Issy Hamilton

Our palms actually lack sebaceous glands that produce oil to keep them hydrated, says board-certified dermatologist Alexis Granite, MD.

I found a trip to see the consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite to be a game-changing investment that soothed both skin and mind (the late-night Google image searches were getting out of hand).

“Common triggers include a compromised skin barrier, environmental stressors such as UV exposure, cold or heat, friction, over-exfoliation, harsh ingredients, allergies and underlying inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea.”

I also reached out to top dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite to find out more about dry skin and how to recognise if you might have it. Keep scrolling for everything I want you to know.

In short: “Choosing between them depends on whether you’re seeking light-based cellular benefits or heat-based systemic effects,” explains Alexis Granite, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd.

With an understanding of the dermis that’s far more than skin deep, consultant dermatologist Granite has always been ahead of the curve.

“Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up a large part of the skin barrier,” says dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite.

As Dr. Alexis Granite, MD, explains, “Cold outdoor air combined with dry indoor heat increases transepidermal water loss and weakens the skin barrier, leaving skin feeling tighter, drier, and more reactive.”

Dr Alexis Granite predicts that “we’ll see face-level innovation applied to the body to optimise skin function and resilience long-term. Skin longevity will become as relevant for the body as for the face.”

We’ve got the lowdown on the powerhouse ingredient below, with expert insight from Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd.

“2026 will see a continued focus on the skin barrier. We’ll see wider usage of postbiotic and microbiome-derived ingredients, like fermented mosses.” Dr Alexis Granite.

But if you want to know what Dr Granite would recommend to those starting out on a retinoid journey, it’s CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Retinol.

“The worlds of aesthetics, wellness, and longevity continue to merge and we will see a further emphasis on regenerative skin health,” says Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd.

“Biafine is a fantastic healing emulsion that has been recommended by dermatologists for many years,” says Alexis Granite

“There is mounting scientific evidence that skin health overall is intimately linked with total body health and skin that is aged or damaged has been shown to produce chemicals that trigger systemic inflammation on the entire body,” says Dr Alexis Granite.

For that, there’s only one thing for it – a visit to Dr Alexis Granite, one of London’s best aestheticians.

For that, there’s only one thing for it – a visit to Dr Alexis Granite, one of London’s best aestheticians.

“Look for gentle, non-abrasive exfoliants combined with nourishing emollients,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite.

Ceramide-rich skincare, which can reinforce our skin barrier, reducing moisture loss, improving hydration and softening lines. Below, Dr Alexis Granite – a world-renowned expert in medical and aesthetic dermatology – explains how.

Dr Alexis is renowned for her lasers, peels and injectables, but after explaining my concerns, she suggested starting with tiny amounts of Botox to lift my brows slightly.