The Skinny on Dry Skin

My sense of humor is just like my knuckles in winter: dry.

In this post we are going to talk about different types of skin issues, what causes dry skin, and what we can do about it!

You might be in a profession where you use your hands all day- maybe as a mechanic, artist, or carpenter. Maybe you create artisanal firewood– I don’t know! The truth is, dry skin affects us all, especially during the snowy winter months. Our skin is our body’s largest organ and many of us seek to keep it moisturized.

What Are Skin Issues Men Face?

Dry Skin (Xerosis)- dry skin is quite common, and can occur for multiple reasons and at any age.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)- skin becomes dry, scaly, and itchy.

Acne- this is the most common skin condition in the US, and it can include pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes.

What Causes Dry Skin?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are a number of factors that cause dry skin. They include age, climate, skin diseases, and professions that require one to repeatedly wash their hands throughout the day.

What Can You Do About It?

Here are a few ideas listed by AAD to help prevent dry skin:

• Limit shower time to 5-10 minutes (spending more time in the water will leave your skin less hydrated) and use warm instead of hot water.
• Shave in the direction hair grows and soften your skin before you shave.
• Cover up your skin in winter with a scarf and gloves to prevent chapped hands and lips.

Products and Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Dry Skin:

• Isoprolyol Alcohol- found in sanitizers and other body products. This is listed on the Environmental Working Group as an irritant.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)- found in many body products. According to the EWG, they are both listed as concerns for skin irritants.
• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)- found in many body products. PEG can alter and reduce our skin’s natural moisture.

Products to Use if You Have Dry Skin:

AAD lists some ideas to alleviate dry skin:

• Moisturizer- applying a moisturizer throughout the day can help your skin to retain its natural moisture. It will also soften your skin and alleviate dryness.
• Medicine- if your skin is extremely dry, your dermatologist might prescribe ointment to relieve itching, swelling, or redness.
• Changes to Your Day- if you are in a profession that causes your hands to become dry, you might need to wear gloves more often, avoid hand sanitizer, and/or use a soap that is less harsh on your skin.

Speaking of soap that is soft on your skin… Dr. Squatch’s natural soap contains glycerin, which moisturizes your skin AS it cleans it! (Why use natural soap? Read this post if you don’t know!)

If your skin is sensitive, take the Squatch quiz to see what soap would be ideal for you! Or, if you are as tough as the wild Sasquatch, taking the quiz will show you what soap would work best for your rugged skin. You can also accentuate your manly scent with some Dr. Squatch cologne, which is perfect for a night out in the city or a week or two in the backcountry.