The minute the weather drops below 40ºF, the wind feels like it's actively trying to exfoliate every dead skin cell on my body, and my face stops cooperating with my skincare routine entirely. It's at this point every year that I know it's time to go into maintenance mode. Winter is the season when I book every treatment humanly possible—lasers, light therapy, peels, anything that can keep my complexion looking alive while the world outside looks gray, and the mixture of sun and heat can't mess with your recovery.
But here's the thing no one tells you: Treatment season is basically a part-time job. There's redness, tightness, peeling, the whole "don't sweat, don't drink, don't touch your face" saga. And while I love the results, I'm not trying to waste a single minute (or dollar) of the work I'm putting in. So I go into full-on winter survival mode with a lineup of products that protect my barrier, calm irritation, speed up healing, and keep me glowy even when my skin is going through it.
These are the products that are genuinely getting me through winter's treatment gauntlet and keeping my face its best, brightest, and most healed. Keep scrolling!
Laser Genesis
During this time, I religiously book monthly Laser Genesis sessions with Eric Nietzel-Leone II of I Wanna Be Prettty. Laser Genesis is essentially my cold-weather security blanket: It boosts collagen, calms redness, smooths texture, and gives you that lit-from-within sheen that winter tries so hard to steal. He personally recommends these four products to support healing, boost brightness, and keep that post-laser glow going as long as humanly possible.
"Anything you use post-laser has to do two things: not trap heat and support your skin barrier while it heals. This formula checks both boxes. It's packed with growth factors that help speed up cell turnover, rebuild the barrier, and even add a boost of brightness—which makes it the perfect complement to any laser treatment."
"A truly good post-procedure ointment needs to do one thing exceptionally well: protect without clogging. This one is noncomedogenic, so it locks in moisture and guards healing skin without causing congestion. After most lasers or resurfacing treatments, your skin is basically defenseless against the environment—which is why an OTC occlusive like this becomes essential. It creates a breathable shield while your barrier rebuilds. Bonus: It's lanolin-free, sidestepping a common allergen that can cause unnecessary irritation when your skin is at its most vulnerable."
"This formula is essentially a three-in-one treatment—peptides, hyaluronic acids, and vitamin C—all working together to repair, brighten, and plump the skin. The brand's patented HA technology penetrates deeper and more gradually than traditional hyaluronic acids, which helps support collagen and elastin production over time. It's one of those rare serums that genuinely complements any laser treatment by maximizing glow while your skin rebuilds itself."
"Designed for post-procedure treatments, it helps by supporting the skin's natural cell turnover process. A special blend of peptides is also designed to remove old, damaged cells to make way for new ones. This product also reduces redness associated with lasers. It is also a great product to place on sunburns because it stops the bad breakdown of collagen that happens from burns and more."
MOXI or BBL Laser
I also like to go to Lisa Goodman at GoodSkin Clinics for a more intense laser session, who advises that healing post-laser is the most important step in getting the best result. Post-procedure, she is a fan of the following to get your body into active recovery mode.
"This serum is perfect post-laser to repair the barrier and speed up healing due to the power of biomimetic epidermal growth factors and next generation probiotic ferment. There are no silicones or other occlusives or irritants such as fragrance and is safe for acne-prone skin. Laser treatments will inflame the skin and sometimes this can lead to minor breakouts."
"I swear by the the Celluma Pro Laser. This is the only FDA-approved red light therapy. I use it for hair and even body aches, so it performs a lot of functions and also helps to rejuvenate treated skin."
"Post-laser, I will also make sure to protect my skin with SPF that is gentle. This one from EltaMD is a physical sunscreen that is zinc based and designed for sensitive skin."
Microneedling
While the sun is away, I'm taking full advantage by doing a few rounds of microneedling at Contor Studio with cofounder and owner Brad Crerar. Brad is big on the importance of hydration and cleanliness after this treatment—and for good reason. Microneedling leaves your skin temporarily vulnerable, which means whatever you put on it (or forget to put on it) can seriously impact how well you heal and how good your results look. Here's what he recommends to keep your skin calm, protected, and glowing post-treatment.
"Bioeffect is my favorite brand for recovery because they are known for growth factor science and minimalist, clean formulas that are easy to tolerate when skin is temporarily sensitized. If someone feels extra dry or wants a more growth factor focused option, I recommend the EGF Power Cream, which includes a higher concentration of the brand's unique growth factors."
"For the first one to two days after microneedling or lasers, I also love the Bioeffect Imprinting Hydrogel Mask. I tell patients to store it in the fridge, then apply it on top of their moisturizer to lock in hydration and add a cooling, calming layer."
"For cleansing, I like the Sofie Pavitt Face Clean Clean Cleanser because it is gentle, fragrance free, and cleans well without leaving skin feeling stripped, which is exactly what you want during the recovery window."
Chemical Peel
In addition to microneedling and laser, I'm also working a light peel into my winter routine with my favorite aesthetician, Elizabeth Grace Hand at Ställe Studios. I’m a year-round peel girl, but Elizabeth has turned me on to lactic acid. It gently dissolves dead skin cells and hydrates at the same time, making it one of the most forgiving (and glow-giving) options out there.
Even though it's a softer peel, you still need to hit pause on all at-home actives for a full week afterward. Elizabeth ensures that the professional treatment will do its thing while you support your skin with calming, hydrating, and barrier-restoring formulas. Here’s what she reaches for.
"This soothing, non-stripping cleanse is powered by medical-grade manuka honey (the same potency used in New Zealand hospitals for wound healing). Perfect for gently cleaning the skin after a peel."
"This is a waterless, vitamin-rich balm that provides deep, lasting hydration while strengthening the skin's barrier. I love it for post-peel care because it cushions the skin, reduces irritation, and helps it recover more quickly and comfortably."
"This foundational vitamin A serum replenishes the skin's most important nutrient for repair, renewal, and strengthened function."
Everesse
Finally, I'm getting a boost of radiofrequency with Lucia Miranda over at Shafer Clinic. They've recently acquired the Everesse machine, which delivers deep, controlled heat to stimulate collagen and instantly tighten the skin. It's one of those treatments where results are immediately visible and continue to get better over time. (My before-and-afters are quite literally two different people.) While there's no downtime with this procedure, Miranda still endorses the following products for post-care.
"This serum helps to even tone and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation to heal the skin after lasers and other procedures."
"This serum works by calming inflammation, supporting barrier repair, and promote healing after an energy-based treatment."
