3 Types Of Procedures To Try This Winter like Fraxel Laser & Chemical Peels

Fractionated Laser Resurfacing & Other Popular Skin Rejuvenating Procedures to Try This Winter

The harsh weather that comes with the start of the new year can also bring new challenges for your skin and beauty regimen.

The “cold air tightens the skin’s pores and reduces blood circulation” for starters. As a result, this can reduce “the naturally occurring oil known as sebum, which acts as a protective layer and traps moisture next to the skin,” according to AestheticsJournal.com. Ultimately, most are left with drier than normal skin during the winter months and for those with skin conditions like eczema or acne, the reduced humidity can increase flare-ups and cause break-outs due to the moisture imbalance.

That said, the winter can be a great time to try new skin procedures to address these skin concerns, try new facial treatments such as the vampire facial, or simply seek skin rejuvenation with less time in the sun which can help improve treatment results.
These are our top picks for skin rejuvenating treatments to talk to your healthcare provider about for more glowing skin this winter season.

Fractionated Laser Skin Treatment For Glowing Skin

Fraxel laser treatment on a female patient for facial rejuvenation

Generally speaking, a laser beam is used in laser resurfacing to remove the outer layer of skin called the epidermis as well as heating the underlying skin, or dermis. This combination stimulates growth of new collagen fibers. While there are many popular types of laser treatments, ultimately most can be grouped into two categories: ablative laser and non-ablative laser.

Ablative laser treatments remove the thin outer layers of skin creating a superficial wound, whereas non-ablative laser treatments keep the outer layer of skin intact but still stimulates collagen growth and may tighten underlying skin.

The Fraxel® procedure is a type of fractionated laser treatment and is one of the most popular types of laser resurfacing treatments known to be effective on fine lines and wrinkles, surface scarring, pigmentation, sun damage, and actinic keratosis (AK). Other types of fractionated lasers you can ask your healthcare provider about include Halo™, a hybrid fractional laser.

The fractionated laser works by creating tiny columns of thermal destruction in the skin to stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin. So essentially, it’s simply mimicking the body’s natural process to shed old, damaged skin cells in a more accelerated, concentrated manner.

Fractionated laser treatments are for people who want to look younger without the extended downtime; it is a minimally-invasive procedure that can be used to treat a wide variety of skin concerns on the whole face, décolletage, hands, and arms. It is one of our top picks for winter skin treatments, particularly for those with sun damage and pigmentation concerns because your chances of recurrences are decreased with less time spent in the sun during the winter months.

To ensure you get the most out of your laser treatment, pair your procedure with skincare designed specifically to aid in the preparation and speed recovery. Many healthcare providers recommend the ALASTIN Skincare Regenerating Nectar with TriHex Technology® when performing laser resurfacing treatments. It’s a five-star rated customer favorite skincare designed to support and strengthen the skin and can enhance procedure outcomes when used before skin-rejuvenating procedures to prepare the skin, and afterward to support faster recovery and optimal results.

Real Customer Review:

"Perfect for procedures!! I have had laser resurfacing treatment twice but only had [Regenerating Skin Nectar] for the second one. I started with the skin nectar about a week and a half before my treatment and I was way less red and irritated immediately after my procedure. In the next few days, my face was less red, less itchy, and healed faster than my previous treatment. I loved how [it] was not at all greasy. Continuing the products even after healing has made the biggest difference in my skin texture and glow. I would highly recommend the ALASTIN Skincare line to anyone and especially post-procedure patients."

- Kelley S.

Use our search tool to find a local healthcare provider that offers fractionated laser treatments and ALASTIN Skincare.

Why You Should Get A Chemical Peel This Winter

Senior woman having a chemical peel beauty treatment by aesthetician

Though chemical peels can be done any time of year, because chemical peels often result in skin that is more sensitive to sun exposure, this skin rejuvenating treatment is a great choice for winter.

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face , neck, décolleté and/or hands by applying a chemical solution to the skin causing it to exfoliate and eventually peel off.

Similar to the process of removing old, damaged skin cells during the fractionated laser treatment, a chemical peel will help to reveal new, healthy skin which is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.

Used to treat uneven skin tone, acne, sun damage, and skin texture concerns, different chemical peels will target various depths of your skin ranging from superficial to deeper in the dermis depending on your skin condition and type of peel - this will be based on the conversation you should have with your healthcare provider.

Use this helpful guide which includes important questions and considerations you should know before you schedule your next appointment with your healthcare provider.

In the meantime, we suggest you ask your healthcare provider about glycolic peels.

One of the main skin concerns during dry winter months is dull skin. Along with age and sun damage, the winter months can amplify dull-looking skin; for this reason, the popular glycolic peel, also known as alpha hydroxy acid peel, can be a great way to simply brighten skin and is one of the most gentle types of chemical peels.

In addition to the Regenerating Skin Nectar which is suitable to support most facial rejuvenation procedures, especially for this kind of procedure, you’ll want to also help your skin recover with a sulfate-free, self-foaming gentle cleanser designed to remove impurities without drying or irritating the skin. The ALASTIN Skincare Gentle Cleanser also features calming ingredients like Chamomile Extract and Oat Kernel Extract.

Real Customer Review:

“So I went in for an acne laser treatment and the wonderful lady suggested this cleanser because my face was just so red and puffy on top of the acne so of course, she gave me some samples to try and needless to say I bought a bottle of the gentle cleanser it took away all of my redness after one use, come to find out I was extremely sensitive to other face washes I have honestly tried everything and this by far is my new must-have!!! LOVE IT!”

- Heather

Why Winter Is The Best Time To Start Working On Your Summer Body

Woman's legs and bottle of TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology above them®

The short answer is, don’t wait until it’s too late. Use this time of year while most of our bodies are hidden away under layers of clothes to shape the body you’ll want to flaunt all summer long.

Skin tightening and fat freezing or heating procedures such as CoolSculpt® (freezing), truSculptID®, Ultrashape® (heating), are great treatment options this winter. While downtime is minimal with these non-invasive treatments, you might experience side effects for a few weeks after the treatment; swelling, bruising, and redness may occur but that’s the beauty of trying this treatment in the winter. A scarf, leggings, and coat is not only likely part of your winter ensemble anyway but they can double as a great way to hide any side effects from your skin procedure as well.

Treatments that utilize non-invasive fat-freezing or fat-heating technology are designed to reduce pockets of fat in trouble areas like the abdomen, flanks, and under the chin, and can take up to 3 months to produce final results. These treatment results can be accelerated by pairing with the ALASTIN Skincare TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology® which works in conjunction with body-sculpting procedures by accelerating the natural removal process of broken-down fat cells post-procedure to accelerate and enhance visible results. It also helps to enhance the appearance of skin laxity, texture and crepiness.

Real Customer Review:

“I have done CoolSculpting® multiple times but this is the first time I've done it and used TransFORM... I feel like I am seeing results quicker, and I'm also using it on my cellulite on the back of my thighs and feel like I'm seeing some improvement in the dimpling there.”

- Griffin

These kinds of treatment combinations are a great non-surgical option for those extra pounds you may have added during the holiday season!

Get the Best Results From Your Skincare Procedure This Winter

ALASTIN Skincare products for pre- and post-procedure

As we mentioned previously, to ensure you get the best results from these skin rejuvenating procedures, you’ll want to complement your skin rejuvenating procedure with the appropriate skincare to maximize results and reduce downtime. Fortunately for you, most of the ALASTIN Skincare product line features the patented TriHex Technology® which is a blend of active peptides and botanicals that elegantly support the skin’s natural life cycle - promoting the benefits of recycling, rebuilding, and replenishing the skin matrix in order to maintain a healthy glow and youthful appearance.

These are the most popular ALASTIN Skincare products recommended by healthcare providers for these popular skin rejuvenating procedures:

Regenerating Nectar Complex with TriHex Technology®: a customer favorite designed to support and strengthen the skin and can enhance procedure outcomes when used before skin-rejuvenating procedures to prepare the skin, and afterward to support faster recovery and optimal results.

Gentle Cleanser: sulfate-free, self-foaming gentle cleanser designed to remove impurities without drying or irritating the skin and features calming ingredients like Chamomile Extract and Oat Kernel Extract.

Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer with TriHex Technology®: particularly great in the dry winter months, this cruelty-free moisturizer helps to hydrate and soothe skin in order to provide support against environmental damage.

TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology®: this NewBeauty award-winner is specially designed to use after body sculpting procedures. Featuring a unique formulation that can help accelerate the body’s natural removal process of broken-down fat cells post-procedure to accelerate and enhance visible results. It also supports the skin’s natural ability to produce elastin and collagen for firmer, smoother skin, even when used alone as a daily body treatment.

HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36: though you should be using sunscreen daily, year-round, after a skin rejuvenating procedure - year, even in winter - is an important step to maintaining your glowing post-procedure skin. Featured in popular media like NewBeauty, The Coveteur, and Vogue, this sunscreen is designed to be used daily to protect skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, shield against environmental pollution and provide a tint with a soft glow for perfect-looking skin.

Article Reviewed by Wendy Johnson

Vice President, Marketing

Wendy Johnson brings to Alastin Skincare over 22 years of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and aesthetics industry experience in various sales, training, marketing and thought leader development roles.

After spending 10 years in gastroenterology at Tap Pharmaceuticals and Prometheus Laboratories, with sales and marketing oversight for in-line and pre-launch products, Mrs. Johnson transitioned to an aesthetic career at SkinMedica in 2004. While there, she was responsible for marketing one of the top 2 branded prescription hydroquinones, launching a leading branded low potency steroid, and oversight of the acne franchise line extensions.

In 2010, Wendy joined Merz North America where she developed and managed the Physician Relations department in support of injectable, topical and device business units under Medical Affairs, before transitioning into managing a Regional Aesthetics Marketing team.