stop ageing, but sun protection truly can turn back the skin’s clock, making it healthier, more youthful and radiant.
