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Winter Dry Skin
Many men who don't
usually have skin problems still find themselves with dry, flaky
skin when winter rolls around. The dry winter air typically contains
much less humidity than during other periods of the year, and this
can leave you vulnerable unless you take the right precautions.
Moreover, many men acquire bad skin habits that become even more of
a problem during the winter.
The main external
contributors to winter dry skin are: bad washing habits, harsh
cleansers, and overexposure to the elements. This last factor should
be common sense, so let's focus on the first two.
Because of the lack of
humidity in the air during winter, it is essential to maintain
healthy oil levels in your skin. This is difficult to do if you wash
your face too frequently. Frequent washing, especially with strong
cleansers, drains the oil from your skin. While using cleansers can
help with clogged pores during most of the year, when the air is dry
these products can cause more harm than good, and the damage done by
dry skin can lead to more skin blemishes. It is recommended to use
cleansers or medicated pads (such as Oxy pads) only once or twice a
day during the winter months.
Another bad habit that
can contribute to dry skin is rinsing with extremely hot water -
after you shave, for instance. It is always a good idea to rinse
with cold water after you shave, but especially during the winter.
Hot water leaves your skin dry and vulnerable, and frequent or
prolonged exposure to it worsens the situation. It's always tempting
to bask in the warmth during the cold winter months, but if you do,
try to avoid going right out into the cold air afterwards. Your skin
will thank you.
Get in the habit of
using a gentle moisturizer and apply it lightly before you go out.
Remember that sun exposure can still damage your skin even when it's
cold outside, so you may want a moisturizer with SPF15. Avoid
aftershaves that contain alcohol or other drying ingredients. There
is also the possibility that your shaving habits could be
contributing, so make sure you're not shaving too close (see our
shaving section for some tips). If you find your skin has already
started to flake or peel, purchase a stronger repairing moisturizer
and spot-treat trouble areas each morning and night.
Lastly, take a look at
your diet. Although most cases of dry skin are the result of
external causes, for some an internal cause may be to blame. This is
evident in people who's diets lack certain fatty acids. Fatty acids
enhance cell membranes to prevent moisture loss. An imbalance or
lack of fatty acids in one's diet can contribute to dry skin. Make
sure to balance Omega-6 fatty acids (found in corn, soy, sunflower
oil) with Omega-6 fatty acids (mainly found in fish) in order to
maintain a proper ratio. Raw dairy products also provide excellent
sources of necessary fatty acids. So get off that diet, but just
don't overdo it...
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