The winter months can cause skin to look and feel dry, dull, and dehydrated. Here are tips from three spas in the U.S., along with hydrating treatments, to help clients look and feel its best this winter.
1. Adapt, Don’t Reinvent:
Skincare Tip: “Adding dark honey to your homecare routine is a great option for combatting dry skin during the winter season. Honey is a natural humectant that will draw moisture to your skin.”—Cristina Cascio, spa director at The WELL at Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells, CA)
DIY Recipe: “You don’t need too much honey; a small amount will do the trick. You can also add olive oil but be careful because it will make the tub extra slippery.”—Cristina Cascio
Spa Treatment: The WELL Spa’s Simply Perfect Spa Day experience includes a bubbly soak in an outdoor private patio, a 50-minute custom massage with warm scalp treatment, a 50-minute classic facial with hand exfoliation and warm mittens, and full-size bottle of Simply Perfect’s No. 8 Bubble Bath that works to empower survivors of human trafficking through meaningful employment.
2. Keep Skin Hydrated:
Skincare Tip: “When skin gets insanely dry throughout the winter months, simple moisturizers don’t cut it. We recommend incorporating additional hydration techniques, such as a boost in oxygen, heavier moisturizers, cleansers, and salves to a skincare regimen."—Melissa Baesa, esthetician at AquaVie Spa at Westgate Hotel (San Diego)
DIY Recipe: “To avoid chapped and irritated skin, keep showers shorter and not super-hot during the winter months. Right out of the shower, use a homemade herbal salve or hydration mask with healing ingredients like honey or avocado to lock in the moisture.”— Melissa Baesa, esthetician at AquaVie Spa at Westgate Hotel
Spa Treatment: At Westgate Hotel’s AquaVie Spa in San Diego, the Intaceuticals Oxygen Treatment - Radiance Facial provides deep hydration and a lustrous glow. By breathing deeply and without pause, boosted levels of oxygen deliver hyaluronic acid and custom anti-aging active ingredients deep into the skin's structural layers using a methodical layering technique.
3. Dry, Dull Complexion:
Skincare Tip: “Winter weather leaves our skin feeling dry, dehydrated and more sensitive than usual. To combat the effects of the cold weather, try switching to an oil-based facial cleanser to keep the skin hydrated and glowing.”—Carrie Sotebeer, director of spa at Spa Montage at Montage Healdsburg (CA)
DIY Recipe: “A gentle homemade exfoliant will help revive dull winter skin. Simply blend ½ cup of dry, uncooked oats in a blender until finely ground. Then take a pinch of the oats into the palm of your hand and add just enough water to create a paste. Softly massage the paste onto your face, neck and décolleté, then rinse with warm water.”—Carrie Sotebeer
Spa Treatment: Spa Montage’s Vital Organics Facial combines multi-function organic plant products rich in vital nutrients with Jade and Sibin Bian gemstone therapies to visibly revitalize and tone the skin. This treatment is the perfect combination to continue to enjoy the winter season while maintaining vibrant, illuminated skin.