Just when you thought winter was winding down, one more Nor’easter comes charging through the region. Today, much of the Northeast is watching snow pile up and blow around. Like many in the area, I’m working from home in a cozy sweater sipping on hot tea. It’s clearly not time to switch over the skincare routine to spring or retire the winter specials yet, so here are a few more common winter skincare problems and expert solutions to hold you and your clients over until the snow melts and the warm weather returns.
1. Dry Skin:
- Expert Tip: “Pressured heat while we sleep can increase moisture loss at night, so apply a facial oil before bed. When applying face oil, use gentle massage movements, moving in an upward and outward motion to stimulate the sebaceous glands (where our natural moisture is produced). – Zaharenia Victoros, lead esthetician, The Sisley Spa at The Carlyle Hotel (New York City) Recommended Treatment: The Phyto-Aromatic Replumping Youth Facial with Rose ($300, 80 minutes) features a facial massage with Black Rose Precious Face Oil, leaving skin looking and feeling hydrated.
- Expert Tip: “The most important tip is to hydrate! This is essential to best absorb skincare products and maximize treatment benefits.” – Rebecca Eivens, spa director, Well & Being at The Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas Recommended Treatment: Well & Being’s Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Oxygen Infusion Facial ($275, 60 minutes) contains lightweight hyaluronic acid and a powerful combination of vitamins and antioxidants to help skin feel more hydrated and youthful, with a noticeable reduction in the fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Tricky Rough Patches:
- Expert Tip: “Avocado and honey have powerful antioxidant and moisturizing properties to keep skin healthy and smooth during winter. Apply the following mask 2-3 times a week: mash 1/2 avocado and add 2 tablespoons of honey and apply generously on your face and neck. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with water.” – Michelle Arce, marketing director, Zen Spa Retreat at Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino Recommended Treatment: The Deep Skin Detox ($165, 55 minutes) helps prevent acne, scars and hyperpigmentation, especially for excessively oily, congested complexions and acne-prone skin.
- Expert Tip: “The biggest mistake over and under at-home exfoliation. A perfect exfoliation conducted by an esthetician will produce happy cells and a glowing complexion!” – Vivian Santiago, lead esthetician, The Strathallan Spa at the Strathallan Recommended Treatment: Yon-Ka Paris Alpha Vital Treatment ($165, 50 minutes) utilizes fruit sourced Alpha and Beta hydroxy acids to refine and smooth dull, rough texture and soften fine lines and wrinkles for a renewed glow. 50mins., $165
3. Body Acne:
- Expert Tip: “To prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts, hydration is key. Moisturize nightly with argan oil, as it does not clog pores, balances out skin’s natural oils and has natural anti-bacterial properties to help keep skin clear.” – Sharla Martin, spa director, The Spa at Windsor Court Hotel New Orleans Recommended Treatment: The Regal Retreat ($295, 1 hour 40 minutes) detoxifying treatment begins with dry brushing of the body to release toxins, followed by an invigorating full-body coffee scrub and steam shower to slough all the unwanted dead skin from the body and finishes with a stimulating ginger oil massage and spine revitalizing mask.
- Expert Tip: “Use a gentle exfoliant 1-2 times a week to clean out pores, release buildup and to promote cell turnover. Treatments with AHA will help to remove dead skin cells.” – Meagan Bowers, lead esthetician, Well & Being at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Recommended Treatment: The Refining Back Treatment ($179, 60 minutes) helps clarify and smooth the hard-to-reach areas of the back and shoulders. After a deep cleanse, a purifying mask and hydrating and moisturizing emulsion is followed by a relaxing foot massage. 60mins., $179
4. Dull Complexion:
- Expert Tip: “Gentle and regular exfoliation is skin's best defense in the cold months. After exfoliating, make sure that you apply an antioxidant, as the skin needs to be fed, too. Next, layer on a light application of hydrating serum to prime your skin to absorb even more moisture. Last, top off with a moisturizer that will seal in all the goodness.” – Megan Linney, spa director, The Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being Recommended Treatment: Dr. Harold Lancer’s famous Lancer Mircroderm ($185, 50 minutes) gently exfoliates dead skin cells while stimulating collagen growth to reveal healthy new skin that looks and feels smoother. An exclusive serum of pure 24K gold and a plant stem cell compound are infused into the skin to deliver firming and lifting effects.
- Expert Tip: “A good body scrub eliminates the accumulation of dead skin cells and brings back that healthy glow in the winter. To maximize results, scrub with a body brush in circular movements then apply coconut oil which provides deep hydration and promotes the removal of dead cells to brighten a dull complexion.” – Nicole Courrau, spa manager, Sibö Rainforest, Spa & Retreat at Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort Recommended Treatment: The Well-Being Body Massage ($175, 90 minutes) begins with a dry body brushing to remove dead skin, oxygenate outer layers of tissue and stimulate the lymphatic system. Native coconut oil is applied using flowing movements, soothing the body and renewing the skin’s glow with a relaxing massage.
5. Chapped Lips:
- Expert Tip: “For chapped lips, mixing sugar with honey is a great moisturizer that helps heal them quickly. Mix two teaspoons of sugar with one teaspoon of honey and rub the paste gently on the face to loosen the dead skin cells. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water.” – César Sánchez, spa manager, Kuö Spa at Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose Recommended Treatment: The oxygenating, anti-aging Antioxidant Facial ($165, 80 minutes) includes an application of natural ingredients rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts to hydrate, disrupt hyperpigmentation, combat premature aging and provide skin with a healthy glow. Add on a lip treatment exfoliation to moisturize and glow.
- Expert Tip: “Lips are prone to dryness because the skin is very thin and there are no sweat or oil glands present beneath the surface, causing the lips to lose moisture faster than other parts of the body. Make sure to drink plenty of water. Cover the face when going out on a cold windy day and moisturize lips with a lip balm.” – Albert Cruz, spa manager, eforea spa at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino Recommended Treatment: The Pure Radiance Facial ($180, 80 minutes) at eforea spa includes lip balm application to achieve soft and luscious lips.