You have rough patches
Hardened skin can happen after too long in a dried-out state. “When skin gets dry or inflamed, it tries to protect itself by piling on extra layers of dead skin cells,” Dr Bowe says. “The outermost layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum, gets thicker and that makes the skin feel rough.” This piling up can also be a symptom of psoriasis, which speeds up the life cycle of skin cells.
You’re getting tiny little bumps
This is one of those skin conditions that look like acne but aren’t. Tiny white or flesh-coloured bumps called milia are caused by build-up from sun damage or harsh face products. “Milia are small cysts filled with a protein called keratin, and form as a result of the skin’s localised inability to exfoliate naturally,” Dr Bowe says. “To address milia, look for products that promote gentle exfoliation and cell turnover,” which may contain the ingredients glycolic acid or retinol. Also, remember to use sunscreen.
Your lips are thinning out
Collagen also affects the fullness of your lips, and as you lose it your lips may deflate. Before you head for an injection of lip fillers, try using a lip product with sunscreen to protect your pout. “Prevention of sun damage is the best thing people can do to reduce signs of ageing on the lips and around the mouth,” says dermatologist, Dr Madeline C. Krauss.
Here are some handy tips for year-round dry skin and chapped lips.