Winter Itch: Causes of Dry Skin In Men, Remedies, & More

When men get older, they tend to suffer from the “winter itch” during the colder months of the year. This is due to a myriad of reasons. For one, when they take multiple showers a day because they went to the gym or had a long day at work, water and cleansers remove natural skin oils and subsequently dry out their skin. And when men reside in colder climates, reduced indoor humidity and cooler outdoor temperatures also dries out their skin. A 2018 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology explored why dry skin and eczema are more prominent in colder months. The study concluded that skin cells shrink in colder climates, leading to discomforting skin conditions. The combination of indoor heating with colder climates can also exacerbate your skin’s surface.

Though this can be unpleasant, there are plenty of tried and tested solutions for healthy skincare. Recently, we spoke with dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki to get her expert advice on how to prevent “winter’s itch.”  Here are her five best tips for protecting men’s skin in the winter:

1. Change How You Shower

Though there are numerous products you can use for dry skin, there are daily things you can do to mitigate the problem. One way to prevent getting dry skin is changing how you shower. Skotnicki warns that too many men are overwashing. The dermatologist suggests that since men have “a short haircut and little hair product use,”  they don’t need to “shampoo their hair daily, which can lead to irritation of the scalp” and they can “lessen the time of your shower to 10 minutes” and shoudn’t “use very hot water.”  Some dermatologists suggest that men with skin conditions shouldn’t take daily showers because that can result in dry, irritable skin. If you’re worried about smelling bad, you can invest in an antiperspirant deodorant and apply it during the morning and night.

2. Moisturize, but not too much

It may seem a bit obvious — using moisturizer alleviates dryness. Especially during these colder months, a lot of men moisturize as a way to alleviate the “winter’s itch.” However, if you’re not careful about the moisturizer you’re using, you can experience adverse side effects like acne. To avoid this, Skotnicki suggests that you “make sure your moisturizer works well with your acne treatment” and recommends “lighter lotions” over “heavy creams ” that “can lead to body pimples.” In addition, she tells men to “consider a non-comedogenic SPF containing facial moisturizer for the winter months when the UV index is not as intense.” A 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that SPF moisturizer can be a beneficial part of skin regimens for people suffering from acne.

Instead of being loyal to a specific brand, you should look into whether or not products contain ingredients that work. In 2012, two Mount Sinai hospital dermatologists published a study that concluded moisturizers which contain “glycerin, petrolatum, and dimethicone” are the most impactful. And in a 2018 paper, three dermatologists found that Ceramide cream “increases skin hydration and improves barrier function which may make it suitable for use on dry skin.” Scientists have also encouraged people with particularly sensitive skin to be extra careful about which products they choose because many moisturizers can decrease pH levels and further worsen an already delicate situation. So yes, there’s a reason why moisturizers are so widely popular. But you should be considerate of how this product can impact your skin.

3. Avoid Over-Exfoliation

Exfoliation has become a ubiquitous element in skin routines. Regardless of the time of year, over-exfoliation can lead to acne. You should avoid over-exfoliation during the winter months when your skin is more dry and fragile. Skotnicki noted, “It is important to remember our skin naturally exfoliates.” For men with “minor acne,” she advises they use a “gentle chemical exfoliator” like “mild glycolic acid.” The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that in order to not have adverse effects, people should consider how the products their using interacts with other products they are applying, find an “exfoliation method” that fits their “skin type,” don’t exfoliate too hard, and also use moisturizers.

4. Don’t Hit Up The Sauna

During these winter months, you may be drawn to spaces that provide ample warmth. Though after a long day at work it can be tempting to unwind in a nice, hot sauna or whirlpool, this can actually make your skin more dry. While saunas can be beneficial for your heart, it’s potentially unhealthy for your skin. Skotnicki notes, “The heat and chlorine/bromide in the whirlpool can worsen dry skin.” Hence, if you already suffer from dry skin, you should probably find another method of relaxation.

5. Be Careful With Grooming

Just because the weather is cold doesn’t mean your love life will also freeze. It’s perfectly understandable that you will want to stay on top of grooming. However, be careful about how your grooming practices can irritate your facial skin.  Skotnicki says that for these cold months, men should invest in higher quality razors, like an electric one, and stay far away from “fragranced aftershaves or lotions.” In regards to hair, Skotniki suggests to “be careful using hair pomades and oil/waxes” because they can “transfer to the face and aggravate acne.” However, there are ways to use these products without negatively impacting your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should make sure that pomades and gels don’t end up on your hats, bedsheets, pillow cases, or headbands. The AAD also suggests that to ensure you’re using products that won’t cause you to breakout, keep your eye out for hair gels and pomades that are oil free, “non-comedogenic” and “non-acnegenic.”

Conclusion – Thriving During the Winter

These colder months don’t have to be anxiety-inducing. This winter, you can finally stop having dry, irritable skin. If you abide by these tips and purchase the right products, the“winter-itch” can be a thing of the past and you will breeze through these months with confidence.