Keeping your skin hydrated through the winter holidays

Today we saw our first big snow of the Season in Santa Fe, perfect for kicking off the holiday season! The winters in Northern New Mexico bring so much natural beauty and cultural magic as we gather in celebration. Bring on the farolitos, luminarias, tamales, skiing, and the smell of burning pinon. I’m here for all of it!

But what is not feeling grateful and celebratory is my winter skin.

This already dry desert climate becomes even dryer in winter. Cold and wind suck out the skin’s moisture, making even young and smooth skin look older, dryer, duller, redder and chapped.

Going inside is not much better for winter skin. Indoor heaters suck up moisture, taking away any chance that my home is a healthy skin retreat. I seek relief in my steamy shower, which then removes the natural layer of oil that preserves and protects my skin. I wake up some mornings feeling like I’ve transformed into a lizard.

How can I prepare my skin for winter?

I am doing my part with at-home skincare to protect my skin, including applying a good moisturizer (here is one from DNASkin Institute that is especially hydrating). But with the holidays approaching and wanting to feel my best, it is time to seek help from the professionals!

I asked Cassandra Garcia, licensed esthetician at the spa at BODY in Santa Fe, what are the best facials for winter? It was clear I am not alone in my winter skin woes. Their bookings are up with clients seeking fresh hydrated skin ready to tackle the holidays.

“We want to customize your facial for your winter skin goals,” explains Cassandra. “Many of my clients right now are focused on moisturizing and revitalizing the skin. Our Custom Facial is a great choice for this and can be done as often as every 4 weeks, which is how long it takes for your skincells to go through a full lifecycle of growth.” The Custom Facial includes a deep cleansing & exfoliation, facial massage, mask & moisturizer. Book it

Body’s Oxygen Facial is an infusion of oxygen and a custom essential oil serum that moisturizes and plumps the skin, and boosts collagen, elastin, and cell regeneration, while exfoliating and encouraging blood flow to the skin. Book it

“It’s also a great time of year to go to a deeper level by adding a Jessner Peel to your facial treatment,” adds Cassandra. “Winter is the perfect time as it’s easier to avoid post-treatment sun exposure”. The Jessner peel is a safe and effective solution for reducing the appearance of acne, hyperpigmentation, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and enhancing skin texture and tone. It improves the overall complexion by bringing more youthful skin up to the surface, resulting in a more radiant complexion.

A Jessner peel helps to remove and heal damaged skin by peeling away the dead surface layer of the skin, revealing fresh skin that is more receptive to absorbing hydration. It can be added to any other facial, or book a thirty minute Jessner Peel Facial at BODY for $90.

Another popular wintertime choice for exfoliating dry skincells is Dermaplaning. It uses a sterile surgical scalpel that is specially designed for the face to gently remove the top layer of dead skin. Dermaplaning is a more gentle, yet deeper exfoliation than microdermabrasion. Go for a Mini Facial at BODY, and request the dermaplaning option. This 45 minute facial just might be the best deal in town! For $85 it includes cleansing and moisturizing as well as dermaplaning or other exfoliating and firming treatments.

It's not easy to keep our skin healthy though out this dry winter, but with a little extra self-care (and some professional help), we can continue to radiate wellness.

Best of luck, and happy holidays!