How to Protect Your Dry Skin During the Winter
Dry, cold winter weather is no good for your skin. It gets worse if you naturally have dry or sensitive skin - because those skin types are more likely to become dehydrated.
Dry skin has a greater potential for developing wrinkles and fine lines. That's because you need plenty of moisture to keep you face looking youthful and fresh.
But how can you do that when the temperature is dropping, the humidity is around 0%, and there’s no sight of spring for months to come?
No worries. Just use these winter skincare tips. Because your skin deserves some protection from Old Man Winter.
Why Cold Air Dehydrates Skin
Your body naturally produces oil (called sebum) to protect the skin and lock in hydration. But during the winter, the cold, dry air is hard on your skin and can cause significant moisture loss. That leaves you feeling itchy, flakey, and all around nasty.
It’s not just your skin. Your lips (and their thin, sensitive skin) are especially vulnerable to the cold weather. So your hydration game has to be strong to save your lips from getting cracked, split, and chapped.
Use a Gentle Face Wash
Traditional soaps contain harsh detergents that leech moisture from your skin. That means they’re never a good choice - but during winter, switching to a better option is even more important.
Use a gentle face wash for men to cleanse your skin without stripping away natural oils and moisture. Ingredients like olive oil, activated charcoal, and tea tree oil will get you clean and fresh without over-drying.
And don't worry about working up a heavy lather. Gentle face washes may not lather at all, but that doesn't mean they're not working. It's just a result of their skin friendly formulas.
Step Up Your Anti-Aging Efforts
The aging process goes into overdrive when you’ve got dehydrated skin. Don't let the cold winter air age you faster than normal.
Each night before you go to bed, apply an anti-aging cream for men. Make sure it’s a natural formula that uses ingredients like hyaluronic acid and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) to maximize hydration.
Using your anti-aging cream before bed allows it to penetrate deep into your skin overnight. That works with your body's natural restorative processes to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
Moisturize Each Morning
You’re already washing your face each morning before you head out, right? (We really hope so.)
But don’t leave your skincare routine at just a simple wash - step it up with face serum and moisturizer.
After washing, apply a daytime face serum for men designed to boost collagen production and hydrate deep skin tissue.
Once your serum has absorbed, use a face moisturizer for men. This should be a daily habit all year long, but it’s of critical importance during the winter.
Hydration Beyond Your Face
Sure, you want your money-maker to look 100% all winter long. But don’t ignore your other parts that can get dry, flakey, and itchy during the cold season.
Lips. Apply natural lip balm daily to protect your fragile lips from the harsh weather. Because chapped, cracked lips feel terrible and look even worse.
Hands. Just like your lips, your hands can get chapped and cracked when exposed to winter conditions. Use a hydrating hand cream throughout the day to keep your hands hydrated, tight, and safe from the weather.
Body. Dry skin happens. Everywhere. Treat and prevent it with a hydrating men's body lotion. For the best results, use it after you dry off post-shower. That will prevent excessive moisture loss caused by spending too much time under the hot water. (A lukewarm shower is best- especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.)
Enjoy the Winter, Look Your Best
Nothing against winter, it’s a beautiful season. But the weather is hard on your skin. So go on the offensive - use these tips to stay hydrated and prevent dryness, itchiness, other common irritation.