Every man has multiple layers of skin. Each layer requires a certain level of moisture to continue to function correctly. Without a sufficient amount of moisture, your skin is likely to become dry, flaky, itchy, and red. 

These symptoms may be uncomfortable and signs that your skin cannot protect itself from harm and is incapable of undergoing natural repairs when damaged.

To help you avoid the unwanted effects of dry skin, we at MadeMan will discuss preventing dry skin, treating dry skin, and removing skin that is already dead.

Preventing Dry Skin

During the winter season, the weather is the opposite of ideal for your skin’s health. The weather is cold, there are harsh winds, and humidity levels become low. As a result, your skin tends to be drier and flakier than during other times of the year.

In order to combat these adverse effects, it is necessary to maintain or increase your skin’s moisture levels. This is where humidity becomes a positive thing for your skin. 

Cold air lacking in humidity can cause a reduction in your skin’s sebum production. Sebum is produced all over your body through your sebaceous glands. This natural oil is meant to pass through your hair follicles and lubricate your skin and hair.

Without a sufficient amount of sebum production, your skin may become dry. To repair itself back to health or prevent this from happening in the first place, you will require air that contains natural moisturizing agents.

It is not solely a matter of temperature but rather a measurement of humidity levels. You might be thinking that escaping the cold weather for your indoor heater will do the trick.

Heaters in your home can also create dry air lacking in moisturizing agents. The problem with this is that, when lacking in moisture, the air will attempt to draw out moisture from other sources. This includes your skin.

Investing In a Humidifier

You can combat all of this by investing in a humidifier to keep in your home and at your place of work. Not only will the humidifier increase the humidity levels in your home, preventing the air from evaporating moisture from your skin, causing it to go dry, but it will also add moisture back into the air, improving its quality and minimizing your chances of adopting unwanted symptoms of cold weather like dryness and itchiness.

Treating Dry Skin

Perhaps the best way to treat your dry skin lacking in moisture is to moisturize. Using a healthy and hydrating moisturizer can help you to repair your skin.

Invest In a Quality Moisturizer

A quality moisturizer should be able to soothe and solace your dry, itchy, and irritated skin. If you are not already moisturizing twice a day, once in the morning and at night, now is the time to start implementing that practice.

We recommend using MadeMan’s The Refresher. Our moisturizer is water-based, making it safe for all skin types and ideal for those looking to provide their skin with much-needed hydration.

The Refresher is an all-in-one moisturizer that helps you smooth out your skin, retain moisture, and provide you with a hydrated appearance. To accomplish all of this, our product is made of all-natural ingredients that can directly support your skin’s journey back to health.

Choose Quality Ingredients

For example, amongst the ingredients is glycerin. Glycerin is a natural humectant, meaning that it preserves moisture. This ingredient allows your skin to become moisturized and better retain the moisture it has despite harsh conditions like dry, moistureless air trying to draw it out.

To access the full list of quality humectant ingredients, click here.

While you are working to treat your dry skin by being conscious of what you are putting onto your body, you could also consider what you are putting into your body.

Boost Hydration

If you are looking to increase your skin’s moisture levels, hydrating can definitely help. In fact, being dehydrated will worsen the state of your skin. By drinking a sufficient amount of water every day, your skin should have the strength and support it needs to return to health.

It is recommended that men consume on average 15.5 cups of fluids a day. However, if it is difficult for you to drink this much water on a daily basis, you can reach this number by consuming foods that have high water content.

For example, if you are looking for a fruit to increase your water content, look no further than watermelon. 

Watermelon is one of the most hydrating foods across the board, with a water content level of 92 percent. Eating a single cup of watermelon will equate to over half a cup of water.

Other fruits and vegetables with above a 70 percent water content include:

• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Apples
• Grapes
• Broccoli
• Corn
• Banana

If you prefer vegetables, try lettuce instead. Lettuce is extremely hydrating with a water content level of 96 percent. Just one cup worth of lettuce is equal to a little over a quarter cup of water.

Removing Dead Skin

If you have already dealt with dry skin and have been putting in the work to nourish it back to health, you may need assistance handling the aftermath. The best method for removing dead skin from your face is to exfoliate.

Exfoliate the Skin

Exfoliating on skin that is very dry may only irritate it further. It is important that your skin is healthy enough before exfoliating to avoid any further damage.

Exfoliating is a popular procedure for removing dead skin cells from the outer layers of your skin, increasing blood flow, and brightening up the dull appearance that often accompanies moistureless skin.

There are two different methods of exfoliation: mechanical and chemical.

Mechanical exfoliation is when you exfoliate your skin using tools like sponges or brushes. Sponges are normally considered the gentler method between the two. Bristle brushes may require a cleansing agent to work effectively. 

Others are built to exfoliate on dry skin. Exfoliating gloves are also sometimes used for mechanical exfoliation but are very rarely used on the face. 

Chemical exfoliation uses chemicals, rather than tools, to remove dead skin cells from your epidermis. These chemicals tend to come in the form of scrubs, cleansers, and toners. Most commonly the chemical component in these products that allows them to buff away at dead skin is beta hydroxy acids or alpha hydroxy acids.

Understanding Your Skin Type

To determine which method is best for you, you may want to consider your skin type. Skin type is determined by genetics but can be altered by external factors or health conditions throughout your life.

The five skin types are oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and normal.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you are likely going to want to consider mechanical exfoliation. Mechanical exfoliation is good for treating oily skin with an extra layer of buildup that needs removal. If you opt for a chemical exfoliant, you may require a stronger product to get the job done.

Dry Skin

If you have naturally dry skin, chemical exfoliation may be the superior option for you. Mechanical exfoliation has a habit of drying out the skin. For those with already dry skin, it can cause further damage. Use a chemical exfoliant instead.

Combination Skin 

If you have combination skin, you may most benefit from a combination of mechanical and chemical exfoliating. This might look like using a sponge or brush with your chemical solution or just alternating between the two methods.

Sensitive Skin 

If you have sensitive skin, chemical exfoliation is likely the safer option for your skin. Exfoliating mechanically may be too strong for sensitive skin and may result in irritation and redness. Try a mild chemical exfoliator to promote healthy cell turnover.

Normal Skin

If you have normal skin, it is generally safe for you to select whichever method you prefer.

Seek Expert Help

In more severe cases in which professional help is required to rid your face of built-up dead skin, you can look into chemical peels. 

A chemical peel is a professional exfoliating procedure and facial treatment in which stronger chemical solutions are used to exfoliate deeply. Other benefits include stimulating new skin cell growth and fading unwanted discoloration.

If you would prefer to try a professional version of mechanical exfoliation, you can ask your dermatologist about dermabrasion.

Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure. The treatment functions as a high level form of exfoliating. 

During the treatment, a rotating device sands the outer layers of your skin, ridding it of build-up substances and blemishes. The intention is for new, healthy skin to grow back smoother than before.

Conclusion

Dry, flaky skin is uncomfortable, unflattering, and downright annoying. While the causes of dry skin, such as the weather, may be entirely out of our control, combating its effects is not.

You are fully capable of preventing and treating dry skin if you are willing to make an effort. Prioritize maintaining your skin’s moisture levels through a quality moisturizer and a hydrating diet, invest in a humidifier, and use proper exfoliation methods when safe to do so to rid your skin of any signs of past damage.

 

Sources:

Skin hydration and hydrating products | PubMed

How to Safely Exfoliate at Home | AAD

Evidence and Considerations in the Application of Chemical Peels | NCBI