We love winter, but winter can be tough on skin. We’re chatting winter skincare and sharing our esthetician’s secrets to looking great even during sub-zero temps.
No. 1. Drink Up—Hydration Station
We don’t mean hit the bottle of vino harder. Did you know increased alcohol intake during winter can exacerbate existing skin issues like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea? And, alcohol also increases dehydration, negatively affects sleeping habits, and ultimately increases cortisol levels leading to more stress, which ages you. No one wants that.
If you want skin to glow, drink your H2O. People who drink half their body weight in water are less likely to show scars, wrinkles, and fine lines. Instead of reaching for that extra glass of wine when you’re kicking it in your cozies, grab a glass of water infused with cucumber or a decaf herbal tea.
Who’s ready to kick up the hydration intake?
No. 2. Even Professionals See Professionals: The Supercharged Facial
When winter skin is dry, not only does it look dull, but it can lead to overproduction of oil. Weird right? Why is skin oily when it’s dry? Your skin is overcompensating for the lack of moisture, which means visibly clogged pores and more blackheads.
Regular facials are an incredible way to keep skin healthy, but during winter, our team knows it’s time to super-charge your facial game with one that combines cleansing, exfoliating, and extractions with an infusion of hydration to keep skin balanced. The HydraFacial uses vortex fusion technology to exfoliate dead skin cells, extract impurities and infuse skin with antioxidants, smoothing peptides, and ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid.
What else do our estheticians do? Before their Hydrafacial, they always add a dermaplaning treatment. Erika says, “It’s a great way to remove the top layer of dead skin and peach fuzz that build up on the surface which prevents product absorption!”
No. 3. Hibernation May Not Be a Bad Thing: Let Your Skin Peel and Reveal
Aging is a fact of life, and so is a long, hard Wisconsin winter. We can’t believe we are saying this, but maybe, just maybe, a Wisconsin winter is not such a bad thing (at least when it comes to skincare). You want to avoid doing major treatments during summer since sun exposure can cause more damage and potentially, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Winter offers the perfect time to opt for skincare treatments that may require just a little more downtime but will deliver significant, visible results.
Treatments we swear by: the MicroLaser Peel, AKA the Arctic Laser Peel. The MicroLaser Peel uses laser technology to resurface the top layer of skin (our epidermis) to reveal smoother, softer, healthier, and brighter skin in one week. A MicroLaser peel can penetrate on a deeper level, and deliver more precise, and even results.
Consider this your real-life eraser for dull, dry skin, and those extra fine lines that tend to pop up during this time of year. Post-treatment, we’ve got silicone and Growth Factor cream for a speedy recovery that locks in moisture and keeps bacteria out. Hideout at home for a week and come out with baby soft skin.
No. 4. The Smaller the Better—On the Benefits of Microneedling
With 12 microscopic needles that create tiny microinjuries to stimulate collagen, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, treat acne scars, and more, we are certain smaller is definitely better when it comes to Microneedling. The benefits of a Microneedling Rejuvapen NXT treatment are countless year-round, but during winter microneedling works on overdrive pushing hyaluronic acid down into the dermis to rehydrate and plump the skin from within! And the exfoliation that microneedling provides leaves the skin looking smooth and glowing. It’s perfect before a winter event, Valentine’s Day or when your skin needs a winter pick me up!
No. 5. Layer It On Thick
If you only do one thing for your skin this winter, do make sure it involves a good moisturizer! It is not uncommon to use a heavier moisturizer in the dry, winter months; especially at night. A thicker moisturizer will provide a barrier to protect the skin. Lipids, ceramides & hyaluronic acid are key ingredients to incorporate for hydrated, luminous skin. Our favorites to combat dry skin? SkinCeutical’s Triple Lipid Restore & the B5 Hydrating Masque!