Get your snow skin: protect your hide from harsh winter weather, whether you're riding fresh powder or navigating slushy urban streets - Appearance - men's skincare products - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Men's Fitness, Jan, 2002 by Dennis Nishi

Burying yourself three layers deep in the latest winter garb doesn't allow you to leave your exposed skin to fend for itself. Freezing weather and low humidity can sap the moisture from your face and body, leaving it dry, irritated, and itchy as hell. While a healthy diet, plenty of water and a good night's sleep go a long way toward helping your skin age like a fine Bordeaux, venturing into the world of skin care can be the extra step you need to improve your winter look. To help you sort through the shelves of goop and lotion, we've gathered a sampling of choice items that protect, soothe and invigorate your epidermis.

BODY WASHES

Jack Black All Over Wash ($12, 6 oz.) and Chrome Azzaro All Over Shampoo ($42, 6.7 oz.) can be used on your hair as well as your body. Both are vitamin-enriched and won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Some of these washes may be too harsh for your face, so make sure it's an all-body product before slapping it on.

If you already have dry skin, try Nivea for Men Double Action Face Wash ($6, 5 oz.) or Neal Yard Palmarosa Facial Wash ($24, 3.4 oz.). Both also help soften and prepare your face for shaving.

Tip: Take preventative measures before you leave the house in the morning. Instead of the scalding, penitential ablution you're used to, opt for a nice, warm shower, because hot water harms the skin's ability to retain moisture and can pave the way to dryer skin.

MOISTURIZERS

Dr. Brandt Balanced Body Moisturizer ($65, 6 oz.) and Aramis Surface Body Lotion ($20, 1.7 oz.) offer protection that works wonders year-round. The latter also contains "blue reflectors," which purportedly diffuse light and neutralize redness in the skin.

Tip: The best time to apply body lotion is right after a shower, while you're still damp; this will help your skin preserve its moisture.

Tip: Harold Brody, M.D., president of the Society of Dermatological Surgery, cautions against overusing products with alpha hydroxy acids. While they are known for moisturizing dry skin and fighting wrinkles, AHAs can remove your skin's natural oils, leaving it unprotected against the sun and wind.

EXFOLIATORS AND CLAY MASKS

This may seem a step or two beyond your allowable skin-pampering limits, but keep in mind that Grant Hill and Clint Eastwood are no strangers to these products.

Exfoliators promote new skin growth by removing dry, dead skin and deep-cleaning built-up dirt. Try vitamin E-enriched Nivea for Men Exfoliating Face Scrub ($6, 2.6 oz.) or Zirh Aloe Facial Exfoliator ($12.50, 4 oz.), which contains aloe and diatomaceous earth, pieces of tiny prehistoric plants said to aid in keeping pores unclogged.

Clay masks cover similar ground as exfoliators by cleaning pores, but they also smooth your skin and dry out pimples. Zirh Rejuvenating Clay Mask ($14.50, 4 oz.) works in just 10 minutes.

Tip: Exfoliators should be used on damp faces twice a week. Rinse immediately after applying. Wash and dry your face before applying clay masks. Let set for 10 minutes or more, depending on the product.

SUNSCREENS

One of the better multitasking concoctions is Clarins Moisture Quenching Hydra-Balance Lotion and Sunscreen ($42, 1.7 oz.), which provides the requisite sun protection as well as an antipollution complex--important during the scourge of the SUV. And lest you forget that your lips are also part of your face--and most men do know this: Lip-cancer rates are higher among men than women. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm ($5, 0.25 oz.) has an SPF of 25, in addition to a subtle scent of mint, making you even more irresistible to the fairer sex.

Tip: Never dip below an SPF of 15, and make sure the product contains both UVA and UVB protection. Sun damage is cumulative, so numerous short exposures spell trouble.

Tip: Skin-cancer rates are still on the rise, and, says Brody, sunscreen is the best protection you can buy for your skin. "Wear it every day." And don't forget to cover your ears and the corners of your mouth.

The Skin Horoscope

Most companies create their products based on the major skin types: normal, oily, dry, or a combination of the three. Knowing your skin type is important for treating specific conditions, and for choosing which moisturizers and washes to use. Get your groom on according to the following guidelines.

Normal Skin: You've got small pores and smooth skin that is neither oily nor dry. You're perfect and we hate you.

Dry Skin: You've got small pores too, but an insufficient amount of natural oil. Your skin dehydrates and is prone to lines and wrinkles. People treat you like a leper.

Oily Skin: Your skin is characterized by large pores and a slick shine. Blackheads are not infrequent Visitors. Your closest relationship is with your hamster.

Combination Skin: You've got oily skin along the "T zone"--which runs across the forehead and down the nose to the chin--and dry skin everywhere else. You're probably sexually confused as well.

If your skin doesn't respond to over-the-counter products, you may want to consult a dermatologist. The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest and most influential association of dermatologists worldwide and will provide a list of dermatologists in your area and/or free pamphlets on skin care. For information, call 888-462-3376, visit the AAD Web page at www.aad.org, or write to: American Academy of Dermatology, P.O. Box 681069, Schaumburg, Il 60168.