Fall, skin care and men
We’ve officially entered autumn! Now that fall is upon us, the weather will gradually turn cooler. Many people love this time of year. I know that I do.
But here’s the thing – fall also marks a time when dry skin starts to crop up. I’m talking about everything from your face to your elbows to your sausage. No kidding!
So, what can you do about it? The answer is … plenty!
Here are 10 quick hacks for guys that will help you keep your dermal layer moist so that you don’t wrinkle up and dry out. FYI: Many of the suggestions below can also be used in winter.
Let’s jump right in!
1. Moisturize twice a day
As the temps begin to dive, you may start to notice dry skin patches. To treat and prevent, consider using a daily moisturizing lotion twice a day.
The best times to do this are in the morning, right after showering, and then again at night before bed.
Men’s Science makes an excellent product that won’t leave you looking (or feeling) greasy. Check prices on Amazon.
2. Grab some lip balm
Dried, cracked lips not only look unattractive, they’re also annoying. As the outside air turns chiller, your unprotected lips become more vulnerable.
The simple solution is to use a high-quality lip balm. Most over the counter products are fine but make sure they contain at least 25 SPF. If you are looking for a suggestion, consider picking up a product from Jack Black (see Amazon).
And whatever you do, don’t lick your lips!
3. Drink lots of water
When the weather turns colder, it’s important to take in additional water. That may sound odd but I’m making this point for a reason.
Here’s why:
Your body needs the extra hydration because its working extra hard to stay warm. All the pumping your heart is doing sends blood to the extremities, thereby thinning blood out.
What does that mean? It’s simple – less hydration to your skin.
The solution is simple. Ditch the ancient “8 glasses a day” rule you may be accustomed to. It’s obsolete. Instead, make it a goal to drink at least 10 glasses of water (or more) depending on your lifestyle. Your skin will glow if you do this – promise.
4. Skip bar soap and use a cleanser
One of the worst things you can do to your skin is use bar soap on it. Doing so literally strips the dermal layer of vital nutrients, leaving cavernous lines in its wake.
You are far better off using a facial cleanser designed for men. There’s lots of products on the market to consider.
If you want to know how male models attend to their skin cleansing and moisturizing needs, read this skin care post.
5. No hot showers
I admit it – a hot shower can feel amazing. The problem is during fall (and winter) they yank moisture from your skin faster than you can say, “WTF!?”
An occasional hot shower is probably OK but for the most part, opt for warm. Here’s why:
The cooler water helps to keep your skin soft and supple. It also helps to seal in moisture when you apply a lotion.
Speaking of lotion …
Rugged and Dapper makes an amazing product! I like it because it goes on light and doesn’t have an overpowering smell. Finally, it does an excellent job with keeping skin moist.
You can get this at some department stores or see Amazon for prices.
6. Keep applying sunblock
Just because it’s cooler out and the shadows are longer doesn’t mean its’s OK to skip the sunblock. As a rule of thumb, anytime you head outdoors (daytime), you should apply some type of skin protection product.
Learn more about shielding your face and body from the sun’s harmful rays in this anti-aging post.
7. Consider omega-3 fish oil
A number of studies confirm that taking omega-3 fatty acids can help manage dry skin challenges. If you aren’t taking one now, perhaps it’s time to consider?
Not only do they help your skin, omega-3 fatty acids also boost overall health.
Wellness researchers believe these types of supplements help promote cardiovascular health. As an added benefit, they also seem to assist with inflammation in joints.
Check your local pharmacy aisle or grocery store. Most all carry.
8. Apply a sheet mask
If you have dry skin, you can do a lot to help yourself during fall by applying a face mask. Doing so will help lock in moisture and clear pores of debris.
An excellent option to consider is a sheet mask. They go on cool and leave your face looking refreshingly young. I’ve been using them for years and think they are simply amazing.
See this sheet mask post for more information.
9. Moisturize your sausage
This one probably sounds ridiculous but I’m listing because it’s important. Here me out and I promise this will make sense.
It’s like this. Your penis has skin on it just like any other body part. Most guys neglect attending to this area because they don’t think it’s necessary.
The problem is – men do!
It’s one of the first places on the body to experience the adverse effects of colder weather. That’s because it’s least insulated from the elements.
If you want to avoid having a wrinkled up sausage full of lines, read this penis care post to learn more.
10. Focus on the neck
The final fall skin care tip is to focus on the neck. The reason is very simple. Most men focus only on the face when washing and moisturizing. The neck, however, is left abandoned.
That’s a shame because it’s one of the first places to show visible signs of aging. Ever see a guy with a nice face but his neck is all wrinkled out? You get my point.
If you want to learn more about keeping this part of your body in check, visit this neck care post for men.
Wrap Up
Fall is a symbolic time of change. Many consider this to be their favorite season.
It’s also a time when skin care problems begin to crop up. Now is the time to focus on prevention.
Thanks for reading and dress warm!