Seasonal changes can wreak havoc on your skin unless you plan accordingly. While summer skin issues for men tend to be limited to sun damage, fall brings with it a slew of skin conditions – particularly dry skin. Use these fall skincare tips for men to help your skin look and feel great for the remainder of the year.
1. Moisturize more. As the weather begins to cool, you may start noticing more dried, cracked skin patches. Daily moisturizing with a high-quality men’s moisturizer should help significantly, but if it’s really bad, you may want to consider moisturizing up to twice a day. Don’t moisturize more than that, though: Too much moisturizing can leave your skin looking extremely greasy and shiny – a look that nobody wants.
2. Get a men’s lip balm. If you’ve ever had chapped lips, you know they’re really annoying; they tend to be more common during fall and winter. The best way to manage irritated lips is with a lip balm that provides broad spectrum sun protection. Look for a lip balm for men that offers at least SPF 30 protection. That way, you know you have adequate protection in even the most extreme weather conditions. And whatever you do, don’t lick your lips since this can make existing irritation even worse.
3. Stay hydrated. During cooler weather, it’s important to drink water even if you’re not thirsty. Although you may not feel as if you’re sweating because the weather is so cool, you are. The old “8 glasses a day” rule has been proven obsolete – you should be drinking upwards of 10 glasses depending on your lifestyle. Read “9 Hydration Tips for Men” for more information.
4. Choose men’s liquid cleansers over bar soap. Bar soap is a staple in many homes, but when it comes to your face, you want something specifically designed to delicately handle dirt and debris. A men’s face wash and a men’s body wash are your skin’s best friends during the fall. They clean deep down to remove debris and reveal renewed skin, all without the dryness and irritation of bar soap. For more information on men’s liquid cleansers, check out this men’s face wash product spotlight.
5. Avoid hot showers. You might be tempted to warm up with hot showers, but making it a regular habit can do more harm than good to your skin. Excessive hot showers dry out men’s skin even more, so you’re better off using lukewarm or cold water instead. If you must use hot water, make sure you’re moisturizing regularly (see #1). Read “Men’s Face Moisturizer Do’s and Don’ts” for more advice on getting the most out of your moisturizer for men.
6. Keep using sunblock. If you think you don’t need sunblock after summer, think again. The sun may not be as strong during the fall, but your skin still needs adequate protection to prevent sun damage like men’s wrinkles and fine lines. If you plan on being outdoors for an extended period of time, slap on some men’s sunscreen to exposed areas like your arms, neck and face. “Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage” has some more helpful tips.
7. Take an omega-3 fish oil supplement for men. Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help in managing dry skin symptoms. If you aren’t already taking an omega-3 supplement – and you should be – start taking one. Not only does it benefit your skin, but your overall health as well. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to promote cardiovascular health and mental health because of its anti-inflammatory properties. “The Importance of Omega-3 Fish Oil Fatty Acids” explains why omega-3s are crucial in any diet.
8. Use a men’s face mask. A face mask for men is a great way to soak up excess oil if you have oily skin. This can help combat men’s acne breakouts and other annoying skin issues. Another benefit of a men’s face mask is that it hydrates the skin, keeping it soft and supple this fall season. There’s no need to use a face mask every day – just once or twice a week will suffice. Check out “How to Apply a Men’s Facial Cleansing Mask” for a guide to using one.
