The 5 best skincare products for men: From serum to stubble moisturiser

When it comes to dry skin, prevention is better than cure, says Rebecca Gonsalves

Camelia Nut Facial hydrating cream, £33, Aesop.com ( )

The recent cold snap came as something of a shock to the system. I can't be the only one who thought we'd escaped frosty mornings and flurries of snow after the mildness of November and December. And while the big chill has happily coincided with a period of almost universal hibernation, as February dawns it brings with it a return to interaction with the wider world and exposure to the elements. Even if you're not an adventurer of Scott's calibre you will no doubt spend a good part of your day outside.

You need to be adequately protected from whipping winds and surprisingly strong winter sun, especially if your New Year's resolutions entailed exercising in the great outdoors. As with most things, when it comes to dry skin, prevention is better than cure and a rich moisturiser will stop flaky patches before they appear. If they're already there, all is not lost – a gentle exfoliator will help to clear them. Just be sure to tend to the fresh skin below.

Glycolic Exfoliating & Resurfacing Wipes

£18, Anthony Logistics, spacenk.com

Use these to gently remove dead skin and dirt, and let the aloe vera and menthol soothe stressed skin.

Camelia Nut Facial hydrating cream

£33, Aesop.com

This buttery-yellow cream is a lush riposte to winter dryness thanks to camomile, sandalwood and rosemary leaf extracts.

Face, beard & stubble moisturiser

£10.50 No7 for men, boots.com

This freshly scented all-rounder with SPF will help stop beard hair appearing straggly and soften stubble.

Future rescue repair serum

£48, Lab Series, labseries.co.uk

The men's market has been slower catching on to serums: this is worth the wait.

Ultra facial deep moisture balm

£24, kiehls.co.uk

A dab or two of this balm will wipe out unsightly dry and scaly patches, without clogging skin or causing spots.