Ok Gentlemen...Winter is here (at least in Detroit that is!) and as the temperatures plummet during these cold, blustery winter months, you need to change up your skincare routine to best protect your skin against the elements.  Lower humidity levels and decreased moisture in the air dries out your skin more quickly. Add to that the crankin’ up of the thermostats (because our ladies are cold) and your skin takes a beating!  The best defense to prevent damaged skin and hair is a good set of products that provide great skin care for men of color that’s easy to use, so you’ll do it every day. Also, staying hydrated and protecting your skin by dressing appropriately in cold, inclimate weather will prevent the elements from zapping your skin of its moisture.  Winter skin can bring dryness, irritation, and peeling which can lead to severe discomfort without proper care. Here are 5 skincare tips to keep in mind this winter:

 1. Moisturize with the Right Products

For men of color, it’s about choosing products that are best suited for our skin type. Skincare for black men is different in nature due to the types of concerns we experience. Ashy skin, rough dry skin and oily skin in combination create a set of unique factors. Therefore, cleansers, moisturizers, and protectants should be ultra-moisturizing and ultra-hydrating. They can include, natural beard balm, moisturizing body balm and lip balm that are oil-based (think coconut oil or sweet almond oil) and include essential oils and key vitamins to protect, nourish and hydrate. Protecting and moisturizing differently in the winter months is a must. Oil-based moisturizers compared to water-based products keep skin ultra moisturized for longer periods of time. Going all-natural with your moisturizers and finding products made with high-quality ingredients that are free of fragrance and harsh chemicals will leave skin softer, healthier and more hydrated in the harsh winter months. When selecting products to protect your skin, beard and hair from the barrage of moisture-depleting factors that are winter’s trifecta (wind, dry air and low humidity), choosing products designed for black men's skincare is a must and is the first line of defense to keep you looking and feeling good this winter.

 2. Protect Your Beard

Wearing a scarf to protect your neck and beard from the harsh elements can keep you from scratching that beard due to the drying out of the skin underneath, unnecessary breakage of your beard hair due to brittleness or licking those dry lips.  Beards do not protect your skin from loss of moisture that occurs when it's brutally cold and windy. The skin under your beard and beard hair dries out when not properly cared for and protected from the elements. If you're a guy who takes pride in his beard or is beginning to grow one, selecting a conditioning beard balm or natural beard oil for black men as part of your skincare regimen will keep the skin beneath your beard conditioned and your beard soft and tangle-free resulting in a bigger, healthier beard that you can be proud of. It will look and feel great and won’t suffer from brittleness, dryness or breakage that often comes with winter. 

 3. Protect Your Face, Lips and Hands

Bundle up when you head out this winter! Being sure to wear gloves and scarf to protect your face, lips, and hands from the cold and wind. When you head out into the cold, be sure to use a natural body balm, clarifying face moisturizer or lip balm (think shea or mango butter) as the first layer of defense that locks in moisture and provides a barrier to limit dehydration from the cold winter air. Keeping your great smile this winter means keeping your face and lips healthy and moisturized. Adding that necessary layer to lock in moisture and prevent skin irritation and dryness is key to looking and feeling great all winter long.

 4. Cleanse and Exfoliate

Preparing your skin to absorb the moisturizers or skin conditioners you will provide it this winter is an important first step in any skincare routine.  Cleansing skin of the day’s oils, that are unique to black men and other men of color, is an important daily ritual that will keep your skin healthy and prevent the clogging of pores which can lead to acne and other unpleasant skin conditions. Choosing an all-natural facial cleanser and body wash for black men that contains ingredients that are highly moisturizing is a critical step in caring for winter skin.  Showering for no more than 10 minutes with warm water, not hot, and selecting a gentle plant-based body wash will leave your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated!

Secondly, exfoliating dead skin cells and flaky dry skin is also an important step in any quality skincare routine. For men of color who may suffer from dry skin, exfoliation once or twice each week can make all the difference in the look and feel of your skin. Dry air and cold winter winds wreak havoc on our skin, the largest organ of the human body.  Assisting our skin in removing dead skin cells by exfoliating with an oil-rich exfoliant will leave skin soft and smooth. 

 5. Hydrate

Water. Water, Water. The Earth is comprised of 71 % water. Our bodies are made up of 60% water.  Water is important! In the summer, we tend to drink more water due to the warmer temps and the activities we engage in. It’s easier to consume the amount of water our bodies need in these conditions. On the flip side, when the air is drier and cooler, and our activities wane, we tend to drink less water. Even with the lower temperature and drier air of winter, we need to always stay hydrated. One of the first signs that indicate to ourselves and others that our bodies are dehydrated is the look of our skin. It can appear dull, sallow and wrinkles can be more pronounced (we know this doesn’t pertain to you of course…)  Finding creative ways to consume the necessary amount of water each day will ensure healthier skin, ward off fatigue and keep your mind sharp! Add a bit of lemon juice to your water, keep a refillable water bottle at your desk or in your car, track your water intake and reward your daily goal with another beverage that contains mostly water. Whatever it takes. It takes 21 days to form a new habit so be patient. Creating a new habit of getting the necessary daily intake of water will improve all of your bodily functions and your skin will look fantastic!

Follow these tips this winter and your skin will never look better!

More Tips On Taking Care of Your Skin

Improving your skin isn’t an overnight task, it requires discipline. Luckily, we’ve created a line of men's body care products designed to TRANSFORM black men’s skin over time. Like all great things, the best way to maintain healthy skin is to learn the basics for black men’s skincare and adhere to a proven skincare routine that works.  If you need additional guidance, check out A Black Man's Guide to Getting Rid of Ashy Skin Once and For All.