Trying to get your guy to start a man-friendly skincare routine this season? Read on for tips on winter moisturizing for men from head to toe.
by lena grady
Do your skincare products clutter the bathroom shelves while his shaving cream and razor are squeezed into the medicine cabinet? Do you stock up on a day moisturizer, a night cream, an under-eye balm, a hand salve and anti-aging treatments, while he might splurge on some aftershave once in a while? If this sounds like your relationship (to beauty products and to your guy) then you’re not alone.
Men vs. Women
“It’s a generalization, however, men don’t tend to do much for their skin in comparison to women, who are much more proactive,” says Dr. Shelby Entner, a naturopathic doctor with Okanagan Natural Medicine in Vernon, British Columbia. “Many men don’t tend to use a lot of skincare products because it’s typically not part of their upbringing,” she explains. Yet that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t.
Is a man’s skin really that different from a woman’s? Actually it is, explains Entner. First of all, a man’s skin is generally oilier than a woman’s and he tends to have larger pores. Testosterone changes the texture of skin and makes it tougher — meaning men really do have a thicker skin.
Eat Right
Issues with dryness can be caused by an internal imbalance, says Entner. His hydration level and the amount of essential fatty acids he consumes will affect his skin. Ask your man to look at his diet – he should be getting an ample dose of nuts and seeds or supplements like flaxseed oil, borage seed oil or pumpkin seed oils. He should be having two to three servings of anchovies, sardines, salmon, cod or halibut every week. If he’s not a fish fan, he can supplement with omega-3, 6 and 9, found in cod liver oil, says Entner. She advises taking one teaspoon of plant- or fish-based oils a day. Taking a 30 mg supplement of zinc every day is also good for skin and nails. Just don’t overdo it – many multivitamins have an ample daily amount.
Other Factors
Certain medications can also deprive you of important nutrients, explains Entner, along with chronic health conditions ranging from poorly managed diabetes to inflammatory bowel issues. All of these factors can cause malabsorption and flare-ups in the skin. If you’re deficient in your B vitamins – such as biotin – dry skin is often one effect. A lot of people suffer from B deficiencies because of stress, explains Entner, which can cause dry skin and hair loss. Dry skin can also be an effect of thyroid problems or testosterone issues, so if it’s really bothersome, seek a doctor’s help for some blood tests.
Man-friendly Skincare
During cold weather, it takes a lot of work to keep skin supple and not flaky or dry. Introduce your man to some skincare tips that will keep you both happy all season long.
Face
For their facial skin, men need to exfoliate more (to prevent ingrown hairs) and be proactive about keeping their skin clean without drying it out. Again, he should avoid anything that strips the skin – skin will produce more oil when it’s rebounding from overzealous cleansing – and choose an astringent, such as witch hazel, over an alcohol-based aftershave. Because men have thicker skin, they might need something with more emollient to moisturize and can benefit from richer treatments.
Body
To keep his body skin hydrated, he should avoid harsh chemicals in his body wash. Tell him to back away from synthetic scents as well. A daily cream-based cleanser is
a good solution. Tell him to apply a body moisturizer while his skin is still slightly moist from the shower for maximum absorption.
Hands
Whether they’re washing dishes or doing yard work, men aren’t typically proactive about protecting their hands with gloves, says Entner. To treat damaged, raw hands, look for products with vitamin E, cocoa and shea butter, calendula oil or coconut oil. Coconut oil is one of the best moisturizers out there, explains Entner. It not only helps heal the skin, it protects it. Also, opt for a salve to moisturize hands; while it takes longer to sink in, it’s generally more nourishing.
Scalp
If he’s experiencing a flaky or itchy scalp, it may have something to do with the haircare products he’s using. Common culprits include gels and shampoos. Look for essential oil-based cleansers — and steer clear of anything with lots of surfactants or stripping agents that give hair that squeaky-clean feel. They’re also stripping your man’s natural oils in the process.
