The winter weather seemed may have seemed to come out of no where but our skin certainly knows what’s going on. With the change of season, comes a change in the way our skin feels and it’s not always a pleasant experience. We spoke with National Director of Education and Lead Aesthetician of G.M. Collin Skincare, Karen Asquith who answered 5 pressing questions we had about winter skincare.

1. How does our skin change in the winter months?

Dry climates or seasonal dryness combined with direct heat (fireplaces, forced-air heating) accelerates moisture evaporation reducing humidity. The skin produces less sebum which compromises the hydro-lipdic barrier. This lack of humidity  in the environment coupled with a diminished hydro-lipidic barrier during the winter will increase water loss from the skin cells. The skin begins to feel tight and uncomfortable. Skin renewal slows down resulting in dull, tired-looking skin. The skin may become sensitive to temperature and can also become sensitive to some conventional cosmetic ingredients.

2. What is the ideal skincare routine for harsher weather?

Using products with a higher oil content and increased humectants to compensate for the lack of lipids and moisture in environment will keep the skin  balanced and maintain the hydro-lipidic barrier function and reducing TEWL. Increasing exfoliation is also recommended in the winter months to remove the dry, dead skin cells allowing the skincare ingredients to penetrate the skin.

3. How often should people get facials?

Generally once every 4-6 weeks is ideal unless the skin requires a more intensive treatment to restore a skin that is severely compromised.

4. How do facials do more for the skin that what we can do at home?

Professional products generally have a higher concentration of active ingredients than the home care products. Professional peels for example have a lower pH and a higher percentage of acids making the clinical treatment more intense than home care products. The numerous concentrates and various specialized masks that are used in clinical treatments instantly supplement the skin. Coupled with proper home care products skin comfort and health will be maintained.

5. What are the benefits of getting facials regularly?

Regular facials will minimize skin aging, correct skin imperfections such as acne and restore skin comfort. Professional skincare treatments are customized to correct a variety of skin imperfections and to stave off the signs of aging and maintain a youthful, healthy, and radiant complexion.

If you need a quick winter facial that’ll work wonders for you this season, Oasis Day Spa in NYC, offers the amazing Botinol Facial, an anti-aging facial that will give you the Botox like effect without the needle. By effectively reducing the appearance of superficial lines and wrinkles this treatment will leave you with smoother looking skin.