michaelboache

A new year is the perfect time to check in on your health, and your skin deserves a spot at the top of that list. Between winter weather, holiday stress, and changes in routines, January is one of the most important months to assess how your skin is really doing.

Whether you’re managing a chronic skin condition, noticing new changes, or simply want a professional reset, here’s how to know when it’s time to schedule a dermatology appointment.

Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Some skin changes are harmless, but others can signal something that deserves professional attention. Schedule a visit if you notice:

• New or changing moles, freckles, or spots
• A sore that won’t heal or keeps scabbing
• Persistent redness, itching, or irritation
• Sudden acne flare-ups, especially in adulthood
• Dry, cracked, or inflamed skin that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter products
• Changes in pigmentation, including dark patches or uneven tone

Early evaluation helps catch concerns before they become more serious, and often leads to easier, more effective treatment.

When to Book a Full Skin Exam

A full-body skin exam is one of the most important preventive tools in dermatology. It’s recommended once a year, or more often if you have risk factors such as:

• A personal or family history of skin cancer
• Extensive sun exposure or tanning history
• Fair skin or a large number of moles
• A weakened immune system

January is an ideal time to schedule your annual skin exam. It sets the tone for proactive care and ensures nothing is overlooked early in the year.

Why January Is the Ideal Time to Book

The start of the year offers several advantages when it comes to dermatology care:

• Better availability: Appointment schedules often fill quickly as the year progresses
• Fresh insurance benefits: Many deductibles reset in January
• Easier recovery time: Cooler weather is ideal for in-office treatments and procedures

Whether you’re focused on prevention, treatment, or aesthetic care, starting early gives you more flexibility and better results.

Your Skin Deserves Expert Care

If you’ve been putting off an appointment or noticing changes you’re unsure about, now is the time to schedule your January skin check. Schedule your appointment today and start the year with confidence in your skin.

The holidays are meant to be joyful, but for your skin, they can quietly bring a few challenges, especially when it comes to breakouts. From late nights to indulgent treats and travel stress, small seasonal shifts can add up to clogged pores and inflammation. 

The good news? You don’t have to give up the season to protect your skin. Here are five common holiday habits that can trigger acne, and what actually helps keep breakouts. 

1. Stress Overload 

Between packed schedules, travel plans, and end-of-year deadlines, stress levels tend to spike during the holidays. When stress hormones increase, your skin produces more oil, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. 

What Helps: 

• Prioritize short moments of stress relief, deep breathing, walking, or stretching 

• Stick to a simple, consistent skincare routine 

• If stress breakouts are recurring, professional treatments or prescription topicals may help regulate oil and inflammation 

2. Sugar-Heavy Indulgences 

Holiday desserts and sugary drinks are everywhere. High sugar intake can increase inflammation and trigger insulin spikes, both of which are linked to acne flare-ups. 

What Helps: 

• Balance sweets with protein and fiber to reduce blood sugar spikes 

• Stay hydrated to support skin barrier function 

• Maintain gentle exfoliation to keep pores clear (avoid over-scrubbing) 

3. Late Nights & Lack of Sleep 

Late nights and disrupted sleep schedules can throw off your body’s natural repair processes. When skin doesn’t have time to recover, inflammation and breakouts are more likely. 

What Helps: 

• Aim for consistent sleep, even during busy weeks 

• Cleanse thoroughly at night, no matter how tired you are 

• Use nighttime products that support skin repair, such as retinoids or barrier-strengthening moisturizers 

4. Travel & Environmental Changes 

Travel exposes your skin to dry airplane air, different climates, and unfamiliar water, all of which can disrupt your skin barrier and trigger breakouts. 

What Helps: 

• Bring your regular skincare products instead of switching brands 

• Focus on hydration with lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers 

• Avoid over-cleansing, which can worsen dryness and oil imbalance 

5. Heavy Makeup & Long Wear 

Holiday events often mean more makeup, and longer wear time. When makeup sits on the skin for hours, especially combined with sweat or oil, pores can become congested. 

What Helps: 

• Choose non-comedogenic makeup formulas 

• Remove makeup as soon as you’re home 

• Double-cleanse if needed to fully remove residue without stripping the skin 

When to Seek Professional Help 

If breakouts persist despite good habits, professional guidance can make a significant difference. Medical-grade skincare, prescription treatments, and in-office procedures can help calm inflammation, clear pores, and prevent future flares. 

Holiday acne doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong; it usually reflects small lifestyle shifts that add up. With mindful habits and the right skincare support, you can enjoy the season while keeping your skin clear, balanced, and healthy.

A common question is “when should I start Dysport or Botox, am I too young, or did I wait too long?” 

The truth is there’s no magic number. The right time to start neuromodulators depends on your unique skin, muscle movement, genetics, and lifestyle. Let’s separate facts from social media myths and help you understand how timing affects your results. 

What Are Neuromodulators? 

Neuromodulators like Dysport, Botox, Xeomin, and Daxxify are injectable treatments that relax targeted facial muscles to reduce wrinkles caused by repeated expressions, such as frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows. 

By softening those muscle contractions, neuromodulators smooth dynamic lines (the ones you see when you move) and can even help prevent them from becoming permanent static wrinkles. 

Why There’s No “Perfect Age” 

Every face and every wrinkle pattern is different. Some people naturally have stronger muscle movement, thinner skin, or more expressive habits, which means fine lines can appear earlier. 

Here’s what dermatologists generally agree on: 

• Under 25: Focus on prevention through daily sunscreen, consistent skincare, and hydration.  

• Mid-to-Late 20s: If you notice faint lines that stay after you stop making an expression (for example, forehead lines that linger), small “micro-doses” may help prevent deepening. 

• Early 30s: A popular time to begin regular treatments, often as preventative or prejuvenation. 

• 40s + : Treatments shift from prevention to correction, targeting more established wrinkles while maintaining natural expression. 

The “Preventative” Approach 

Preventative neuromodulator treatments aim to train facial muscles to contract less intensely, slowing the formation of permanent lines. It’s not about looking frozen; it’s about preserving smooth, natural movement. 

The benefits: 

• Softer expression lines over time 

• Lower doses needed for maintenance 

• More natural aging process 

When performed by an experienced provider, the goal is to still look like you, just more refreshed and rested. 

Factors That Influence When to Start 

Before starting, consider these five factors: 

• Muscle Movement — Strong frown or forehead lines may justify starting earlier. 

• Genetics — If your parents developed deeper lines early, you might, too. 

• Sun & Lifestyle — UV exposure, stress, and dehydration accelerate wrinkle formation. 

• Skin Quality — Thinner, drier skin tends to show creases sooner. 

• Personal Goals — Some patients prefer early prevention; others wait until lines appear. 

There isn’t one “correct age” to start; there’s just your right time. The ideal moment is when fine lines begin to linger at rest or when you’re ready to take a proactive step toward graceful, confident aging. 

When approached with expertise, neuromodulators are not about changing how you look; they’re about helping you look as good as you feel.