The winter months may inspire time spent outdoors – pitting a man’s skin and hair against frigid winds and chilling temperatures. With the ups and downs of the winter season, a guy’s skin and hair is isn’t always as tough as he thinks it is, so take advantage of these cold weather tips.
When it comes to winter skin and hair care, it’s important for men to tweak their typical regimen to adapt to colder weather and harsher elements. So to lend a helpful, healthy hand to your skin care routine, here are five products to add to your skin and hair care toolkit.
1. Body moisturizer: Although it might be tempting to grab whatever lotion is lying around the house, it’s important to realize that men’s skin is physiologically different from women’s. Dr. Monica Carezani-Gavin tells Men’s Health to find “ a moisturizer with single lipids and ceramides - two natural moisturizers we have in our skin.” Rub it on in the morning and at night after cleansing. And for hands that are rough from long days of paperwork or wood chopping, grab a product just for those leathery mitts.
- Product pick: Try Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer, which comes in a handy 3 oz. travel size or stay-at-home 16 oz. size. It’s rich and non-greasy, made with vitamins A and E to condition your skin and rice bran oil to moisturize.
2. Lip balm: Any guy that’s had chapped, cracked lips has to admit that lip balm isn’t just for women. And they don’t just come in flavors like strawberry and piña colada. There are plenty of guy-friendly lip products that’ll layer his pucker with lasting protection.
3. Moisturizing shaving cream: To maintain a soft and supple complexion,skip shaving creams that include alcohol as these can dry out skin. Instead, look for lubricating emollients like: jojoba oil, mineral oil, palm oil, coconut oil, shea butter, lanolin, glycerin, petrolatum, sorbitol and urea. According to Discovery Health, “ oils are a great way to replenish your skin’s natural moisture barrier, whether it comes from natural or petroleum-based ingredients.”
- Product pick: Alba Botanica Moisturizing Cream Shave boasts aloe vera, jojoba oil, vegetable emulsifying wax and vitamin E blended in the form of a hydro-active gel. This skin-friendly shaving cream boosts absorption the water to maintain hydration while lifting and softening stubble for a smooth shave with fewer nicks and less irritation.
4. Face moisturizer with sunscreen: It’s hard to find a guy that doesn’t appreciate a multi-tasking product. By using a two-in-one moisturizer that hydrates and defends against the sun’s damaging rays with UVA and UVB rays, he’ll save time and money while improving his skin. And for all of the outdoor enthusiasts, remember that even during winter it’s important to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Just because you don’t feel the heat doesn’t mean you can’t get burned. WebMD says that snow reflects 80% of the sun’s rays back onto our skin, while sand and water reflect less than 20% back.
5. Hair conditioner: Even hair takes a hit during the cold months. Dermatologist David Colbert suggests to Men’s Health that guys should pick up a conditioner with panthenol to protect, condition and hydrate the sensitive hair shaft.
- Product pick: MALIN+GOETZ’s conditioner that has cilantro and panthenol to protect his hair during even the harshest cold weather conditions.
Other cold weather tips for healthy skin and hair
Enough about shopping, men. Protect and preserve your skin this winter with the following tips:
- Shower smart. Stay away from long, hot showers that can strip away the natural oils that help your skin stay hydrated. Be wary of how many antibacterial wipes and gels you use because they contain alcohol that’ll exacerbate dry skin.
- Eat right. WebMD says eat more omega-3 foods like flax, fish (try salmon, halibut and sardines), walnuts and safflower oil. These foods are rich in fatty acids that “help fortify your skin’s natural oil-retaining barriers.”
- Get a humidifier. An inexpensive humidifier infuses dry indoor air with moisture to help keep your skin hydrated. If your indoor air is especially dry, consider buying a unit for both your bedroom and the living room.
- Take care of your feet. Dry skin can lead to painful, cracked heels. And if you get calluses on your heels, it can lead to an infection or make walking painful. To prevent this, cover your feet in petroleum jelly, plastic wrap and then socks. Wear this overnight, and you should see results in three nights.
- Use a facial cleanser, not soap. Even in the shower, soap can dry out and irritate a guy’s complexion. Use a soap-free facial cleanser – and never a standard old bar of soap!
- Moisturize when moist. One smart strategy that WebMD recommends is to moisturize while your skin is moist, like right when you hop out of the shower. They also give the tip to pat your skin with a towel, leaving it damp. Then “apply a moisturizer within three to five minutes after to lock moisture in your skin.”
Handsome, healthy hair and skin
Guys – especially the outdoorsy types – are especially vulnerable to the harsh effects that cold temperatures and bitter winds can have on the skin and hair. With these simple strategies, he can tweak his routine to maintain a handsome, healthy look from head to toe this winter season.
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See also:
Beyond Basic Skin Care: Lifestyle Tips for Beautiful Skin
Office Skincare for Men: 5 Tips for Confidence and Success
A Man's Guide to a Perfectly Shaved Head
ZIRH Review: Luxury Skin Care for Men