How to Prevent Dry Skin During Cold Winter Weather

​Q: Why does oily skin become dehydrated & dry during winter seasonal changes?  

​Change of seasons can wreak havoc on the skin, no matter if it's dry, combination, or oily. How many times have you had an influx in breakouts during the shift from summer to fall, or from winter to spring? It’s a fairly common occurrence, but can be prevented by switching up a few steps in your skincare routine.

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​A: Cold winter weather leaches humidity from the atmosphere, which is why skin tends to feel dry and tight while you’re outdoors. To create a comfortable temperature, most indoor buildings have central heating, which also removes moisture from the air. You may notice that no matter where you spend most of your time during winter, your skin always feels dry – even if it’s prone to being oily. 

​As winter approaches, these skin care tips can help your complexion stay in balance:   ​

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#1 Rule: Be sure to moisturize, but use a product designed for your skin type.
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Nothing sends skin into a frenzy worse than disruption in moisture levels. If skin is deprived of moisture, it recognizes its need for hydration, and begins pumping out even more oil than usual. This translates to clogged pores, breakouts, and generally confused skin. It often feels dry & tight, but looks extra shiny. 

The majority of moisturizers on the market have a tendency to be overly emollient and thick. They rarely absorb fully into skin, leaving behind a sticky film that attracts environmental pollutants and prevents skin from feeling clean. What’s worse, they combine with foundation, forming a sticky mass that gets lodged inside of pores.  Hello breakouts!

Those with oily skin should always look for gel or serum moisturizers, which hydrate without  contributing to excess oil production. Mattify’s Incredi-Gel and Stop-Zit light weight moisturizers for oily skin and acne prone skin have been formulated especially for those who have had bad experiences with traditional moisturizing products. Their aloe gel base is saturated with essential oils and absorbs within seconds, sending the medicinal properties of these plant oils deep into pores, destroying acne bacteria and balancing oil production – without adding any shine to skin, or disrupting makeup application. ​

If oily skin has you dead-set against using any type moisturizer during the day, at least use a moisturizing mask 2x weekly, or apply a regular moisturizer overnight.

Try the RE:P Bio Fresh Herbal Mask by  Soko Glam. It contains all natural ingredients and provides a soothing dose of herbal moisture for irritated, acne prone skin. ​This way, you can hydrate, without having a layer of moisturizer on your skin all day. 

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Rule #2: Spot Treat! 

If you’re using chemical based acne treatments, spot-treat each breakout individually, rather than applying the product to your entire face. Why?  Most chemical acne products contain ingredients intended to dry out the breakout - so when they’re applied to your whole face, they can severely dehydrate skin, which leads to excess peeling and oil production.  During harsh weather, that's the last thing you need!

It's best to prevent acne in the first place. During your morning and/or evening routine, apply Mattify’s The Exfoliator in slow circular motions, to remove dead skin cells that can trap debris inside of pores.  Once the scrub has been rinsed away, use a face wash to which you've added Mattify’s Essential Oil Treatment for Acne Prone, Oily Skin. The plant-based ingredients in this additive help to balance oil production, rather than stripping skin of moisture, as some harsh soaps can do when used alone.  The formula also deters acne bacteria, so you end up with fewer breakouts. ​

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Following these simple steps can make all the difference between irritated breakout-prone winter skin, and fresh glowing skin! 

EXTRA TIP: To amp up your glow another notch, apply Mattify’s Powder Highlighter onto cupid’s bow, tip of nose, upper cheekbones, and under brows! ​