Good day guys, start of another week, so Monday is Grooming day, we all need a little help at the start of the week and as the days are getting shorter and the weather is definitely taken a more seasonal turn. I thought we would take a look at the importance of moisturising. Listen I’m not going to even bother giving air time to the maxim of “Real men don’t moisturise”, do you want to look old ????

Now, I have to admit I’m one of the worse culprits when it comes to not looking after my skin and I know I should and I know I have to. So after doing so well with covering the best of the sun creams on the market I decided to turn to that ever wise person responsible for keeping me on the straight and narrow. Mrs Mc, so I’ll leave you in her most able hands.

Right Men it’s officially Autumn, clocks are turning back and Winter wont be long so to avoid red noses and flaky chaffed skin its worth spending a few seconds a day slapping on a moisturiser.

Climate changes affect your skin differently in winter than summer. Just think; your skin is probably going from cold and damp commutes into centrally heated offices, blustery walks in the park into country pubs with roaring fires…Anyway your skin could do with a barrier to protect it from the various elements thrown at it.

Noella Gabriel, Director of Product and Treatment Development at Elemis, informed us of the importance of moisturising at this time of year;

“Winter brings with it harsh weather, shorter days, less sunshine, a dramatic change in diet from seasonal salads and fruits to soups and warmer food, which all has a direct impact on the skin. 

 The skin responds in a different way for each individual, some skins become oily others, very dehydrated and others very sensitive. 

A winter skin needs;

1. protection

2. nourishment and extra nutrients

3. nurturing

Add in elements such as shaving everyday which can lead to very sensitive skin. Shaving removes up to 7 layers of skin, using a product that is highly detergent and has a high percentage of alcohol can lead to high sensitivity, dehydration and result in a red, flaky skin. This is accelerated by the lack of a daily skincare regime or simply using a daily moisturiser. Introducing a targeted treatment moisturiser such as S.O.S. Survival Cream in the winter months can help reduce these problems. This skin treatment cream is the optimum solution for sensitivity, irritation, dryness and blemishes. The powerful formula of marine extracts, Lavender and Myrrh instantly soothes problem areas and leaves the skin perfectly hydrated and comfortable.”

So as usual, Clothes Make The Man have done the hard work for you …and this is our round up of the best.

Dry, sensitive or damaged skin

NIVEA FOR MEN – SENSITIVE MOSITUISER

Designed for men with sensitive/irritated skin the formula is gentle, fragrance and alcohol free and contains camomile and Vitamin E to intensively moisturise and sooth sensitive skin.

No 7 MEN – PROTECT & PERFECT INTENSE MOISTUISER

This product is probably best reserved for those who are exposing their skin to the elements or are suffering from very dry skin. It’s a rich cream, applied daily am that will take a minute to be absorbed. It has an SPF of 15 and feels soothing. It’s hypo- allergenic for when skin is irritated, for best results Boots recommend applying the ‘protect and perfect’ serum first.

BURT’S BEES – SENSITIVE DAILY MOISTURISING CREAM

This is specially formulated to moisturise and protect sensitive skin without causing redness or irritation. Smells lovely and absorbs quickly. Skin felt and looked healthy and smooth after the first application.

ELEMIS – S.O.S SURVIVAL CREAM 

This cool Lightweight cream is the optimum solution for sensitivity, irritation, dryness and blemishes. The formula of Marine extracts, Lavender and Myrrh instantly soothes problem areas and leaves the skin hydrated and feeling relaxed.

Normal to dry skin

L’Oreal – MEN EXPERT DAILY MOISTURISER

With hydra protect complex TM, this has a non greasy/sticky formula for those of you with normal to dry/sensitive skins. This is designed for winter out doors and commuting as it helps skin combat against the cold, wind and pollution and soothes razor burn. A good all rounder and reasonably priced 

LIZ EARLE FOR MEN
AFTER-SHAVING MOISTURISER

This is a great all round moisturiser that doubles as an aftershave soother. Leaving skin smooth and soft, it has a light and non-greasy formula. Lots of lovely natural ingredients include Borage to calm and moisturise, Vitamin E to protect. It smells lovely. You use sparingly on face and neck.

CLINIQUE – SKIN SUPPLIES FOR MEN – AGE DEFENCE HYDRATOR SPF15 

Mr Anthony’s personal favourite, this does what it says on the tin, it hydrates, repairs and protects. It also has SPF 15 in case there is any glimmer of sunshine. This is a fast absorbing cream that’s light, non greasy and has a neutral smell.

Normal to Oily skin

NIVEA FOR MEN – SENSITIVE FACE CARE HYDRO GEL

This was developed for men as it boasts stubble friendly formula, the gel is light and quickly absorbed and leaves no sticky residue. It won’t sting, even after shaving and contains aloe Vera and chamomile to sooth skin.

NATIO FOR MEN – OIL FREE MOISTURISER

This Australian brand is made with organic extracts to nourish, firm and improve skin elasticity. It also corrects oil balance to eliminate shine. It smells fresh and is priced very competitively

AVEDA – BOTANICAL KINETICS – HYDRATING LOTION

This lovely, light hydrating lotion absorbs in seconds, smells fresh and leaves skin looking healthy and moisturised without shine. A bit pricier but full of lovely, natural ingredients and environmentally AVEDA are the first beauty company to produce their products using 100% wind power…