Nine Tips to Dealing With Winter Dry Skin

Winter is here

If you live in a cold climate, you don' t need me to remind you how much the winter weather can damage your skin.

Most men suffer dry and itchy skin due to cold weather. They see it on the ankles, face, forearms, and hands.

It's time to take action against the cold and provide protection for your skin during winter's hurrah.

Here are 9 tips that have proven to be effective in dealing with dry skin during winter.

If you incorporate this into your daily life, you will notice some significant changes in a short amount of time.

1️⃣ 1. Take Warm Showers (NOT Hot!)

Please note the key term used here is "warm" not hot showers.

Hot showers should be avoided in the winter as they strip the body of the essential oils needed to keep your body lubricated, which acts as a defense against cold temperatures.

Not only will your skin benefit from warm showers, your muscles can benefit from them as well.

In a 2009 study involving roughly 360 people who immersed themselves in lukewarm to cool water after training found many benefits.

Specifically, researchers found that 24-minute cycles in the water was effective in relieving sore muscles one to four days after exercise.

Turn down the temperature in your next shower for an easy win for your dry skin this winter.

2️⃣ 2. Take Fewer and Quicker Showers

One shower a day is ideal and your best bet would be to stick with this schedule.

If you live an active lifestyle consisting of sports and regular trips to the gym, you will obviously have to shower more often.

If this is the case, key the duration of the showers to a minimum The length of your showers actually acts the same as having a hot shower, stripping the essential oils from your skin leaving you dry and itchy.

3️⃣ 3. Use Gentle Soap

Soap can cause all sorts of havoc to your skin – especially in the winter.

A recent study by leading dermatologists detail how soap residue causes skin irritation that further compounds when you throw cold weather into the mix.

When you are looking to buy some soap at your local store, the first thing you are going to want to check out is the list of ingredients. Any soaps that have perfumes, antibacterial components or deodorants should raise some red flags.

Instead – look for soaps that have natural ingredients. A key tip is if you cannot pronounce the list of ingredients, it probably is not worth using on your body.

4️⃣ 4. Don't Use a Washcloth or Loofah

Most of us have been using a washcloth for our entire lives.

It makes you feel clean by literally it strips your top layer of skin off!. It also is one of the main causes of dry skin in men. Like most things on this list, the main factor here is that using a washcloth or loofah strips the oils from your skin leaving you at risk of dry and itchy skin during the winter time.

So no loofah or washcloth? What to use? Instead use your hands to wash your body.

It's a tried and true way & isn't so harsh on your skin!

5️⃣ 5. Only Wash the Key Areas of Your Body

We all like to be clean but sometimes things go a little overboard.

Washing yourself with soap too much can be damaging especially those who wash themselves more than one time a day.

Instead of washing every single body part with soap, focus in on the key areas such as your armpits, crotch area, and your feet.

In a nutshell, areas of your body that tend to sweat a lot are the areas that soap is advisable.

This will result in you still being clean without causing much-needed irritation due to soap residue. You will also be able to save a few bucks in the bank without the overuse of soap.

6️⃣ 6. Use Moisturizers for Dry Skin in Winter

There is a reason that men more than ever are incorporating a moisturizer to the skin care regime.

A new study from Mintel proves this fact.

Specifically, 58% of men aged 18-24 say they use a daily facial moisturizing product.

Statistics are even better for the 25-34 group as 63% use some form of facial cream.

During the winter, this is extra important as water, soap and cold weather all take a toll on your skin.

A moisturizer will combat these elements, seeping into your pores providing protection from the cold and revitalizing your skin's essential oils.

7️⃣ 7. Experiment With Products

There are hundreds of products on the market to protect your skin.

They range from creams to oils and each of them provide you with different strengths and weaknesses depending on your skin type.

Next time you are out shopping for some skin care products, pick a product and turn it over.

How quickly does the liquid reach the bottom? Look for a thicker liquid as this will act like a coating to your skin, providing protection.

Liquids that are too fluid mean they are highly diluted with water and won't provide much benefits in the cold weather.

8️⃣ 8. Use A Humidifier

Most of the tips we discussed so far had to do when you are in the bathroom.

Given that we spend more time outside of the bathroom than in (we hope at least!) this next one is pretty important. A humidifier is a great way to fight against dry air in your house.

You should look into getting at least one in your home or two if it spans over 1,600 square feet.

Ideally, your goal should be to have each room in your house range for 45%-55% moisture.

This will ensure dry air won't have an impact on your skin.

9️⃣ 9. Drink 8 Glasses Of Water

Quite possibly our favorite tip here at RMRS. You should aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

The point is, you want your body to use its natural moisturizers and replenish the essential oils you lose throughout the day. As an alternative, you can look into eating fruits and vegetables that have high water content such as cucumbers and celery.

The simple task of drinking water is often forgotten but can provide huge benefits if you take the effort to drink more of it.

In conclusion – taking care of your skin should be priority number one for men. Having healthy and supple skin will make you look better no matter what you wear.