OH, THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL....

Cold weather is no stranger to us in Canada and if you’re like me, you can’t stand it. Although it can be great for a lot of things: snowboarding, skiing, hockey of course, or just relaxing by a fireplace. (if you’re lucky enough to have one) But unfortunately it can also seriously damage your skin. Your skin seriously is affected during these cold months, as it being the largest organ on the human body is exposed to the chillness of Ol’ Man Winter. Falling temperatures, chilling winds, and overheating in your home can all work to dry out and crack your lips, face and body’s surface. With the long winter months ahead of us, you need to maintain your skin’s health, so here are some tips to help keep Jack Frost from nipping at you!

The key to keeping skin healthy in cold weather is to keep it hydrated. Cold air causes skin to dry and chap easily, as it has less moisture in it. To make up for this lack of hydration, you should moisturize twice as much as you do, during warmer months. Consider purchasing a humidifier to replace moisture in your home’s air.

Now like most, I enjoy taking relaxing hot showers. It’s even more tempting on a cold winter’s day and seems like the greatest idea, but it’s not. You should keep your shower lukewarm. Very hot water evaporates quickly and can dehydrate skin. Moisturize your skin within a few minutes of stepping out of the shower to lock in moisture.

When cleansing your face, use a gentle face wash, rather than soap, which can dry out your skin. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like aloe and glycerin, which can help replenish skin’s moisture.

You want to keep your skin protected from outside elements such as cold and wind, so cover up your face and body well, and use lip protection regularly to avoid chapping. Even though it’s cold, don’t forget to use sunscreen that is no less than SPF15. Most people are unaware of how much sun damage they can sustain during the winter. Ultraviolet rays are still strong during the winter, and glare from snow can cause skin damage. It is therefore just as vital to protect skin from the sun during the winter, as it is in the summer.

If you suffer from very dry feet (that can really cut a rug), before hitting the sack, try lubing them up with moisturizer, then throw on some light cotton socks. Instead of allowing the moisture to evaporate into the air, when covered, your skin’s pores will absorb the moisturizer better.

While it’s tempting to take extra precautions against the season’s colds and illnesses, reduce your use of antibacterial gels and wipes. They contain alcohol, which robs skin of moisture.

And lastly, if you’re fortunate during winter to either be on vacation from “THE MAN”, or on a permanent vacation, take advantage of the power of our Canadian dollar by heading south with the geese!

Stay warm and protected!

KNOWING YOUR SKIN

The first step to finding the right products for you is deciding what type of skin type you have. Most products target several individual skin types: oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin and combination skin.

Oily skin: Feels slightly greasy or slick to the touch, with larger pores. It is usually more prone to blackheads and whiteheads. Look for products that are ultralight and oil-free, and exfoliating items that will remove oil and dirt.

Dry skin: Often feels tight and itchy and is more prone to irritations. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like Aloe, Urea and Allantoin, and pay special attention to moisturizers. Keep in mind that moisture is not the same thing as oil, so you don’t need heavy, oily products to achieve good levels of hydration for your skin.

Sensitive skin: Easily irritated by skincare or shaving products or extreme weather conditions. Look for products that do not contain dyes, fragrances or irritants and are specially formulated for sensitive skin.

Normal skin: If haven’t had any reoccurring skin problems such as shininess, acne or irritated skin, you probably have normal skin. Unless a product states otherwise, most skincare items can be used by men with normal skin.

Combination skin: Most men fall into this category, having dry patches and oily patches on their face at the same time (oily patches often fall in the “T-Zone”: your forehead and down your nose to your chin). Look for products that gently clean skin without harsh abrasives and moisturizers that are ultralight.

Acne-prone skin: Can partner with oily skin, but is also a factor with people with dry skin. This type tends to break out frequently with pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. Look for products that are noncomedgenic (not pore-clogging) and contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.

Once you’ve zeroed in on what type of skin you have, concentrate on finding products that appeal to that type, or products recommended for all skin types.

A good idea is to start with a very basic skin care routine that involves four steps: Cleaning, Exfoliating, Shaving, and Moisturizing. That means you should look for a gentle liquid cleanser for your face, an exfoliating scrub, a shaving product, an aftershave product and a moisturizer with a SPF of atleast 15. If you start with these basic items, you can’t really go wrong.

Take a look at our Basic Skin Care for Men post to get a good idea of the kind of routine you should establish. Consider including items that target other specific problems as well. For example, every guy should own a reliable, broad-spectrum protection sunscreen. If you are interested in products targeted towards reducing wrinkles and diminishing lines on the face and around eyes, look for specific items that do just that.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try new products or alter your skincare routine. After all, you are the best judge of what makes your skin feel good and look great. Keep in mind that most products need at the very least a week to begin working, so don’t be too quick to switch products if you’re not getting results right away.