Cold weather skin care tips for men

At Olay, we don’t just make great skincare for women, we make it for men too! That’s why we spoke with renowned dermatologists Dr. Joshua Zeichner and Joshua Zeichner about cold weather skincare for men. As the cold, dry weather hits, Dr. Zeichner gives his top picks for magnolia oil and general tips for overcoming seasonal and COVID-related beauty issues. He includes skincare tips for when wearing a mask, sun protection, razor burn and bumps, and avoiding post-shave mask irritation. Scroll down for the full conversation!

Q: How does cooler weather affect men’s skin?

A: Cool weather and low humidity can take a toll on the skin. Dryness can lead to a breakdown of the skin barrier with microscopic cracks in the outer layer of the skin, moisture loss, dryness and inflammation.

Q: What are your best tips for when skin is already dry and sensitive?

A: Proper shaving technique will keep your skin in good condition. Make sure you shave immediately after your shower when your skin and beard are soft. Make sure to apply shaving gel to enhance the glide of the razor on the skin. Shave once in the direction of hair growth. Make sure to clean the blade every 2-3 strokes to remove cut hairs and debris. Apply aftershave moisturizer immediately after shaving to reduce the chances of razor burn.

Q: What other steps can men take to keep their skin healthy and well hydrated?

A: Moisturize! Everyone should do this daily to keep the skin hydrated and the barrier strong. Especially in the winter months when humidity drops, the outer layer of skin can develop microscopic cracks that lead to moisture loss and inflammation. Regular use of moisturizers can help restore hydration and keep the skin barrier in as good a condition as possible. Look for a quality fragrance-free moisturizer, such as Olay Regenerating Microsculpting Cream, whose ingredients include hyaluronic acid (an effective moisturizer) and niacinamide (a vitamin B3 that soothes and strengthens the skin). This particular moisturizer is an excellent multi-tasker that also smooths fine lines and wrinkles and firms the skin.

Q: What are some of the things men don’t tend to think about when it comes to skincare?

A: Don’t forget lip care! Cold weather, licking your lips and rubbing masks on them can lead to irritation. Look for an inclusive ointment like Vaseline to protect your lips from the environment.

No hot showers. While our heads love long, hot showers, our skin does not. Excessive exposure to warm water can strip the skin of essential oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Limit showers to 10 minutes or less. Keep the water temperature in the range you would expect from a heated summer pool, which is around 88°.

Q: Do you have any suggestions on how to help combat skin irritation caused or exacerbated by wearing a mask or face shield?

A: Wearing masks is important to protect us from COVID-19 infections, but they can wreak havoc on our skin. Direct friction can lead to irritation and inflammation. Indirectly, masks can trap oil, sweat and dirt on the skin, which can lead to acne breakouts. Hydrating the skin before wearing a mask creates a protective seal between the skin and the fabric. Wear your mask when it is safe to do so. If you wear a reusable mask, be sure to wash it often. Tide Free & Gentle Detergent is an excellent choice to keep your mask clean and free of buildup. When you get home, wash your face immediately with a foaming cleanser. If you are prone to acne, look for a cleanser that contains salicylic acid. This is a beta-hydroxy acid that removes excess oil and dirt from the skin’s surface and keeps pores clear.

Q: Do you have any other important tips or tricks?

A: Even in the cooler months, sunscreen is important! Even incidental UV exposure can accumulate over a lifetime. So whether you’re driving to work or taking a walk, you may not realize you’re being exposed to harmful UV rays. Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection with at least SPF 30.