We received more than our fair share of winter over the weekend as a massive blizzard pummeled the East Coast. Luckily most of New York City is cleared, and it’s back to business as usual. Still, skin does need some extra TLC even when the snow melts. Here are 10 quick tricks spa professionals suggest to keep skin looking and feeling its best all winter long.
- Sun and Wind Burn “Use chamomile tea to ease the discomfort of burned skin. The tannins offer anti-inflammatory properties that relieve and calm the sense of burn.”—César Sánchez, spa manager, Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose
- Dry Scalp “Massage your scalp to enhance circulation and help produce natural oils for a healthy, happy scalp and silky soft hair.”—Gabie Holloway, director of SoSPA at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
- Increased Skin Sensitivity “Avoid taking hot showers and overusing scrub brushes while showering in the winter months.”—Daniela Braswell, lead esthetician at Spa al Mare at The Reach in Key West (FL)
- Chapped Lips “Apply a lip hydrator with healthy, skin-loving ingredients early and often to prevent cracking and soreness.”—Meagan Bowers and Kelly Scott, lead estheticians at Well & Being at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- Dull, Lifeless Skin “Apply replenishing oil before moisturizing during a nighttime skin regime – these two products work together to restore and maintain skin’s moisture.”—Monica Coutinho, spa manager at Spa del Rey at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
- Sallow Complexion “For a healthy winter glow, scrub your body in circular movements, then apply coco oil to promote the removal of dead cells and brighten a dull complexion.”—Nicole Courrau, spa manager at Sibö Rainforest, Spa & Retreat – Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
- Dry Skin “An easy, natural way to keep skin from drying out is to drink plenty of water daily, and be consistent with moisturizer.”—Lindsey Neeley, assistant spa director at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando Spa
- Red Nose & Cheeks “Products with oats, aloe and essential oils soothe the skin, while antioxidant-rich seed oils and probiotics support the body’s immune response to inflammation.”—Barbara Close, founder of Naturopathica Chelsea, Healing Arts Center & Spa (New York City)
- Tired and Aged Appearance “Layer up! After washing your face, apply a serum to refresh, followed by a rich cream to hydrate and revitalize overnight.” – Alina Cimpoeru, lead esthetician at Guerlain Spa in the Towers of the Waldorf Astoria New York
- Cracked Hands “Treat hands to an aromatherapy-oil infused paraffin bath, such as lavender, to soothe cracked skin.”—Sheila Bracewell, director of spa & fitness at Hilton Orlando’s Eforea Spa