While we associate the winter season with the phrase “merry and bright,” those adjectives don’t always apply to our complexion. Specifically, as the colder, dry days take hold. Despite the twinkling lights and sparkling snow, the winter season tends to have the opposite effect on our skin. Our skin is often left dry, dull and even irritated.
As we transition into winter, rebooting our skin-care routine to prioritize soothing, hydrating, rich products is key. One of the best winter hacks for your skin is professional-grade facials. Ahead, we’ve tapped the experts to walk us through the best facials to book for the winter. Plus, the best at-home facial products for glowing skin in between appointments.
Featured Experts
- Joel Schlessinger, MD is a dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Amy Peterson is a medical aesthetician and founder of Skincare by Amy Peterson Clinic
The Best In-Office Facials for Winter
“Preserving the skin’s natural moisture barrier and incorporating gentle exfoliation is essential for keeping skin hydrated and healthy during a dry, cold winter,” says Dr. Schlessinger. He adds that many of his patients also prioritize addressing skin concerns like signs of aging and photodamage in the winter months. “I recommend the afa Clay Peel for normal to oily skin and [the] afa Antioxidant Peel for dry or slightly sensitive skin during winter months,” he explains, noting that the treatment is gentler than traditional peels but just as effective. “Both facials use a novel dermatologist-developed molecule called afaLUXE, which provides very effective exfoliation at a low pH to improve wrinkles and photodamage while simultaneously hydrating the skin and restoring the moisture barrier.”
“For winter, I recommend facials that focus on deep hydration, rejuvenation and protection,” Peterson reiterates. She highlights how dryness and dullness are primary concerns amongst her clients in the colder months. “I love our famous Magic Hour Facial because it’s completely customizable to meet individual skin needs and goals,” she explains. “Whether you’re dealing with dryness, fine lines or dehydration, this facial uses a tailored combination of advanced techniques to restore moisture and deliver optimal results.”
Peterson also recommends the HydraFacial for the winter months. “I love using this as part of my Magic Hour Facial or on its own because it deeply hydrates and gently exfoliates.” Perfect for the winter, HydraFacial treatments remove dead skin cells and infuse the skin with hydrating and nourishing ingredients for optimal radiance. “These facials all offer targeted solutions for different skin types,” she says. “The goal is to ensure that your skin gets the care it needs to look its best, even in the harsh winter months.”
The Best At-Home Facial Masks for Winter
In a perfect world, we’d all be able to go in for our regular facials all winter long. But, a visit to the clinic is not always attainable. That doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer, though. Many at-home facial products help keep skin healthy and radiant, no matter the weather. “At-home masks are one of my favorite ways to add hydration and nourishment during the winter,” Peterson assures. “One of my favorite masks is the Crème Masque Vernix from Biologique Recherche ($220). This helps hydrate and recondition the skin while providing an extra boost of moisture. For even deeper hydration and revitalization, I love using the Hyaluron Mask from MBR ($374) during the colder months. This intensely hydrates the skin and helps promote skin elasticity. Lastly, I love to reach for Augustinus Badar’s The Face Cream Mask ($220). This mask is a savior in [the] winter time, it plumps, smooths, brightens and hydrates in 20 minutes or less.”
“The afa Renewal Masque ($72) is a great at-home option during the winter because it purifies and exfoliates skin to improve everything from acne to redness and signs of aging without stripping skin of its natural moisture,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “It uses creamy-textured bentonite clay to detoxify pores and afaLUXE to exfoliate skin and improve the moisture barrier, which helps to fortify your skin against the drying effects of winter.”
