Winter's arrival: Experts share tips to combat skin dryness

ST. LOUIS - We’ve had a taste of the bitter cold air that we’ll experience over the next few months, and it’s already causing skin issues.

Experts at a local medical spa explain how to combat this issue we’ll be facing all winter.

Despite the frigid wind chills and temperatures more than 20 degrees below normal for early December, a few people were out braving the cold, but it doesn’t come without some side effects.

“Dry skin, very dry skin. So I try to keep moisture, Vaseline, and (those) kind of things to try to keep my skin hydrated,” Angel Bishop said.

Praveen Chakka walks every day unless there’s snow and says he’s used to it.

“I don’t pay too much attention, you know; I get used to this now. But then if there’s any care that I take, I use coconut oil Sometimes when I’m really dry, you know lips are dry,” he said.

Local aestheticians are already seeing the impacts of the recent winter chill with their clients.

“Everyone is pretty dry right now. People’s skin barriers are a little more disruptive. People are a little red too. So definitely dehydrated skin at the moment,” Brianna Ryan, an aesthetician at The Face & The Body, said.

Certain areas are more susceptible than others.

“Around the eyes can get really dry, lips obviously, and even your neck and chest get forgotten about, especially in the winter time,” Sarah Steinhilber, another aesthetician at The Face & The Body added. “I see a lot of cracked, dry hands. Dead cuticles, all of that nonsense in the winter.”

They say now is the time to take a look at your skin care routine.

“I like to use a thicker moisturizer in the winter. You can’t have the same summer routine in the winter; you have to change it up. I also like to layer that with extra hydrating serums,” Steinhilber said.

When purchasing those products to battle the dryness, there are certain ingredients you should look for.

“I would also look for serums and ingredients that have humectants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides,” Ryan said.

Chapped lips are also a struggle. You can use a sugar scrub to remove the dead skin, and Aquaphor is a great option to moisturize. Hydration is also very important, and humidifiers can help.

“People can get a humidifier in their room because that’ll help with just adding moisture back into the skin, and when you sleep, you do lose hydration into your skin,” Ryan added.

Persistency with your routine is key.

“Staying consistent because you’re always going to be dry, so you’re always going to have to work against it and always adding extra moisture in,” Steinhilber said.