If your skin feels rough, looks dull or leaves flakes on your shirt, you're not alone. Dry flaky skin is one of the most common skincare concerns men experience, especially during the cooler months, like now. Between cold winds, hot showers, indoor heating and harsh cleansers your skin can quickly loose the moisture it needs to stay healthy.
The goods news is dry skin is usually easy to fix with a few simple changes to your routine.
Why Do Men Get Dry Flaky Skin?
Your skin has a natural protective barrier that helps lock in moisture. When this barrier becomes damaged or depleted, moisture escapes and your skin starts to feel tight, itchy, rough and or flaky.
Common causes include:
- cold weather, low humidity
- long, hot showers
- harsh soaps or cleaners
- shaving irritation
- indoor heating and air conditioning
- not using a moisturiser
- over exfoliating
- medical, lifestyle or diet
Many men assume their skin is 'just dry' and continue using the same products and process, which often makes things worse.
Signs Your Skin Needs More Hydration
These are common symptoms your skin is dry;
- Flaking or peeling skin
- tightness after washing your face
- itchiness
- rough texture
- redness or irritation
- dull looking complexion
- fine lines appearing more noticeable
If this sounds familiar to you it's time to give your skin some extra attention.
Step 1 - Use a Gentle Face Wash
Using harsh soaps/cleansers on the face will strip your natural oils and leave the skin vulnerable to dryness. Instead, you want to choose a facial cleanser designed to clean without removing essential moisture. Your skin should feel clean after washing, not too tight or squeaky.
Step 2 - Moisturiser Everyday AM & PM
A quality moisturiser is your best defence against dry, flaky skin. Moisturiser helps replenish lost hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, reduce flaking and irritation, improve skin texture and appearance. It also helps lock in the moisture. The best time to moisturise your skin is just after cleansing, when the skin is still slightly damp.
Check out these moisturisers
Step 3 - Turn Down The Shower Temperature
Hot showers may feel great on a cold morning but they're not doing your skin and favours. Hot water removes the natural oils that protect your skin, often leaving it feeling dry and irritated. Try switching to warm water instead and keep showers shorter where possible. Your Skin will thank you.
Step 4 - Exfoliate but don't over do it
When skin becomes flaky, many men scrub harder thinking it will solve the problem. Unfortunately over exfoliating can damage the skin barrier and increase dryness. A gentle exfoliation once or twice a week is usually enough to remove dead skin cells and help moisturisers absorb more effectively.
Step 5 - Protect Your skin From Elements
Wind, cold temperatures and indoor heating can all pull moisture from your skin. Before heading outdoors, apply moisturiser to create a protective barrier. If you're spending time in the sun, don't skip sunscreen, even in winter, sun damage contributes to dryness, irritation and ageing.
When Dry Skin Could Be Something More
Sometimes persistent dryness may be caused by a skin condition such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis. If you skin remains extremely dry and painful, cracked or inflamed, speak to a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Healthy skin looks better, feels better and performs better. Whether you're dealing with seasonal dryness or year-round flaking, the right skincare routine can help restore comfort and confidence.
At THIRTY7 we stock premium men's skincare brands designed to help tackle dry skin and keep your complexion looking it's best.
Our Top Hydrating Moisturiser is - Recipe for Men Moisturiser +
