We all know the feeling. It might be first thing in the morning, after a day at work, or even after a tough workout, but most men have experienced the sudden realization that the skin on their knuckles, palms, elbows, and/or feet are looking more like an alligator than a human being. Then we think to ourselves, wait, when did this happen? The fact of the matter is that men are more likely to get dry skin than women for a number of reasons.
With this in mind, today we will review why men get dry skin, the role that lifestyle can play in skin hydration, and how men can use simple yet effective skin products to repair, restore, and renew dry hands.
Men Have a Predisposition for Dry Skin
Men have thicker skin than women. This can lead to the common misconception that men’s skin is also tougher, stronger, and more resilient than women’s. While this is true in some ways, it is actually quite the opposite when it comes to skin dryness. Men are also more susceptible to skin damage from UV rays, which can cause dryness amongst other health issues.
This natural tendency to have dry, cracked, even damaged skin can surprise some men. Men also produce more sebum (naturally produced skin oil) than women, which can lead to oily skin. Confused yet? Don’t worry, the solution to this problem is simpler than you might think.
Active Lifestyles can Lead to Dry, Chapped Hands
There is no question that genetic factors influence dry skin development. Yet the causes of dry skin are split fairly evenly between nature and nurture. While we would never recommend skipping activities purely for the sake of keeping your skin from drying out, understanding what can lead to dry skin might help you maintain healthy skin hydration in the future. Here are just a few activities which may lead to dry, chapped hands:
- Weightlifting: mechanical friction, chalk, sweat, and dry gym air can all lead to dry skin. Pumping iron is a great way to stay healthy. We recommend washing your hands before leaving the gym to shed some of that extra dirt and grime.
- Prolonged outdoor time: in a broader sense, the more time you spend in the sun or in an arid climate, the more likely it is you will develop dry skin. Use appropriate sunscreen and always keep up with simple, effective skincare.
- Swimming: ironically, getting wet can dry your skin out as fast as anything. This is primarily due to the chlorine content of most swimming pools.
- Active professions: first responders, military men and women, carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, and anyone who uses their hands for a living is susceptible to painful dry skin. Again, keeping your hands clean and keeping them moisturized after hours is key.
Men Tend to Ignore Their Skin Health
Unfortunately, even in today’s day and age, men are statistically more likely to simply ignore skin problems altogether. Even men who are unafraid to use skincare products can easily get lost in the ocean of products that are available. Should I use hand cream, vaseline, coconut oil, or the essential oils my girlfriend told me about?
Ignoring a solvable problem isn’t doing you any favors. As we will explain in the following section, the solution to most dry skin situations is extremely simple. If you have avoided moisturizers or hydrating products in the past because you flat out did not know where to start, look no further!
Simple Solutions for Rough, Dry Hands
Don’t get bogged down by paralysis by analysis. Preventing and managing dry, cracked, and scaly hands can be done with a single product which you can use once or twice a day. Alongside regular cleansing routines (just keep your hands clean, fellas) moisturizing with a powerful hand, elbow, and foot cream can work wonders.
There is nothing manly about walking around with cheese graters for hands. Instead, take control of your skin and of your health with a single, easy-to-use moisturizer. By using daily hand cream and taking easy steps to avoid skin damage, you can give yourself a great chance of having moisturized, healthy skin year round.
HEFF Lotion for Serious Dry Skin Restoration
At HEFF, our team of doctors, chemists, and researchers developed our hand, elbow and foot cream for a singular purpose: to restore dry, chapped, cracked, split hands, elbows, knees, and feet. Our proprietary formula harnesses the power of amino acids to deliver unparalleled hydration and recovery for damaged skin. HEFF hand cream is non-greasy, water-based, and will leave you without any unpleasant scents or residues.
Additionally, for each tube purchased, HEFF will donate a tube to military, military families, and/or first responders through the charity Operation Gratitude. We are proud to give back in this small way to our nation’s heroes.
To find HEFF, look for our products in major retailers around the country, by shopping online, or feel free to contact us directly with any additional questions.