Your skin is your first line of defense, and it faces a surprising amount each day. Most of it is ordinary, which is exactly why it is easy to overlook. Here are the common stressors and what you can do about each one.

Dry indoor air

Heating and air conditioning lower indoor humidity. Dry air pulls moisture out of the skin’s surface, which can leave it tight, rough or flaky, especially in winter. A humidifier in the room where you spend the most time, and a moisturizer you use daily, can both help.

Hot water and long showers

Hot water feels good, but it can strip away the natural oils that help keep skin soft. Try warm rather than hot water, keep showers short, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Apply your body care within a few minutes of getting out, while your skin is still damp.

Harsh cleansers

Strongly foaming or heavily fragranced cleansers can leave skin feeling squeaky, which is usually a sign that too much oil has been removed. Gentler, low foam cleansers are usually kinder to the skin barrier.

Sun exposure

Ultraviolet light is one of the biggest outside influences on how skin looks and ages over time. Daily sunscreen, shade and protective clothing are the most effective habits here, and they matter even on cloudy days.

Pollution and grime

Particles in urban air settle on the skin, and researchers are studying how they affect it. For now, the practical advice is simple: cleanse gently at the end of the day so you are not sleeping with the day’s build up.

Cold, wind and seasonal change

Wind and low temperatures dry skin out quickly. Richer, more protective products like a butter are useful in colder months, and it helps to cover exposed skin when you can.

What about screens?

You may have heard that blue light from screens harms skin. The research here is still emerging, and the stronger evidence is for how evening light affects sleep, which in turn matters for skin. Turning screens down in the evening is good for both.