The winter time can be harsh on everyone. Dry, irritated skin is common among African Americans during this period of cold weather. Walker Tisdale III, executive editor of Healthy Black Men website (healthyblackmen.org), says there are four primary skin types: normal, dry, oily and sensitive. There can even be a combination of both. He says that the skin type will determine the type of product used. Tisdale offers four tips for healthier skin:

• Wash

This is the most important step in skin care. Tisdale advises that men with oily or normal skin use foam products, while men with dry or sensitive skin use cream products. It’s important for men to wash their face in the morning and before they go to bed. It’s important to do it in the morning because it rids the body of all the facial bacteria and germs collected during sleep. Likewise, it’s important to do it at night before bed because it cleans the germs and bacteria collected from the day and prevents the chances of overnight blemishes occurring.

• Exfoliate

The process of scrubbing the dead skin cells is very important in the prevention of blackheads. Tisdale points out that it is important to do this so that dead skin cells do not pile on top of each other in sleep or during the day. He also advises not to exfoliate everyday because scrubbing can be harsh on the skin. It’s advised to do this no more than twice a week.

• Tone

Tisdale describes toning as skin products (such as rubbing alcohol) that “are a liquid applied to the face with a cotton ball or pad.” So basically, facial pads with alcohol on them that are often used as a prevention of acne are examples of toners. Tisdale recommends doing this after washing the face to get rid of any last traces of dirt in the face. This process also helps to open up pores.

• Moisturize

Tisdale stresses the importance of keeping the face hydrated. However, where some mess up with this is that they put lotion on their face. Lotion is very greasy, can clog pores and cause great amounts of acne depending on the amount used. Instead, use moisturizer on the face. It is important to choose facial products that say “oil free” on them to avoid clogging the face and getting that shiny look after applying to the face.