The first official day of winter (in the northern hemisphere) this year is December 21st. But, if you live in many parts of the world, you’re already noticing cooler temperatures, dryer air, and a need to turn on the central heating.
Winter isn’t just harsh for the environment - it’s also tough on your skin! And, if you want to keep a clear, hydrated complexion, you’ll need to switch up your men's skincare routine accordingly.
Here’s what you should know.
Factors that Affect the Skin in Winter
During winter, there are a lot of external conditions at play, including:
- Chilly climate
- Layered clothing
- Central heating
- Dramatic temperature changes
- Hot showers
This all contributes to trans-epidermal water loss and skin dehydration. This is different from skin dryness -- which is caused by a lack of sebum or skin oils -- because skin dehydration is all about lack of water in the outer layer of the skin.
And this lack of water can lead to all the winter skin woes you may have experienced, including:
- Skin sensitivity
- Cracked lips
- Dryness or flaking
- Tightness
Ingredients and Changes to Combat Your Winter Skin Woes
Luckily, this isn’t inevitable. - and there are many skincare ingredients you can incorporate and lifestyle changes you can make to get your skin wintertime ready.
First Thing’s First: Ingredients That Work
To combat dry winter skin you need moisture. Effective moisturizers include a combination of emollient, occlusive, and humectant ingredients. Additionally, you’ll want to incorporate exfoliants to gently slough away dry skin and antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Some of the most effective of these ingredients include:
Hyaluronic Acid
This is a powerful humectant found naturally in your skin that effectively draws in water from its environment. It's an essential ingredient in natural anti-aging cream for men.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a fat, or lipid, that is extracted from African shea tree nuts. It’s ultra-rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, all of which make it a great skincare ingredient for winter.
As an emollient, it creates a moisture-sealing barrier that locks in hydration for several hours. It also contains fatty acids like stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids, all of which strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. All of these benefits make it another critical ingredient in the best anti-aging products for men.
Jojoba Oil
Finally, you’ll want a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil like jojoba oil. It has a composition quite similar to your natural sebum (97% the same). That allows it to naturally seal in moisture, prevent irritation, and deliver healing vitamins and nutrients. It's one of the most powerful ingredients in a lightweight daily face moisturizer for men.
Vitamins C & E
These powerhouse antioxidants work to brighten the skin, correct hyperpigmentation, fight free radicals, diminish fine lines, accelerate collagen synthesis, and protect your skin against anything drying, stripping, or irritating.
Translation? They’re a must-have part of your winter skincare routine.
For an easy way to add these benefits to your skincare products, use a men's vitamin C booster.
Glycolic Acid
Widely considered to be the most effective alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid loosens the intracellular glue that holds your skin together and speeds along the skin shedding process. This cleans out pores, fades dark spots, and reveals a fresh new layer of skin - all of which are much needed in the winter months. Get the benefits with a men's face serum with glycolic acid.
Key Changes to Make to Your Winter Skincare Routine
Now that you know the ingredients to look for, there are a few changes worth making to your winter skincare routine.
Opt For A Heavier Moisturizer
If you’re using a light moisturizer or a gel, this is the time to switch over to a heavier, non-comedogenic formula. We recommend a men's anti-aging cream with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, vitamin E, and jojoba oil.
Shorten Your Showers
Don't skip your hot showers altogether - it’s winter, after all, and the last thing anyone wants is a cold shower. But you should make your shower as short as possible to keep the hot water from stripping your skin.
Add a Few Steps to Your Routine
Make this three step routine a daily skincare habit: wash, apply serums, and moisturize. It’s the best way to make sure that your skin doesn’t wind up stripped and bare.
Ready to get started? Try this moisturizing winter skin routine for men.
