Having dry, flaky skin is no one’s idea of fun. It’s uncomfortable and painful in many cases, not to mention it’s a surefire way to wreck your confidence. The good news fellas is that we’re going to help you banish the flakes for good.

In this article, we’ll tell you what you need to know about dry, flaky skin and how you can kick it to the curb. 

What are the symptoms of dry, flaky skin?

The symptoms of dry, flaky skin vary depending on factors such as your environment, age, genetics, diet, and sun exposure. Look out for signs like tightness after showering, rough texture, persistent itchiness, flaking or scaling, fine lines or cracks, and redness.

In most cases, dry, flaky skin can be effectively managed at home without disrupting your regular skincare routine. However, if your skin fails to improve despite your best efforts, interferes with your sleep, becomes infected, or if you notice extensive peeling or scaling, it's advisable to seek guidance from a dermatologist. 

How do I get rid of dry, flaky skin?

How to treat men's dry skin. Tip 1: Stay hydrated

Dry and flaky skin primarily occurs through water leaving the skin. By ensuring a regular intake of at least 8 cups of water per day, you provide your body with the necessary hydration to replenish the moisture that evaporates from your skin.

How to treat men's dry skin. Tip 2: Cover Up

When facing cold and windy weather, remember to dress appropriately to keep yourself warm and protect your skin from the elements. If the temperature drops significantly, don't forget to cover up with a scarf and hat. This will help to shield your face from the harsh wind. 

Additionally, take precautions and protect your skin from excessive sun exposure during hot weather. Keep in mind that sun-damaged skin can make you appear older, leading to dryness, wrinkles, and a leathery texture. Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection also increases the risk of developing skin cancer. 

How to treat men's dry skin 3. Tip 3: Get a humidifier

Introducing a humidifier into your living space or workplace can have a huge impact on eliminating dry and flaky skin. By infusing the air with moisture, the humidifier helps to reduce the rate at which water evaporates from your skin, resulting in a healthier and more hydrated complexion.

How to treat men's dry skin 4. Tip 4: Learn to shower the right way

Steer clear of excessively hot water during showers. Opt for warm water instead and aim to keep your shower time to a minimum. Warm water is gentler on the skin, as it helps preserve its natural oils and prevent stripping.

How to treat men's dry skin. Tip 5: Exfoliate (2-3 times weekly)

As we age, our skin cells naturally regenerate at a slower pace. Without regular exfoliation, you may experience issues like acne, blackheads, ingrown hairs, pimples, wrinkles, and, of course, dry, flaky skin. Deep cleansing of your pores is essential for maintaining smooth and healthy skin, preserving its youthful appearance.

Avoid exfoliators with plastic microbeads as they can be harmful to both your skin and the environment. Instead, opt for a natural men's face scrub that utilises gentle ingredients like finely crushed walnut shells and bamboo powder. These natural exfoliants effectively remove rough skin and dead cells, leaving your skin refreshed and revitalised.

How to treat men's dry skin. Tip 6: Use a Sea Salt Body Scrub

The natural exfoliating properties of salt can work wonders in eliminating dry, flaky skin, along with the oils and impurities that contribute to acne. 

Sea Salt Body Scrubs are packed with beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which delicately exfoliate the skin. These minerals not only promote a smoother complexion but also aid in muscle relaxation, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood circulation. 

How to treat men's dry skin. Tip 7: Moisturise daily

Moisturisers help to replenish the outer layer of your skin, creating a protective barrier that prevents water from evaporating.

For optimal results, make sure to apply a men's face moisturiser right after you shower. This is when your skin is still damp, allowing the moisturiser to lock in the maximum amount of moisture. By doing so, you'll effectively maintain the health and hydration of your skin, keeping it in top condition.

How to treat men's dry skin. Tip 8: Ditch the soap!

We can’t emphasise this strongly enough. If there is one piece of advice you MUST follow, it’s this. Get rid of the soap! It’s like kryptonite to your skin. 

What causes extremely dry, flaky skin in men?

Cause #1: The Weather

During cold weather, the decrease in air humidity levels results in rapid skin dryness. Without sufficient moisture in the air to help maintain skin hydration, your skin tends to dry out quickly. 

Throughout winter, the skin's natural capacity to retain moisture diminishes by over 25%, causing accelerated evaporation of water from the skin and resulting in the all-too-familiar outcome of dry, flaky skin. On the other hand, in hot weather, sweating occurs, leading to dehydration and leaving the skin feeling irritated and dry.

Cause #2: Hot baths or showers

Yes, we all love a hot shower. However, when the temperature gets too hot, excessively hot showers are not particularly beneficial for your skin. 

The outermost layer of your skin serves as a shield, safeguarding the internal layers and preventing moisture loss through evaporation. It achieves this through the presence of sebum oil, which not only protects and lubricates the skin but also acts as a waterproof barrier. However, hot water depletes the sebum on your skin, resulting in a wrinkled appearance. 

In the absence of this protective oil, your skin struggles to retain moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and increased susceptibility to irritation.

Cause #3: Swimming

Chlorine has the unfortunate effect of stripping away sebum, leaving your skin devoid of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness and itching, particularly for people with sensitive skin who are more susceptible to such issues. 

It's worth noting that certain chlorine components may linger on your skin, even after bathing or rinsing off following a pool session. 

Frequent exposure to chlorine can also result in an unpleasant condition called 'chlorine rash'. In such cases, over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms and treat the affected skin.

Cause #4: Soap

Prolonged use of soap can even have negative implications for your skin and overall health. Here's why:

Soap's impact on good bacteria: While soap effectively eliminates harmful bacteria, it also eradicates beneficial bacteria that play a crucial role in eliminating harmful microbes and safeguarding against diseases. This leaves you more vulnerable to dangerous pathogens and microbes.

Stripping of skin lipids: Lipids, or fats, present in your skin serve three vital functions: maintaining softness and hydration, protecting against diseases, and forming a protective barrier by filling the gaps between your epidermal cells. Soap removes these essential lipids, weakening your defence mechanisms against disease-causing organisms.

Chemical content in soap: Commercially available soaps often contain a variety of chemicals, some of which can pose risks. For instance, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is recognized as a "mutagen" capable of altering cellular materials. Benzyl acetate is a carcinogen associated with certain types of cancers, while benzaldehyde can negatively affect your nervous system.

Cause #5: Underlying skin conditions

• Contact dermatitis - An itchy and red rash that occurs when your skin comes into contact with a substance to which it is allergic. This reaction results in the development of a red, cracked, and itchy rash, which can sometimes be mistaken for eczema.
• Eczema - Characterised by chronically cracked, dry, scaly, and red skin. Unfortunately, the condition does not improve even with the use of moisturizers.
• Psoriasis manifests as thick, raised, red, or silvery patches of scaly skin, commonly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp. It occurs when the immune system becomes overactive, leading to the rapid production of new skin cells. As a result, these excess skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin.

What can I use on my face instead of soap?

Look for products enriched with the following beneficial ingredients:

Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: Aloe possesses nourishing properties that promote the healing of minor wounds, burns, and rashes. Additionally, it serves as an excellent moisturiser and emollient for the skin.

White Tea Leaf Extract: Studies have shown that white tea exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, contributing to the strengthening and protection of the skin's matrix.

Witch Hazel: As a natural substitute for alcohol, witch hazel is well-known for its antibacterial properties, making it ideal for treating cuts and nicks. It also soothes the skin without causing inflammation, particularly after shaving.

Chamomile Flower Extract: With its soothing, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile effectively provides a cooling and calming effect on sensitive skin.

What are the benefits of natural products?

When confronted with dry, flaky skin, the last thing you want to do is exacerbate the issue. Regrettably, numerous products available at your supermarket tend to do just that. 

Before making your final decision, take a moment to inspect the ingredient list and ensure that you are opting for products containing natural ingredients.

What ingredients are bad in skincare?

Mineral oil

Mineral oil, derived from petroleum, has the potential to clog pores, harm your skin, and contribute to acne breakouts.

Polyethylene Glycol

Polyethylene glycol, commonly used as a thickening agent in moisturisers, has the drawback of diminishing your skin's natural ability to retain moisture. As a result, it can accelerate the drying process of your skin.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol has the potential to cause skin irritation, making it unsuitable for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Aluminium

Aluminium, a toxic metal, can disrupt the endocrine system and can be found in both inexpensive and expensive deodorants.

Alcohol

Alcohol can break down skin cells and rapidly dehydrate them. While alcohol is added to skincare products to dry the product quickly, it has the adverse effect of drying out the skin, resulting in dryness and flakiness.

Synthetic Fragrances

Fragrances are often added to products to impart a refreshing scent. However, for individuals with dry or sensitive skin, these fragrances can be irritating and may cause rashes, itching, and a burning sensation.

How can I hydrate my skin naturally?

Shea Butter

Derived from the shea nut, shea butter is renowned for its exceptional moisturising properties. Packed with abundant fatty acids and vitamins, it effectively nourishes and softens the skin. 

Notably, shea butter also stimulates cell renewal and repairs the protective hydrolipidic film, ensuring that your skin maintains optimal moisture levels.

Kakadu Plum Extract

Containing 100 times more vitamin C than oranges, Kakadu plums are an exceptional natural source for promoting collagen synthesis, facilitating iron absorption, and supporting heart health.

White Tea Leaf Extract

White tea offers remarkable benefits for sensitive skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent option to consider. 

Additionally, white tea provides a degree of protection against UV radiation, safeguarding your skin from the detrimental effects of sun damage.

What can I do for extremely dry skin?

If you're seeking an all-natural solution to swiftly address dry, flaky skin, look no further than the VITAMAN men’s natural skincare, including our face moisturiser, body moisturiser, and sea salt body scrub. 

These skincare essentials are vegan-certified, designed for the unique needs of men’s skin, and crafted with organic ingredients sourced from the Australian outback.  

We staunchly avoid the use of alcohol and soap. Instead, you'll discover a carefully selected blend of ingredients scientifically proven to nurture and hydrate your skin, including coconut oil, Kakadu plum extract, white tea leaf extract, and shea butter. 

For visibly clearer, firmer skin that exudes youthfulness and vitality, our moisturizers offer the ideal (natural) remedy that your skin will truly adore.