As the temperatures drop and the seasons change, our skin often pays the price with dryness, dullness and irritation. Winter, especially, can strip away the moisture our skin needs. That’s where spa treatments become more than just a luxury, but a necessity to help restore hydration, soothe irritation and revive your natural glow (even in the harshest winter months). Learn practical winter skin survival tips with Glen Ivy Hot Springs expert, Debby W., an Esthetician at the spa for 11 years.
- How does winter affect skin health?
Winter weather often dries out the skin and weakens its protective barrier. Cold air constricts blood vessels and reduces circulation, low humidity (falling below 30%) leads to loss of hydration through transepidermal water loss and indoor heating strips away natural oils, leaving skin itchy, flaky and more prone to irritation. These environmental factors can also worsen conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
- What is the best advice you can give people for taking care of their skin in the winter?
To compensate for water loss, it’s essential to replenish moisture with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. These ingredients not only draw water into the skin but also help strengthen the barrier, keeping it supple and resilient even in harsh winter conditions. Before applying hydrating serums and moisturizers, make sure to properly exfoliate! This ensures that your skin is free of dead cells, allowing ingredients to absorb into the skin rather than simply sitting on the surface. If you are unsure where to start with your skin, consult a professional esthetician who can tailor a treatment to your specific skin concerns.
Beyond topical skincare, using a humidifier can help maintain optimal indoor humidity during the dry winter months. And don’t forget, hydration starts from within! Drinking plenty of water is just as vital in the winter as it is in the summer, keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- What specific spa treatments at Glen Ivy Hot Springs are most effective for combating winter dryness and dehydration, and why?
Every Glen Ivy Hot Springs facial will help to improve hydration. The most popular treatments for boosting hydration are the Glen Ivy Hot Springs Signature Facial and the HydraFacial. The other different treatments offered each have a unique focus tailored to specific skin concerns. Whether you are looking to also reduce the appearance of pores or lighten dark spots, your esthetician will guide you in selecting the service that best suits your needs, ensuring a personalized experience. You can also take the online quiz. Through expert care and personalized attention, you’ll receive a professionally tailored treatment that delivers results far beyond what at-home routines can achieve.
- What post-treatment skincare routine do you recommend to maintain the benefits of spa treatments throughout the dry season?
For optimal results from spa treatments, I highly recommend pairing the Sublime Skin Micropeel Lotion with either the Hydramemory Water Source Serum or the Skin Regimen Lx HA4 Jelly Serum. The Micropeel Lotion contains 3% lactic acid, combined with gluconolactone, as lactic acid is the most hydrating of all AHAs, making it an ideal choice for gentle exfoliation. Follow with the Water Source Serum or HA4 Jelly to boost moisture and create a hydrated base, enhancing the absorption and effectiveness of all skincare products.
- Are there any specific ingredients that people should pay attention to when picking spa treatments or skincare products during the winter?
When picking ingredients for spa treatments or skincare products during winter, prioritize hydration with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and include barrier-repairing components like ceramides and niacinamide. You can always consult with an esthetician before booking a spa treatment to ensure the ingredients suit your needs.
At home, opt for thicker moisturizers rich with nourishing ingredients like shea butter or squalane and consider antioxidant-rich oils like jojoba or vitamin E to help defend against dryness and environmental stressors. Additionally, remember to use sunscreen! UV rays are still present in colder months.
- How do mineral baths and mud treatments support skin health and hydration during colder months?
Mineral baths, rich with elements such as magnesium, sulfur and silica, play a vital role in maintaining skin health and hydration. Hot springs with elevated mineral levels offer soothing and healing properties for skin irritations and conditions, thanks to their antifungal and antibacterial effects. These naturally occurring minerals help moisturize the skin, soothe inflammation, stimulate collagen production and support healthy cell renewal.
Mud treatments, such as clay baths or masks, also offer a range of skin health benefits. Clay baths and masks support skin health by detoxifying impurities, gently exfoliating dead cells, preventing acne through oil and bacteria removal and delivering minerals that stimulate collagen production for smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
From deeply hydrating facials to restorative body and mineral treatments, you can find everything you need to keep your skin hydrated and glowing all winter long. Your ultimate winter skin survival kit!
