Dry Skin Treatments for Men

Men are susceptible to dry skin due to lifestyle, habits and poor diet. Exposure to harsh elements and chemicals, along with seasonal changes can dry and irritate your skin. Shaving can also cause problems because it damages skin and reduces its hydration. Skin plays a crucial role in protecting the rest of the body from infection.

Signs

For men, dry facial skin feels tight after washing or shaving. Characteristics of dry skin are dull, pallid tones that sometimes peel and flake. Hands and elbows can get rough, dry patches as well. Unhealthy skin can make a man look years older than he actually is.

Cleanse

Men should use gentle, non-soap cleansers, that do not contain alcohol. Alcohol removes natural oils from the face, causing dryness. Avoid splashing water on the face, and especially hot water. Even though the face may feel dry, water is not the hydration it needs. In fact, water may make skin feel even drier. For bathing, use lukewarm water. Hot water removes moisture and oils from the skin, leaving it dry and flaky.

Shaving

Shaving can be extremely irritating to the skin, so use moisturizing products to soothe and heal dryness. Apply a thick layer of shaving cream to the face before shaving to shield the skin. For shaving with an electric razor, do not place the setting on the closest one, it may be too irritating to the skin. Avoid astringent aftershave products because they probably contain alcohol and will only dry out the skin more.

Moisturize

Start a daily moisturizing routine. Skin is easily damaged, and there are moisturizing creams that can protect the skin from dryness and damage, and eventually make skin feel supple and soft. Apply a moisturizer to the face for daytime and nighttime use. To aid dry skin on the whole body, rub on a creamy moisturizer after showers to provide all-over body care. Avoid moisturizing creams made with alcohol.

Other Treatment

Serum products help add extra moisture to the skin, making it feel softer and giving it a healthy appearance. Fine lines should diminish. Some products contain fruits and fruit butters to moisturize very dry skin.

Sun Protection

Sun exposure can damage the skin, even when it is cold outside. Apply a light moisturizer with an sun-protection factor of at least 15 to safeguard skin against the rays of the sun, especially ultraviolet rays.

Diet

Include foods high in the essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, to daily meals. Fatty acids improve cell membranes to avert moisture loss. An imbalance or lack of fatty acids in a man's diet could contribute to dry skin. Salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed are good sources of necessary fatty acids. Add foods rich in antioxidants, such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.