Dealing with dry skin anywhere on the body is a challenge, especially under your eyes. Whether you know the cause of dry under eyes, or hoping to find the answers, we’re here to help.
Even if you’ve never felt this way before, caring for your skin should be an essential part of every man's daily ritual.
Here at MadeMan, we realize the impact a solid skincare routine can have on your daily habits. Just as you prioritize your time in the gym, you should prioritize your skincare. We like to say a great handshake is built in the gym, the same way a great face is built with MadeMan.
Why Do Men Get Dry Under Eye Skin
Dry under eyes can be caused by various factors, anywhere from a change in the weather, your diet, stress levels, or aging. If you've never had a proper skincare routine before, then your dry skin issue is most likely an easy fix.
As men, we understand that skincare and quality products were probably never prioritized amongst you and your peers. However, that's not to say it's not essential. Healthy skin is the first step to unleashing your inner confidence —- it's something to be prideful about!
Dry Skin
The easiest way to find a solution to a problem is to find the cause. Once you discover the cause of your dry skin, you can properly implement one of our solutions.
The skin surrounding your eye is naturally thinner than other parts of your body, leaving it at higher risk of developing dry areas or patches.
Your skin needs plenty of moisture produced by water and oils to stay healthy. If your skin isn't getting the right amount of water and oils it needs to strive, you can expect dry skin.
In most toiletry products made for men, you can expect harsh ingredients that can strip away the natural oils your skin needs.
Before dry skin is super-advanced or noticeable, there are signs you can watch for. Keep an eye out for these symptoms; this way, you can catch the start of your dry skin in its tracks.
Common Symptoms
rough skinpersistent itching
flaking skin
redness
If you stop your dry skin before it progresses into flaking patches, it can benefit your skin's overall health and appearance.
Chances of Developing Dry Skin
Some men have a higher chance of developing dry skin than others. Let's talk about why.
Over the Age of 40
As you age, your skin naturally thins out everywhere on your body — that goes for your face too. Once you hit your forties, you may notice a change in your skin, but it's nothing to lose sleep over. Each year, you become wiser and grow even deeper into your masculinity.
Live in Colder Climates
Living in colder climates has its pros, but frigid weather can do a disservice to your skin.
Each layer of man's skin requires proper moisture, and living in these colder climates can cause your skin to dry out severely. Cold weather, harsh winds, and little to no humidity isn't ideal for your skin.
That’s why MadeMan has ways to keep your skin moisturized during the colder months.
Vitamin or Mineral Deficiency
It can be hard to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Your diet plays a huge role in your body's health, but also its appearance. Ensuring you're getting enough vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, and zinc is essential to your skin health.
You Have Very Dark Skin
People with a darker complexion have a higher sebum content compared to all other skin tones. However, they also have the lowest ceramide levels. Therefore, they are most susceptible to transepidermal water loss. In other words: dry skin.
Certain Medications
Some medications can affect your skin. It's not uncommon for dry skin to be a symptom from most medications.
Pre-Existing Skin Conditions
If you have a pre-existing skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, it may be easier for you to find ways to combat your symptoms.
Understanding Your Skin Type
There are five different categories your skin can fall under, and knowing which yours is will help you treat your skin properly for years to come. Your skin type affects what products you use and how you use them.
Oily Skin
Everyone's skin produces oil. Oil production is a necessary part of your skin protection process.
When your skin produces sebum, the oily waxy substance you feel on your skin, it's your skin's way of moisturizing itself and adding a protective layer.
Your skin will only appear oily or greasy when there is an overproduction of sebum. The overproduction of sebum oil can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
If you often experience oily skin, a mechanical scrub once or twice a week may serve you well. Mechanical scrub is just another way to say exfoliation. Exfoliating with a sugar or salt scrub will help keep your pores unclogged and skin clear.
Dry Skin
Yes, dry skin can be caused by various factors like stress or the weather, but sometimes certain men just have drier skin than others.
Dry skin has its own set of annoyances. If you aren't sure what your skin type is, but you feel you lean closer to the dry side of the spectrum, here are some symptoms of severely dry skin.
Almost invisible poresDull, rough complexion
Red patches
Less elastic skin
More visible lines
If these symptoms match up with your skin, then there's a high chance you have dry skin.
Your main concern should be hydration; is your skin getting enough water and oil? Focus on products that help with moisture retention and help protect your skin's barrier.
You can't go wrong with daily moisturizing; however, we recommend moisturizing multiple times a day — keep a trustworthy moisturizer with you at all times.
MadeMan Tip: Moisturizing is important regardless, but especially after a shave.
Combination Skin
Combination skin can be tricky to work with, but there are ways to combat both oily and dry skin. If you have oily skin, we suggest a mechanical scrub, but we suggest a chemical scrub for a combination.
Chemical scrubs are different from mechanical scrubs. Mechanical scrubs use salt or sugar to help rub off exis dirt or oil; chemical scrubs take a more subtle approach. Chemical scrubs use face acid to rid the skin of oils, but it is less harsh on the more dry parts of your face.
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you can expect most random drug store products to bother your skin, which is why using quality products is essential to your skin's health.
Sensitive skin molds best with a daily cleanser as opposed to a scrub. Scrubs can be harsh — don't overwork your skin with a chemical or mechanical scrub. They're necessary once in a while, but say no more than bi-weekly.
Normal Skin
Normal skin is the most simple to shop for. Most products will work perfectly fine with your skin type. If your skin seems more dry than usual, then perhaps try upping your moisturizing to a few times a day.
Note: Don't over-exfoliate
Knowing your skin type is a great way to understand why you have certain issues. We're about to go over different ways to get your dry under eyes properly hydrated. However, it's important to note that exfoliation is meant to be a weekly or bi-weekly step in your skincare routine.
Exfoliating can feel tempting after a long day's work, but instead, stick to The Resetter.
Treating Your Dry Under Eyes
Treating your dry under eyes is like treating any other dry area of your face. It can usually be corrected with a solid skincare routine and daily hydrating.
Ditch Harsh Products
Paying attention to what you're putting on your face is a vital step to ensuring healthy skin. Most commonly used products can have harmful ingredients you may have never noticed before.
Men and women's cosmetic industries like to lead you to believe the more ingredients, the better, but that's not the case. Keeping your products simple, high-quality, and well-refined is the right way to do skincare!
Find a Daily Skincare Routine That Works for You
A good routine starts with self-discipline, and if you can start each day with an in-depth routine, then you're setting your day up for success. Forming good habits will put you on the right track to conquer any trials or tribulations you face in the future.
It starts with your skin — your day, mood, and outlook on life. If you don't feel confident in your own skin, how do you expect to channel your inner masculinity?
A skincare routine can be as simple as 1, 2, and you're done. Our Re(Set) collection consists of two essential products: two steps and two minutes.
Reduce Stress
Between work, family, and having a social life, things can get stressful. A good way to combat skin issues is by properly managing your stress.
Stress reducers are different for everyone. Some look to the weight room, while others look to long walks or jogs.
As a man, prioritizing your mental health is just as important as prioritizing your physical health; they both play vital roles in your life.
Avoid Washing Face with Hot Water
Using hot water when washing your face can dry out your skin.
Hot water is harsh on your skin as it strips away most of the natural (healthy) oils on your face.
We suggest using lukewarm or cold water during your morning (or night) skincare routine. Using cold water while cleansing your face has benefits that make the few moments of discomfort worth it.
Boost Hydration
It's no question that the easiest way to fix dry skin is by boosting hydration and ensuring your skin is adequately moisturized.
Boosting your hydrating doesn't start and end with moisturizing; there are tons of different ways you can hydrate your skin.
Use Quality Ingredients
When you use quality ingredients loaded with natural and hydrating properties, you promote overall hydration to your skin.
Use a Gentle Cleanser
Your skincare routine starts with your cleanser, so you want to use one that is gentle on your skin. Even if you're a rough-around-the-edges kind of guy, it doesn't mean your skin has to be.
Use Hyaluronic Acid
If you haven't heard of hyaluronic acid, then your skin is missing out. Hyaluronic acid is ultra-moisturizing and works with any skin type.
Try Products With Natural Oils
If you have dry skin, you should opt for products that are rich in nourishing ingredients. Natural oils can be beneficial and hydrating to dry skin.
Look for ingredients like sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, castor seed oil, and vitamin C.
Apply Moisturizer to Damp Skin
Your moisturizer should be applied to damp skin. Try post-shave or right after the shower.
When moisturizer is applied to damp skin, it helps to absorb and retain the product better. Your goal should be locking in as much moisture as possible.
Use a Serum
You may have never used a skin serum, but it can be very helpful when hydrating your skin.
Serums absorb into your skin very quickly and have nourishing properties. Adding this product to your skincare routine is a great way to amp up your hydration.
Serums can be beneficial when soothing sensitive skin and help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Using a serum with ingredients like vitamin E or vitamin C can help protect your skin from free radicals and other damaged elements.
Use Sunscreen Daily
Applying sunscreen every day may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and can help keep your skin moisturized and free of dry patches.
When you use sunscreen, you are providing your skin with a layer of protection. The sun's harsh UV rays can be damaging to your skin.
Not only can the sun damage your skin, but it can also severely dry it out. If you've ever experienced harsh sunburn, then you know how easily it can cause dry and itchy patches.
Skip Long Hot Showers
We appreciate long hot showers as much as the next guy, but they may be detrimental to your under eye health.
Just as we suggested steering clear of washing your face with hot water, we don't think you should shower in hot water either. Hot water is notorious for drying out the skin and stripping away its natural oils.
If you need to end your shower on a warmer note, that's completely understandable, but we suggest keeping the majority of it on the cooler side.
Use a Humidifier
Using a humidifier is especially helpful if you live in colder or dryer climates. A common cause of dry skin is low-moisture in the air.
Using a humidifier can add necessary moisture to the air.
Give Your Under Eyes More Attention
It's never a bad idea to give a more dry area of your skin more attention. If your under eyes are especially dry, then you should give them more TLC.
If you feel your dry under eyes needs more moisture don’t be scared to add an extra step or two to your skincare routine — consider eye cream or a serum.
Treating Dry Under Eyes Caused by Skin Conditions
If your under eyes are dry due to pre-existing skin conditions, then your course of treatment may be more intricate. Dermatologists can offer in-depth insight on how to best treat your dry skin or dry under eyes.
Treating skin around the eyes can be tricky as you must be very careful about what you're putting near and around your eyes. Certain creams or steroids can be very powerful and may not be safe to use near your eyeball.
We suggest using an eye cream that is free of harsh ingredients or ingredients that have irritated your skin in the past.
In Conclusion
A great face is built with MadeMan, which is why we take the time to research your skincare needs and find solutions to your worries.
Dry skin can occur anywhere on the body and commonly appears on the face and under the eyes — it's nothing to be concerned about. The first step to getting your skin in optimal condition is learning more about your skin. Your skin is an entire, complex organ; one article won't give you all the answers.
Dry under eyes may be uncomfortable or put a brief damper on your confidence; however, once you begin to implement our easy tips and tricks, we're sure you'll see a noticeable difference in your skin very soon.
Sources:
Moisturizing Different Racial Skin Types | NCBI
