Winter is a skin care nightmare. The combination of freezing cold temps, blistering winds, and a lack of moisture in the air can cause your skin to dry out and look dull. If you’re still looking to find the perfect winter skin care combo, take a page from some of NoVA’s best spa directors as they share their favorite products.
Ashley Helmick, the director of spa and fitness at the Salamander Resort and Spa, says, “as we head into winter, our skin has to work overtime to maintain its hydration. The loss of hydration makes the skin prone to irritation, dryness, and inflammation. Two winter must-haves are the Biologique Recherche Masque Visolastine+ and the Zents Antara Restore Balm.”
“Masque Visolastine+ helps to replenish dryness, keeps the skin plump, and gives long-lasting hydration,” she says of the product by the French skin care line Biologique Recherche. “I suggest using the mask after cleansing, two times a week during the winter months. It is amazing for locking in moisture and delivering hydration to the epidermis.”
If you prefer a more versatile product, Helmick says, “you have to have the Zents Antara CBD Restore Balm. It is packed with antioxidant-rich CBD to help with inflammation and aches and pains; and coconut oil to moisturize and nourish. I use this product every day, both morning and night on my face and body, to combat both dryness and inflammation during the winter.” She says it also works wonders for cuticles, heels, and elbows. Salamander Resort & Spa: 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg; Salamander DC: 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Jessica Rose, the director of spa at DC’s Waldorf Astoria Spa suggests using “Natura Bisse, C+C Vitamin Scrub, which is used in both our Citrus Essence Radiance Facial and our Vitamin C Glow Body Treatment, [which] is a micro-granulated scrub that renews and brightens skin by eliminating impurities and dead skin cells. It’s a gentle exfoliant that also hydrates, smoothens, and helps minimize the appearance of pores.” She says to follow with the C+C Vitamin Souffle Mask or C+C Vitamin Cream to help skin stay hydrated longer.
Rose recommends that you “use the product two to three times a week to exfoliate the dry skin — you can also use it on the entire body, as well as the face, for soft and supple skin.” Waldorf Astoria Washington DC: 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Nikki Butler, the spa director, aesthetician, and massage therapist at the Mill House Spa at the Inn at Willow Grove says hydration is all-important when the weather gets cold. “We are loving a low dose chemical peel — that’s the best way to get the dead tissue off the skin and prep it to absorb the product line. Our Hydra Facial has the peel built in and we also perform vacuum extractions. We cure the serum on using red light therapy, and clients are leaving super hydrated, with dewy skin. With less likelihood that you’ll be in the sun afterwards, this treatment system is the best for this time of year.”
Butler recommends using Dr. Dennis Gross’ clinical grade Vitamin C Lactic range, including the Firm and Bright Eye treatment, Oil-Free Radiant Moisturizer, Firm and Bright Serum, and the Dewy Deep Cream.
The Millhouse Spa at the Inn of Willow Grove: 14079 Plantation Wy., Orange
Gabriela Nistor, spa supervisor at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, recommends SkinCeuticals, with a product range for the face that’s perfectly suited for this dreary time of year. “I would recommend paraffin on the hands; C E Ferulic; Retinol 0.3 and 0.5; and Phyto Corrective Essence Mist. A favorite product of ours is the A.G.E. eye complex eye cream, which is a skin remedy to diminish the look of dark circles, puffiness, and visible effects caused by glycation. For your hair, try the Moroccan Oil serum and the conditioner.”
When using this range of products, she says, “apply the C E Ferulic in the morning and the Retinol in evening. Slowly introduce the Retinol in the evening as it can be a bit drying, but it provides cell turnover for the skin — something we need during the winter. The eye cream can be used in the morning and evening.” The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner: 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean
Julie MacDowell, spa manager of the Lansdowne Resort’s Spa Minerale, says that guests consult with aestheticians to find a custom treatment to match what is happening with their skin, but she recommends any of the Amala products the spa uses.
“It is always good to exfoliate and prepare skin to absorb hydrating treatments. Dry brushing is a great practice during the winter months, especially before using a moisturizer and to keep your skin from looking dull,” she says. Spa Minerale at the Lansdowne Resort: 44050 Woodridge Pkwy., Leesburg
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