Winter can wreak havoc on our bodies. The bitter cold temperatures coupled with indoor heating systems that literally suck the moisture from our skin, are a formidable combination. Tack on a little holiday stress and you have the perfect storm. But skincare for winter goes far beyond using the proper moisturizer. In fact, you can essentially prepare your skin for the warmer months by giving it a little TLC during winter. Here’s how:
Get a Winter Facial
One of the best treatments you can get to boost your skincare for winter is a facial. Facials offer professional skincare that is tailored to your unique needs. One of the major benefits of a facial is boosted hydration. Moisturizers and serums work together to penetrate the skin’s layers, nourishing and rejuvenating the skin along the way.
Facials also offer deep exfoliation, helping to rid the skin of dead and dry cells while preserving that healthy summer glow you worked so hard to develop. Dead and dry skin cells can dull your complexion and even clog your pores. Facials also lock in vitamins and antioxidants, helping protect your skin from free radicals.
Breakouts can occur due to a compromised immune system, stress, and improper skincare. A facial can help rebalance your skin and instill a refreshing cleanliness to combat breakouts.
Tis the Season for Chemical Peels
Let’s say you want to step up your facial. A chemical peel is a skincare for winter treatment that works a little harder than a facial. A chemical peel is a technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin. It is a skin-resurfacing procedure in which a chemical solution made up of acids (often naturally occurring) is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. These layers gradually peel off revealing brighter, more hydrated skin underneath. A facial chemical peel also aids in the improvement of fine lines, texture, age spots as well as pigmented scars.
Peeling varies from patient to patient, as well as what type of peel is used. Generally, peeling will begin about 2-3 days after you have had the treatment and can last for a week or more. Peeling can range from a slightly dusty, dehydrated look to the skin, to a more advanced peeling like after a sunburn. The amount of peeling is not indicative of how effective your treatment will be.
Chemical peels are usually available in three different potency levels. There are superficial peels, medium-depth peels, and deep peels. Each different type uses a different chemical solution. A light chemical peel requires little to no downtime for recovery. However, a medium or deep chemical peel may require two to three weeks of recovery.
Winter is an exceptional time to book a chemical peel because you are less likely to experience too much sun exposure. To expedite the healing process, individuals who receive a chemical peel are encouraged to avoid sun exposure at all costs. With cloudier days and fewer outdoor activities, winter is the perfect time to book that chemical peel and heal properly. Plus, what could be a better way to prepare your skin for the warmer months?
Primetime for Laser Treatments
Skincare during the colder months goes beyond facials and chemical peels. Winter is also prime time for receiving laser treatments on your face. Laser treatments work by targeting areas of the skin with a laser while removing abnormalities. Such abnormalities include hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun-related damage. Laser treatments work best when your skin is at its lightest, making winter the best time to receive treatment.
Similar to chemical peels, laser treatments are most effective when the skin has the proper time and atmosphere to heal. Therefore, the cloudy weather and limited outdoor activity are equally beneficial for your skin to heal from laser treatments. Laser treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Since you are probably more covered up during the winter months, you’re adequately protecting your skin during the healing process.
Speaking of healing, wintertime tends to offer more opportunities for your skin to process and recover from treatments since you are less likely to be running around and participating in vigorous activity (outside of skiing/snowboarding). Also, some laser skin treatments, like laser hair removal, may require multiple treatments to achieve results. Receiving treatment during winter means your treatment cycle can be complete by summer.
If you have skin issues triggered by the winter cold, such as eczema or very dry skin, laser treatments on your face are perfect for promoting more youthful, glowing skin all winter long.
Microneedling for a Winter Collagen Boost
Collagen production ebbs and flows throughout our lifetime. As we get older, we tend to produce less collagen. It’s a protein that keeps your skin from sagging and is a critical factor in the appearance of youthful, radiant skin. Collagen is a foundational building block for your skin, bones, and muscles.
Microneedling introduces small, micro-injuries into the skin using very tiny needles, penetrating the first layer of skin, which signals the skin to repair itself. Microneedling results in increased collagen and elastin production, promoting a thicker and more even skin texture and tone. The procedure can help your body generate overall healthier-looking skin.
It may sound painful, but it isn’t! After applying a topical numbing cream and giving it plenty of time to activate, your practitioner will administer the microneedling treatment across your target areas. The microneedling portion of treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes. After treatment, a soothing serum is applied to the skin to reduce irritation.
Most patients see some microneedling results after the first treatment. The skin will appear tighter, more toned, and will radiate with a hydrated glow. Who wouldn’t want those results? But, like most cosmetic treatments, individual results vary depending on the patient. For most skin conditions, a series of three or more treatments are required to achieve maximum results. Microneedling is a progressive treatment. Some patients will continue to see skin improvements up to six months after their treatment series has ended, making winter a great time to get started with this treatment.
4 Tips to Improve Your Skincare for Winter
Beyond facials, chemical peels, and laser treatments, there are a few things you can do at home to nurture your skin during the winter months.
Lower the Heat and Raise the Humidity – Traditional heating systems within the home have a nasty habit of making the dry air around you even drier. To protect your skin, lower the thermostat a few degrees and opt to wear another comfortable layer of clothing. You don’t have to freeze for healthy skin, but you do not need to run your heater at 90 degrees either. If you must have the heat on high, invest in a good humidifier to add moisture in the room where you spend the most time.
Take Cooler Showers – When facing the bone-chilling cold, one of the sweetest comforts is stepping into a hot, steamy shower and warming up. Unfortunately, this isn’t the greatest practice if you want to maintain healthy skin. Instead, consider taking a lukewarm shower or bath and limit your time under the water to 10-15 minutes. When you get out of the shower, lock in moisture with your favorite moisturizer and pat dry.
Moisturize Your Hands – It can be very easy to wash your hands with cold water and run off to your next task, leaving your hands partially dry. When your skin has the opportunity to air dry in colder weather, you risk damaging your skin. Keep a bottle of hand moisturizer close by your bathroom and kitchen sinks as a reminder to moisturize after washing your hands.
Layer Your Skincare – Layer your skincare from lightest (water-based toner) to heaviest moisturizer. Each layer has essential properties to maximize healthy skin benefits. It can be tempting to skimp on your skincare routine, especially if you’re wearing a lot of long sleeve shirts, sweaters, long pants, and scarves.
Invest In Your Skincare and Mental Health
Show your skin a little extra love over the winter season and treat yourself to a facial, chemical peel, laser treatment on your face, or microneedling treatment package. Winter can be a stressful time, but a little self-care goes a long way. All of these treatments promote relaxation, where the focus is on you when you need it the most. We could all use a little pampering here and there.
Now, if you are unsure what treatment to start with, consider booking a consultation with First Impressions Rejuvenation Clinic. The compassionate and knowledgeable team is always ready to answer any and all questions you may have. Remember, you are worth it.
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