Winters can be on the skin. Harsh winds, plummeting temperatures, and dry indoor heating can strip moisture and leave the skin dry, flaky, and irritated. While men’s skin may be thicker and more resilient, it’s not immune to winter’s wrath. The good news? A simple, effective winter skincare routine can keep your skin healthy and comfortable all season long.
Why men’s skincare deserves attention
For a long time, skincare was seen as something only women needed, but that’s far from the truth. Men’s skin faces the same environmental stressors—harsh weather, pollution, and UV damage. In fact, men’s skin tends to be thicker and oilier, which brings its own challenges, like excess shine and clogged pores. Thus, normalizing conversations about men’s skincare empowers men to take control of their skin health, just like any other aspect of their well-being.
Winter skincare for men
As mentioned in the opening paragraph, winter is no friend to your skin. The cold air outside and dry heat inside create the perfect storm for dryness, irritation, and flakiness. Here are a few basic steps to keep the winter from harming your skin:
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Hydrate from within
Hydrating from within is the first step to healthy winter skin. Cold weather naturally dries out the body, and dehydration shows up on your skin in the form of dryness and dullness. To counter this, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can also boost your hydration by eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon, which not only hydrate but also provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that help maintain a healthy complexion. Keeping your body hydrated ensures your skin stays plump and nourished, no matter how chilly it gets outside.
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Upgrade your cleanser
That foaming face wash you swear by might be too harsh for winter. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that cleans without stripping your skin’s natural oils. Look for ingredients like:
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Glycerin: Draws moisture to the skin.
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Ceramides: Strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration.
Pro Tip: Avoid hot water when washing your face—it can dry out your skin further.
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Moisturize like a pro
Moisturizing is non-negotiable in winter. A rich, thick cream is your best defense against dry, flaky skin. Here’s what to look for:
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Hyaluronic Acid: Helps your skin retain moisture.
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Shea Butter: Deeply nourishes and softens.
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Niacinamide: Soothes irritation and strengthens the skin barrier.
Apply your moisturizer right after washing your face to lock in hydration.
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Don’t skip sunscreen
Just because it’s cold and cloudy doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for sun protection. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and cause damage year-round. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful rays and prevent premature aging.
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Exfoliate (But Gently!)
Exfoliating is key to removing dead skin cells, but winter calls for a gentler approach. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week with a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant like:
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Lactic Acid: Hydrates while exfoliating.
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Salicylic Acid: Unclogs pores and reduces flakiness.
Over-exfoliating can cause more harm than good, so tread lightly.
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Don’t neglect your lips
Cracked, chapped lips are a common winter woe. A nourishing lip balm with SPF and ingredients like beeswax or lanolin can keep them soft and hydrated. Apply liberally throughout the day.
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Care for your beard
If you’re sporting facial hair, winter can make your beard dry and itchy. A good beard oil or balm will not only soften your beard but also moisturize the skin underneath, reducing itchiness and flakiness. Look for products with:
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Argan Oil: Hydrates without greasiness.
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Jojoba Oil: Closely mimics the skin’s natural oils.
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Reconsider your shower routine
As tempting as a hot shower is on a chilly morning, it’s a fast track to dry, irritated skin. Opt for lukewarm water and limit your shower time to avoid stripping your skin of essential oils.
Bonus Tip: Apply body lotion right after you towel off to seal in moisture.
Oteria’s Got Your Back, Gents
Oteria is a gender-neutral skincare brand that understands the importance of balance, focusing on the body’s natural circadian rhythm to deliver products that work in harmony with your skin’s needs throughout the day. Perfect for men’s winter skincare, Oteria’s formulations are designed to hydrate, protect, and repair skin, adapting to its natural cycles. Oteria is the answer to all/most of your skincare questions.
Velvet Dew Skin Lotion
Oteria’s Velvet Dew Skin Lotion is a body lotion that hydrates and plumps skin for a youthful, radiant look. Clinically proven, this lotion boosts hydration, it provides 72-hour moisture, relieves dry skin, and combats age-induced dryness. With just a few applications, this body lotion for dry skin restores balance, prevents moisture loss, and promotes a healthier, more vibrant complexion.
Benefits
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the skin
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72 hours moisturising effect
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Clinically proven to increase hydration
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Prevents age-induced skin dryness
Key ingredients
Aloe Vera: Binds moisture to the skin, relieving dryness.
Natural Sugars: Soothes dry, acne-prone skin, leaving it radiant.
How to use
Apply the required quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
White Tea Shower Gel
Oteria’s White Tea Shower Gel cleanses, repairs, and soothes damaged skin, reducing irritation and redness while protecting against external aggressors. Infused with antioxidant-rich White Tea from Darjeeling, it calms and restores skin, promoting a healthier complexion and boosting natural defenses for lasting resilience. This moisturizing gel goes beyond cleansing, offering effective skin repair and soothing relief. So whether you're looking for a face wash for men, a face wash for women, or simply the best face wash for glowing skin, Oteria’s White Tea Shower Gel delivers hydration, repair, and a radiant complexion beyond basic cleansing.
Benefits
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Repairs & restores
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Soothes damaged skin
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Protects and soothes skin
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Boosts skin’s immunity
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Maintains a supple and glowing complexion
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Natural antioxidant properties
Key ingredients
White Tea Extract: Rich in antioxidants, treats inflammation, sunburn and dryness. Prevents wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
How to use
Pour the shower gel on your palm or a wet loofah. Then apply to wet skin, work into a lather, and rinse.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Check out our entire range of products here.
Takeaway
Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, gents. With just a few simple changes to your routine, you can protect your skin from the harsh cold and keep it looking its best all season long. Remember, your skin deserves just as much care as any other part of your body. Embrace a routine that hydrates, soothes, and nourishes, and trust that your skin will thank you. With Oteria’s range of effective, gender-neutral skincare products, you can feel confident knowing you’re giving your skin the protection it needs—while staying comfortable and fresh through the chill. Stay resilient, stay nourished, and let your skin glow this winter!
FAQs
1) Why is winter skincare important for men?
Winter weather can dry out your skin, leading to irritation and flakiness. Men’s skin, though thicker, is still susceptible to these effects. Proper winter skincare helps maintain moisture, protect the skin barrier, and prevent discomfort.
2) How can I hydrate my skin during the winter?
Hydration starts from within. Drink plenty of water and eat hydrating foods like cucumbers and oranges. Additionally, using a moisturizer rich in ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter will help lock in moisture.
3) What type of cleanser should men use in winter?
Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Look for ingredients like glycerin and ceramides to maintain hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
4) Do men need to moisturize in the winter?
Yes! Moisturizing is crucial to protect your skin from drying out in the cold. A rich, nourishing moisturizer can help maintain softness and prevent flakiness.
5) Should I use sunscreen in the winter?
Absolutely! UV rays can penetrate through clouds and cause skin damage even in the winter. Using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen will protect your skin from sun damage year-round.
6) Can exfoliating help with dry skin in winter?
Yes, exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, but be gentle. Use a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant like lactic acid once or twice a week to prevent buildup without irritating the skin.
7) How can I protect my beard during the winter?
If you have facial hair, use beard oil or balm to keep it soft and hydrated. This will also help moisturize the skin beneath, reducing itchiness and flakiness.
8) What are the best ingredients for men’s winter skincare?
Look for products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and shea butter. These help lock in moisture, soothe irritation, and keep your skin nourished through the colder months.