Our skin has three layers that require a sufficient amount of moisture to function correctly. When the skin lacks moisture typically stems from dryness and flaking. Without the right amount of moisture, our skin can neither protect itself from harm nor repair itself when injured in the way it is meant to be.
We get it. You are a busy man who might not think he has the time to adjust his skin care routine. Trust us when we say that it is easier to make an effort to care for your skin during the winter than it is to heal your skin from the effects of an unprotected winter.
An important aspect of being a Made Man is having self-discipline and being self-reliant enough to apply good habits that benefit your health and appearance.
Going out of your way to combat the dryness that accompanies the winter season is a prime example of whether you have the ambition to be your best self year-round.
During the cold winter months, the skin tends to become drier and flakier. This is due to several factors, which include:
- Extreme cold weather
- Harsh winds
- Low humidity levels.
If precautions are not taken, you may experience less radiant-looking skin lacking in moisture.
Luckily, a change in weather is no match for any man willing to prioritize self-care. Making the time to take care of yourself and your skin may feel unnatural, especially if this habit was not instilled in you from a young age, just as it was not for most men, but MadeMan is here to help.
Common Symptoms of Dry Skin
While certain individuals have skin conditions that make their dry skin a life-long affliction, others will temporarily experience dry skin. There are ways to manage your skin’s health in both instances, but the first step is identifying whether dry skin is your issue.
Symptoms of dry skin can vary depending on factors like age or the environment in which you live, but one of the most common signs is a rough texture.
The skin may feel tight, particularly after being exposed to water, as well as itchy. Your skin may also feel raw and, due to irritation, can undergo a stinging sensation. Visibly, dry skin can present itself in the form of redness and flakiness.
The scaliness of your dry skin may result in fine lines and cracking. In extreme scenarios, these cracks can form deeply on the skin and cause bleeding to occur.
Avoiding Dry Skin in the Winter
There are different means of avoiding dry skin during the wintertime. Taking preventative action and making some simple adjustments to your skincare routine is key!
You do not need to experience the irritating symptoms of dry skin. By taking action to protect and boost your skin’s health, you can avoid dryness altogether during even the coldest months. If you’re dealing with problem spots like dry feet, elbows, and lips, petroleum jelly can help.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential, even in the winter when the days are shorter and less visible sunlight.
Regardless of the season, ultraviolet light can negatively impact your skin’s moisture barrier. When your moisture barrier is harmed, your skin’s health and hydration will be affected. This will contribute to your skin becoming drier.
Sunscreen is meant to protect your skin from sun damage and other potential issues caused by medical conditions. Unprotected exposure to sunscreen can result in dark spots, dryness, and roughness. It is essential to apply sunscreen every morning, even on overcast days, or when staying indoors to avoid these effects.
It does not matter whether you opt for a physical or chemical sunscreen, but make sure that the product you are using has an SPF of at least 30 and is broad-spectrum to ensure that you are well protected from UVA and UVB rays.
Humidifier
Having moisture in the air is important for having natural moisturizing agents to prevent and treat dry skin. For most places during the winter season, the air is cold and lacks humidity. These environmental changes can reduce sebum production and cause the skin to become dry.
Investing in a humidifier to keep around can help to add moisture back into the air. The moisture that gets released by your humidifier will improve your skin quality and prevent those annoying dry and itch symptoms that typically accompany dry air.
Additionally, when there is little moisture in the air, like on a frigid winter day or when your heater is turned all the way up at home, the air will draw moisture from other sources. Having a humidifier will prevent the air from drawing and evaporating moisture from your skin.
Lukewarm Water
On the topic of heat, water can influence how dry your skin gets. While very comforting during the coldest season of the year, hot water can sometimes strip away your natural oils. These oils are essential for keeping your skin well-nourished.
Instead of taking long baths or hot showers, use lukewarm water instead. While lukewarm water can also strip away natural oils, it does so at a slower pace than hot water and will prevent you from developing hypothermia from cold winter days. Don’t forget to dry your skin dry with a soft towel.
Hydration
Staying well hydrated during the winter can also help to maintain your skin’s health. This can be done internally through both foods and fluids. In terms of fluids, it is recommended that a man drinks at least 8 cups of water a day. As for food, you can consume foods high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to help your body produce healthy skin cells.
By increasing your omega-3 intake, the nutrients can help to regulate and improve your body’s hydration. Foods generally high in omega-3 fatty acids include nuts and seeds, plant oils, fortified foods, and seafood. You can also choose to take omega-3 supplements like fish oil.
Routine Adjustments
Making even minor alterations to your skincare routine during the winter can have major positive effects.
Using the right skin care products and changing some habits can save your skin from becoming dry. It is not necessary for you to apply all of these tips, but rather to use the ones that would best suit you and your skin situation.
One of the easiest changes that you can make to your skin care regimen during the winter is cutting down on how many steps you follow.
If the cold winter air is causing your skin to become irritated, simplifying your skincare routine may be necessary for avoiding further irritation and maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier. Sometimes men can benefit from simple skin care.
If you decide that toning down your routine would benefit your skin but are unsure what to cut out, consider starting with alcohol and fragrance-free products. They are more likely to act as irritants on dry winter skin.
Cut Down On Exfoliating.
Exfoliation is used to remove dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria build-up from the surface of your skin. While it helps keep the skin smooth and vibrant, it can cause harm if overdone.
Suppose you have noticed your skin showing signs of being affected by the winter, such as by cracking or becoming irritated. In that case, it is safest to avoid exfoliation until your skin has healed.
If you must apply an exfoliant upon your dry skin, only use a gentle chemical exfoliant to prevent breaking down the moisture barrier.
Cleanse Gently
Cleansing your skin every day is not up for debate and cannot be removed from your skincare routine. You can, however, fulfill the needs of your sensitive skin by using a gentle cleanser.
We recommend The Resetter from The Re(Set) Collection.
The Resetter provides you with a deep cleaning that is gentle and non-irritating. Part of what ensures that this product will not irritate your skin is that it is not filled with harsh chemicals in the way that most others are. Instead, it is water-based and made with natural ingredients that leave your skin refreshed and your moisture barrier undamaged.
Moisturize Often
From shea butter cream to vaseline and lotion, moisturizer should be applied any time you have used a cleanser, but especially in the winter. The cleanser is necessary for keeping your skin clean and ridding the skin’s surface of dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
However, every time you wash, there is a chance that you are removing natural oils from your skin. One of the essential functions of these natural oils is to lock in moisture.
We recommend The Refresher, which uses complex nutrients and an antioxidant blend to restore and repair even sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Changes in the environment can act as the catalyst for changes in our skin’s health. The wintertime is a prime example of this. The cold air, low humidity, and increased use of heaters can all contribute to our skin getting dried out.
Thankfully, with a bit of self-discipline and effort, every man can enjoy their winter without having to endure the unwanted symptoms of dry skin.
Sources:
Mechanisms and Management of Itch in Dry Skin | PubMed
Sunscreen Application, Safety, and Sun Protection: The Evidence | PubMed
