Is it really possible for a single pimple on my forehead to make my day so cold? This morning, I looked in the mirror and was completely taken aback. I knew my skin was sensitive because of winter, but I didn't expect it to be this noticeable. My commute home from work was already quiet because one of my wireless earbuds didn't work. Now, after 9 p.m., I'm washing my face and checking the pimple in the mirror again, and it's even a little painful. I'm the type who can't just ignore it, so I took a close look at my day and my recent lifestyle. The biggest culprit seems to be the indoor heater, which completely disrupted my skin's oil-water balance. Extreme dryness weakened my skin barrier, and that's when the breakouts came. Analyzing this, I realized I've been drinking significantly less water lately due to work, and the dust in my room, which I haven't ventilated much because of the cold, also played a role. Simply applying soothing cream isn't going to solve this; it's time to re-evaluate the little things in my routine. Starting tomorrow, I'll be diligent about using the humidifier, and after work, I'll be even more diligent than usual to create an environment where my skin can rest. While treatments are important, it's the at-home care that corrects these small habits that ultimately creates the most fundamental change. I'm curious to know how everyone is maintaining their skin condition in this harsh winter weather.