MASSTIGE TIME

When the weather turns chilly, our skin is often the first to show the effects of the seasonal shift. One day, you may notice visible flakes; the next, your T-zone may appear oily. Skin that once seemed simply dry can begin to exhibit both dryness and excess oil at the same time. In colder weather, the skin barrier is easily compromised, affecting both dead skin cell buildup and sebum production.

Cold outdoor air quickly strips moisture from the stratum corneum, while heated indoor environments accelerate the loss of the skin’s natural lipid barrier. As the skin barrier weakens, the normal exfoliation cycle is disrupted, causing dead skin cells to build up and the skin to appear flaky. This is the primary reason flakiness tends to increase with temperature changes.

The skin’s response doesn’t stop at dryness. When the barrier is compromised and moisture levels drop, the skin perceives this as a form of stress. In response, sebum production may actually increase in some individuals. This “compensatory response” results in what’s often described as dehydrated oily skin—where the surface appears shiny, but the skin feels tight underneath. That’s why your T-zone may look greasy or breakouts may occur around the chin, even in cold weather. Ultimately, damage to the skin barrier disrupts the balance between dead skin cells and sebum, leading to both flakiness and excess oil at the same time.

This imbalance between sebum and dead skin cells ultimately leads to skin concerns. When excess dead skin accumulates and clogs pores, the sebum trapped beneath can oxidize or trigger inflammation, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. Ultimately, the root cause is not simply “dryness,” but the breakdown of the skin barrier caused by dryness—and the chain reaction it sets off, including the buildup of dead skin cells, excess sebum, and subsequent breakouts.

As we’ve seen, skin can feel dry while still producing excess sebum and accumulating dead skin cells. This is a natural response as the skin tries to protect itself. Therefore, a gentle cleansing routine that maintains moisture while removing excess sebum and dead skin cells is essential. Let’s explore the ideal cleansing and moisturizing methods for dry weather—and put them into practice with Atomy skincare to help restore balance and leave dry, troubled skin behind.

Atomy offers a wide range of moisturizing cleansers, so explore the options and choose the one that best suits your needs. To lock in hydration immediately after cleansing, use Atomy 3-Seconds Beauty Water to help prevent even a brief feeling of dryness.

Pairing Atomy face oils with your moisturizing skincare routine helps lock in hydration and keep your skin moisturized for longer.

Atomy offers a variety of hydrating masks that not only moisturize the skin but also help improve elasticity and brighten the skin. With regular use, they can help strengthen the skin barrier and maintain lasting hydration, leaving your skin healthy, smooth, and supple.

Dry skin doesn’t simply resolve with the change of seasons. How you care for your skin in one season can affect its condition in the next. By paying attention to the signals from your skin—such as dryness and excess oil—and sticking to the basics of protecting the skin barrier, you can help restore and maintain a healthy balance.

Source: Prof.Kyong-Chan Park, Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital –“Goodbye to Dry Skin: Cleansing and Moisturizing"