The complete winter skincare guide for men

Battle the elements with these key products

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As the temperamental winter weather sets in, your skin is one of the first things to suffer.

From the blustery winds whipping your face to the drying central heating inside, your face can be left in dire need of some TLC.

Luckily, the grooming industry has got you covered with a range of products designed to take care of your skin with minimum effort on your part.

Here, we take a look at all the products you will need to survive the elements over the next few months.

Cleanse and exfoliate

Age Defender Cleanser, £16, Kiehl’s

The skin on your face is going to put up with a lot this season, from runny noses to ferocious rainfall, so washing it with something gentle but efficient is crucial.

The same goes for exfoliating too. Harsh weather conditions lead to dry skin and this can cause a build-up of dead skin cells. The solution? An exfoliator that will file away debris and leave your skin looking super smooth.

If you want to cut back on the number of steps in your routine, we suggest picking up a two-in-one product like Kiehl’s Age Defender Cleanser which deeply cleanses while exfoliating to remove excess dirt and oil.

Shave and beard oil

Elemis, Smooth Result Shave & Beard Oil, £20.40, John Lewis

Between shaving and exfoliating, your skin can start to feel a little dry so it’s wise to invest in pre-shave oil that will help against stripping.

Similarly, it’s important to make sure your tools are in tip-top shape so ditch the blunt razor and treat yourself to a new gadget.

If you prefer to keep a little fuzz on your face though, you’re going to need to take good care of it to make sure it stays glossy through the colder months.

Either way, a product like Elemis Smooth Result Shave and Beard Oil will do the trick. Packed with vitamin-rich ingredients like jojoba, hazelnut and grapeseed oils, it will leave facial hair feeling soft and your skin perfectly moisturised.

Heavy-duty moisturiser

Haeckels, Eco Marine Extract Facial Cream, £48, Mr Porter

If you’re not already using a moisturiser, it’s high time you started and, even if you are, you might want to consider something a little richer for the winter months.

Everything from the elements to radiators can sap your face of moisture, so it’s crucial that you apply a potent hydrator on to your skin morning and night.

We like this one from Margate-based brand Haeckels that uses naturally potent ingredients like parsley seed, lavender and evening primrose oil to combat dryness and signs of ageing.

If your skin is still feeling a little parched, try introducing a hydrating serum to your routine too and remember not to skimp on the sun protection.

Eye cream

Anti-Age Eye Cream, £27.50, Clinique

Yes, another step to add to your lengthy skincare routine but, trust us, it’s worth it.

It’s a known fact that the skin around the eyes is thinner, drier and more prone to lines and inflammation than the rest of your face, so it stands to reason that it should require its own treatment.

To make a difference to dryness, puffiness and dark circles, invest in an eye cream like Clinique For Men’s Anti-Age Eye Cream and apply morning and evening after cleansing by gently massaging the product into under-eye area.

Lip balm

Grown Alchemist, Watermelon & Vanilla Lip Balm, £15, Mr Porter

The festive season might well be round the corner but the brisk weather will do anything but bring comfort and joy to your lips.

Just like your eyes, the skin on your lips is super-thin, making it far more susceptible to the drying effects of the cold.

To combat dry, chapped lips, you’re going to want to invest in a lip balm you can have at the ready at all times like this moisture-rich option from Grown Alchemist.

Formulated with watermelon extract, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, it provides instant relief to your pout and fits perfectly in your desk drawer or coat pocket.