dry skin, dry skin care Taking care of dry skin during colder winter months isn't easy. People with dry skin automatically switch for heavier moisturizers and cream cleansers which may soften the wrinkles and protect dry skin from the elements. People with dry sensitive skin switch to heavier products, too, but this often leads to clogged pores and bumpy, congested skin complexion. 

Why do we get dry skin in the first place? A loss of water or oil on the surface of the skin causes dry, itchy skin. While dry skin can develop at any time, dry skin is more common in the winter. Cold air outside and heated air inside cause low humidity, according to MedLine Plus.

That's why  using a thorough yet gentle cleanser, ideally with mild abrasive particles (almond meal, ground rice) or fruit acids, following with a plant-oil rich moisturizer that would seal the skin with non-comedogenic fatty acids to prevent water evaporating from your dry skin.

Here are some of the things to keep in mind as you adjust your dry skincare routine to colder weather:

1. Avoid alcohol in your skincare products. While organic alcohol is the only approved preservative in USDA certified organic skincare, many manufacturers of organic beauty products overdo it with alcohol, often making it the second most abundant ingredient after water. Result? Irritation, dehydration, eczema, plain itchiness. Your winter skincare products should be alcohol-free even if it means switching from your beloved label, at least for a while.

2. If your skin is prone to breakouts, heavy moisturizers with beeswax can clog pores and lead to clogged pores and even acne. Many plant ois can clog pores, too. Such oils include wheatgerm oil  and cocoa butter.

3. Consider applying a thin layer of a lightweight oil under your moisturizer or a foundation. Such oils should not clog pores. The aim is to keep your skin hydrated and protected without the use of water. You can make your own oil blend for the winter time by adding a few drops of rose, calendula, geranium, or tea tree essential oils to the base of grape seed, jojoba, or rice bran oil (10 drops of essential oil per ounce of base oil).

4. Exfoliate your skin regularly to make the moisturizer more effective and to also prevent tightness and dryness. Just for the winter time Petite Marie Organics introduced an all natural CLEANSING POWDER, a multipurpose exfoliant made according to the traditional English recipe. You can mix it with CLEANSING WATER, another winter-specific ultra-gentle low-foaming makeup remover and cleanser.

5. If you really must use a toner, consider switching to flower distillates. Melissa is great for sensitive skin, rose is perfect for all skin types, and geranium is excellent to tone oily skin and scalp. Look for floral waters that contain no alcohol, chemicals, or preservatives. With regular use, 100 ml floral water should last you a month, and then you can try another variety.

Use green beauty, and your skin will love you.