Dry skin remedies for men
Dry skin occurs when moisture disappears from its outer layer. This condition is called xerosis. When people have this problem, they generally apply lotions.
These products usually have one or more key ingredients that have the following properties: occlusive, emollient or humectant. Since cosmetic products can cost a lot and often come with chemical additives, consider using the following inexpensive home cures.
1. Occlusives
Occlusives work by creating a waterproof barrier on the skin's surface. This action hydrates because it locks in moisture. Occlusives disallow existing water molecules within the skin to evaporate. Natural examples of these substances include mineral oil and petroleum jelly.
Both materials make inexpensive dry skin remedies, but a study in 2017 established that petroleum jelly worked especially well in older people. That's why it's recommended as a good treatment for aging skin.
Read this post to learn more about the role of occulusives and creating a meaningful men's skin care routine.
2. Emollients
Dry skin has gaps between the cells that used to hold fatty lipids. Emollients penetrate the top skin layer and pad these empty spaces. This action makes skin feel softer. Natural emollients include jojoba, coconut, almond and sunflower seed oils.
Jojoba is a shrub that grows in certain areas of Arizona, California and Mexico.
When you apply the oil to dry skin, it will absorb quickly. Since coconut oil has saturated fatty acids, it works especially well on parched skin. Almond oil nourishes and revitalizes, but it also lightens skin. That's why you can also use it to fade pigmentation and lessen dark spots.
Sunflower oil makes a popular moisturizing aid because it contains high amounts of vitamin E. This nutrient protects from UV rays and can smooth out smaller wrinkles. The antioxidants in the oil make it effective for treating some skin conditions.
3. Humectants
Humectants penetrate the skin's top layer. They have molecules that attract moisture from the air and seal it within the epidermis. Natural humectants include aloe and honey. Aloe penetrates quickly and deeply to moisturize even the lower levels. Because of the sticky feel, honey works best when combined with other ingredients.
Since it contains alpha hydroxy acids, you can exfoliate with it to prepare skin for moisturizing. You can also apply honey directly on smaller rough patches.
One of the best on the market is CereVe Daily Moisturizing lotion. You can get this at most retail outlets or online (see Amazon).
4. Oatmeal
If you have a bathtub, use it to combat dry skin the natural way. For a 10 to 15-minute soak, add three cups of colloidal oatmeal. Oatmeal especially helps skin that is dry and itchy. When you want to bathe the way Cleopatra supposedly did, mix half a cup of raw honey with two cups of heavy cream.
Start with lukewarm water, so the milk won't curdle. You can increase the water temperature as the tub fills. Always add ingredients under running water because it helps to disperse them evenly.
5. Humidifier
Believe it or not, a humidifier can be a very effective way to combat dry, cracked skin. In almost all cases, you are better off getting a warm air humidifier than a cool one. The reason? Warm air humidifiers allow water particles to more quickly absorb into the skin’s deep dermal layers.
When you use a moisturizer in addition to a humidifier, you are giving your skin the optimal opportunity to remain moist and supple.
There are lots of devices on the market. One of the best you can get is the Honeywell Filter free (see Amazon). I like it because it does an effective job of keeping my living room balanced with warm air and moisture. At night, I put it in my bedroom to help me breathe more easily and to warm the air.
Summary
When using any types of moisturizers, they work especially well when applied after showering or bathing. Keep in mind that bathing with ingredients can make the tub slippery, so be careful when going that route.
Additionally, try to reduce factors that exacerbate dry skin. These aspects include shaving with blunt razors, using excessive air conditioning, sitting in front of heat sources and contact with detergents.
