Dry skin can be uncomfortable. It feels tight and taut. It can get cracked and itchy. And it tends to be quite sensitive. No fun.
If you want to look and feel your best, you should be kind to your dry skin. That means keeping it hydrated, avoiding irritation whenever possible, and using gentle skincare products for men that won’t strip away your skin’s natural barrier.
Dry skin can be prone to early wrinkling and more pronounced fine lines. That’s because hydration is critical to keeping your skin full, smooth, and youthful. So the more you do now to treat your dry skin right, the more it will pay off years from now. Here’s how to do it.
Consider the Climate
Dry air conditions will only exacerbate your problem with dry skin. In the winter, cold dry air can leave your skin chapped, dry, cracked, and flaky. But the same can happen during the summer. Why?
While humid summer weather is easy on dry skin, you probably spend a lot of time indoors in the air conditioning when it’s hot out. Air conditioning systems often dehumidify the air. That’s tough on your dry skin - especially if you spend all day in an office or a similar climate controlled setting.
For people who live in hot, dry areas, skin hydration is a must. Desert conditions will sap your skin of all moisture, leaving it dull, sagging, and wrinkle prone.
If you live or work in a dry climate or building, consider investing in a humidifier. These devices replenish the air with moisture, resulting in less irritation for your dry skin.
How You Shower Matters
Long, hot showers are bad news for dry skin. Hot water can damage your skin’s natural barrier and reduce its ability to hold moisture. If you already have dry skin, that’s a recipe for disaster.
On top of that, many soaps and body washes contain harsh detergents that strip away your skin’s natural oils. That leaves your skin extra-dry after you take a shower.
You can combat these issues and make sure you’re shower isn’t a problem for your skin. Apply these two tips:
Take cooler showers. You don’t have to turn the water down to absolute zero. But going down to lukewarm water will make a significant difference for your skin.
Take shorter showers. The longer your hot shower is, the more it will contribute to drying out your skin.
Shower less often. Yes, you still need to shower. But if you’re one of those guys who tends to shower off 2-3 times a day, consider going down to just once. That will limit the dehydrating effects of hot water and harsh soaps.
Another smart move is to switch to gentle, hydrating shower products. A natural hair conditioner for men will keep your scalp soothed and hydrated, preventing flakes and itchiness. The same goes for a natural body wash for men - choose a product made with glycerin, jojoba, aloe vera, and other gentle ingredients.
Moisturize Everywhere, Often
If you’ve got dry skin, you need to use the best face moisturizer for men to keep your skin smooth, hydrated, and healthy. But you should go beyond just your face. Speaking of which, have you ever heard of jock itch? Use moisturizer to be kind to the skin you're in.
After you shower, use body lotion for men to replenish moisture all over. Focus on dry, irritation prone areas like your elbows and knees.
What about your hands? You may experience dryness all throughout the day, depending on what activities you have to engage in. So keep a bottle of the best hand cream for men with you just in case.
In all cases, be sure you’re using a lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a fragrance-free formula.
