5 Trending Facial Treatments for Glowing Winter Skin

Winter is the most wonderful time of the year — except for our skin. With the cold air outside and dry indoor heat inside, our skin barrier can take a serious hit.

But you don't have to deal with dehydrated, flaky and dull skin all season long. There are facial treatments that can help you achieve that holiday glow, so discover five facial treatments to consider this winter.

What Makes a Facial Treatment "Winter-Friendly"

The cold air and low humidity levels pull moisture from the skin, resulting in a loss of up to 25% of water through the outer layer. Simultaneously, we tend to take more hot showers in the winter, which can worsen dryness by stripping away the natural layer of oil that helps protect and preserve hydration. These factors can leave normally healthy skin looking dull, red or flaky. Skin irritation and itchiness can also occur.

A "winter-friendly" facial treatment should focus on restoring moisture, gentle exfoliation and supporting the skin barrier. A good facial treatment leaves your skin feeling calm, refreshed, nourished and comfortable.

Trending Facial Treatments to Try This Winter

Here are five trending facial treatments that can keep your skin looking healthy and glowing this winter.

1. HydraFacial

HydraFacials have been all the rage on social media platforms, like TikTok and Instagram, for good reason. The treatment uses a high-speed water-jet pen that cleanses the skin gently and thoroughly. It helps remove debris, excess oil and impurities from the pores. In addition to this extraction process, the treatment includes lymphatic drainage, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, specialized serums, hydration infusions and antibacterial LED light therapy.

By removing the buildup of dead skin cells from the skin's surface, a HydraFacial helps improve texture and clarity. The result is skin that looks cleaner and noticeably more dewy and plump, so you don't have to worry about looking tired in the winter. Plus, it's an effective treatment for acne, redness, pigmentation and fine lines, with no downtime required.

2. Dermalinfusion

Dermalinfusion, also known as a DiamondGlow facial, is an excellent option if you experience dehydration, breakouts and dullness in the winter. This unique treatment involves a diamond-tipped wand and controlled suction, which can exfoliate dead skin cells and extract dirt from pores. It supports lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and brighten your complexion.

This deep cleansing process is followed by an infusion step, which provides targeted hydration and nourishment when the pores are most receptive. Dermalinfusion can plump the volume of your skin's surface by up to 70% with just one treatment, making it an excellent choice if you want to look radiant in holiday photos.

3. Microneedling

Microneedling can address multiple concerns at once. The treatment uses very fine needles to create microscopic holes in your skin. These holes stimulate your skin's healing process, allowing it to produce more collagen and elastin.

Microneedling is not a treatment that will immediately leave you glowing. You can expect some redness and mild swelling for a few days, so try to get one about three to six months before winter, as many people notice gradual improvements in skin texture, firmness and overall appearance over this period. With microneedling, your skin can look its best in time for holiday catch-ups with friends and family.

4. Sofwave

Sofwave is a noninvasive facial treatment designed to lift the skin and soften the appearance of wrinkles. Similar to microneedling, it works by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Instead of fine needles, it uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam technology. The device delivers controlled heat about 1.5 mm beneath your skin where collagen forms, without damaging the surface, fat or nerves.

After treatment, you may notice fewer fine lines and wrinkles on your face. The procedure also offers a skin-tightening benefit, with 60% of people experiencing a reduction of nasolabial folds and marionette lines in about a month. However, the full results show up gradually over about 12 weeks, so it's best to book ahead if you're planning for that winter glow.

5. Dermaplaning

If you want to look younger for the festive season, dermaplaning is a great option to consider. The procedure gently removes the top layer of dead skin cells and fine facial hair, revealing the newer skin underneath. By doing so, it helps soften the appearance of acne scars, fine lines and dullness.

Some redness or sensitivity is common immediately after, but it usually settles within a few days. Once your skin has calmed down, makeup tends to sit better, and your skin looks brighter.

Are Facial Treatments Safe for Everyone?

Professional facial treatments are safe when performed by trained practitioners, but they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you're pregnant, postpartum or managing a specific skin condition, always mention this during your consultation. A good practitioner should talk you through options and help you choose something appropriate for your skin and lifestyle.

Your Winter Glow Up Starts Now

Don't let the chilly and dry winter air wreak havoc on your skin. With these five trending facial treatments, your skin can stay healthy and radiant throughout the colder months. If you plan carefully, you can enjoy that glow for winter gatherings and festive photo moments.

// Mia Barnes, Editor-in-Chief at Body+Mind