Winter Skincare for Men: Combatting Dry and Cold Weather

Today I wanted to share with you some tips and product recommendations that will help you take good care of their skin during the harsh winter months. But Carl, I hear you say, I already have my skincare regime locked down. And also, you have so many different skincare regimes, why do I need a different skin care regime just for Winter? 

According to a recent article published on Intermountain Health,

“Cold temperatures and low humidity levels result in dry air that draws moisture away from the skin. Harsh winter winds and dry indoor heat can make the problem worse and lead to cracked and even bleeding skin.”

So it doesn't matter if your outside battling the elements, or inside next to your halogen lamp keeping your toes warm, your skin is going through the wringer. So I've done some more digging because I wanted to find a skincare range that would tackle these problems head on. Pun intended. 

Don't forget the SPF

Some of you may remember back in Sept 2022, I did an article on the importance of SPF, and how I discovered a new brand called Life Jacket Skin. What most people don't know, is that you don't just need the SPF moisturizer during your summer holidays. In fact, UV light reflecting off the snow can be equally detrimental to your skin, so ensure your moisturizer has an SPF of at least 30 if you're heading out in wintery conditions. 

The cold outside weakens the skin barrier, and so does dry skin. You might want to think about adding a serum to your routine. According to this recent article in Rolling Stone magazine, the Vichy Mineral 89 Face Serum goes beyond just moisturizing the skin, it boasts lofty claims of hydration as well as protection against free radicals. That article is compiled with input from world renowned dermatologists so it's well worth checking out. 

An easy one

An easy one that most people forget is that the skin can also be protected by your clothes. You can cover your face with a cashmere scarf so the fibres are not too scratchy on your cheeks, and you can also invest in a balaclava especially if you're braving the cold on a bike ride to work. Currently there are ones on King Apparel for £30, although personally I think they look a little threatening. But they are ideal no doubt for bike rides, or if you're simply outside alone working in the garden. 

Personally I prefer this GANT Knit Balaclava which is on discount at the time of writing, in their winter sale at £50. It's a bit more elegant and looks less like you're going to rob someone at the ATM. 

Thicker Moisturiser

Something else I found out that was also very interesting, is why you need thicker moisturiser for the Winter months. According to this article on Omorovicza,

“When the centigrade drops, your skin reacts by narrowing the blood vessels to protect the body and lock in warmth. Unfortunately, this natural process also reduces sebaceous gland secretion, which is what causes skin to dry out.”

This winter I'm swapping out some of the moisturisers that are a little thin, and opting for the more luxurious feeling ones. The ones that feel like you always put too much on, because it's so rich your skin can only absorb so much. I then try squeezing it back in the bottle, or running up my hands and forearms. We've all been there. 

Omorovicza suggest opting for products with moisture-binding humectants (such as hyaluronic acid) which draw water from deeper layers of the epidermis. And for that I always opt for CeraVe, on Amazon now for £13.60. I don't know if this is the best kept secret or not. By the amount of positive Amazon reviews it suggests the answer no. But for me this one of the biggest bargains on the internet when it comes to moisturiser. 

Little Secret

Allow me to let you into a little secret. I'm fortunate enough to have many skin care brands send me samples in exchange for a review of their products. Which I'm more than happy to do, especially they are startups. I know what it's like trying to get a brand off the ground with shoe-string budget, so when I review the products I do it honestly and objectively, and if there are criticisms I tell the brand personally, and save the positivity’s for the reviews. (Note you may have seen the reviews where I've not been too enthused with their products, so will say things like 'the packaging is eye-catching' or 'it sits neatly on the shelf'. 

But every now and then, there will be a small window in my life where my skincare shelf will be empty of products. The brands have probably taken the summer off who knows. So I buy CeraVe, because it is cheap, and it does the job. It ties me over until the brands start picking up the phone again and sending me more products. 

That is it for today, I hope there was something in here for you to take away and learn. If you liked this article please share amongst your friends and warn them about the effects of winter on the skin. It's an important issue, and one close to my heart.