Style in 30 Seconds: Soothing Windburn With Aloe Vera

In the thick of winter, freezing wind only adds insult to injury. Arctic chills blast in from the north overnight, plunging the daily temperatures into the negative teens. Last week, Toronto even had its coldest day on record since 2019. Cold-weather calamities — dryness, flaking, windburn, redness, you name it — underline the need for a polar-proof regimen. Then again, it’s January in Canada; the weather is cold like the sky is blue. Fending off frostbite year after year, we’ve become well-acquainted with seasonal skincare. In fact, our secret, ultra-hydrating weapon for winter doubles as a well-known sunburn solution: aloe vera.

While prickly, peeling skin goes hand-in-hand with a day on the slopes or a bone-chilling bike ride to work, you’ll want avoid letting that Rudolph-red nose become a regular occurrence. Wind causes dryness and cracking on the outer layer of the skin, which makes it easier for UV rays to damage the layers underneath. When it comes to high winds and freezing temperatures, a bit of preemptive protection never hurts. As your daily sunscreen fends off the UV rays, aloe vera provides a heavy layer of hydration to keep your face soft and smooth. It’s no surprise that aloe has become a staple in skincare: reports show that it’s loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, which translate into moisturizing and healing properties.

The Best Men’s Skincare Products With Aloe Vera

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Suhani Shine Brightening Aloe Gel by Aste Wellness ($74)

The Best Men’s Skincare Products With Aloe Vera

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Gesso Niacinamide Balm by Collage ($109)

The Best Men’s Skincare Products With Aloe Vera

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Aloe Shave Gel by Clinique For Men ($35)

Luckily, there’s a plethora of aloe vera products for men on the market. If your routine is a simple ‘shave and shower,’ Clinique for Men makes an excellent Aloe Shave Gel, filled anti-corrosion ingredients to cleanse debris and enhance natural skin protection. There’s no extra steps involved, either. Simply swap your usual shaving cream for an aloe blend and profit.

Standout moisturizers include an all-natural, lightweight, gel by Aste Wellness. In a sleek container, aloe vera mixes with pigment-reducing agents like saffron and liquorice. Lather it on top of a freshly-washed face — first in the morning, then again at night — and enjoy a targeted antidote for windburns. For an overnight approach, check out the glossy, Canadian-made Gesso Balm by Collage. Smooth and powerful, the Gesso Balm includes moisturizing mainstays like aloe vera, chamomile, hyaluronic acid, and witch hazel. The fortifying blend adds an extra layer of hydration to your usual moisturizer, locking it in overnight. Next time you face the frigid morning temps, your skin will thank you.