Expert Winter Skincare Tips from Topnotch Estheticians

A woman receives a facial massage with hands on her forehead and cheeks, eyes closed.

 

As the Green Mountains settle under a blanket of snow, your skin deserves a little extra care to stay healthy and radiant. The dry indoor heat, chilly winds, and shifting humidity of Vermont winters can take a toll but with the right adjustments, your complexion can glow all season long. Our Topnotch Resort estheticians share their favorite winter skincare strategies and go-to products to help you nourish, protect, and restore your skin from the inside out.

We see it every year; the moment the air turns crisp, skin starts craving a little more care. So, we asked our Topnotch estheticians to share their top five winter skincare rituals and product picks to help you stay radiant all season long.

  1. Switch to a richer moisturizer Cold air and indoor heating strip moisture from the skin as we move into the winter months it is important to transition from lightweight summer lotions to a richer cream or balm that provides deeper hydration and helps strengthen the skin’s barrier. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or squalane.
  2. Don’t skip sunscreen Even though it’s colder and perhaps cloudier, UV rays are still present - especially when reflected off snow. Continue to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily on the face, neck, and hands to prevent UV damage and premature aging.
  3. Use a gentle cleanser Avoid harsh foaming cleansers that can strip away natural oils. Instead, choose a creamy or hydrating cleanser that removes impurities while maintaining your skin’s moisture balance.
  4. Add a humidifier to your space Indoor heating creates a dry environment that can dehydrate your skin. Running a humidifier helps restore moisture in the air, keeping your skin supple and reducing flakiness or irritation.
  5. Exfoliate mindfully Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week helps remove dull, dry skin cells and allows moisturizers to absorb better. Avoid over-exfoliating, as it can compromise your skin’s protective barrier during the colder months.

Our estheticians also shared a few of their favorite products, each one tried and true, and perfect for giving your skin the extra love it needs this season. From gentle cleansers to deeply hydrating serums, these essentials are handpicked to help you maintain that healthy winter glow. You can find them all in our boutique at the Topnotch Spa, where our team will be happy to help you choose the right products for your skin.

 

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel

I love these peels because they are good for all skin types and you get so many benefits from this one product! They contain a blend of alpha and beta hydroxyl acids that gently exfoliate the skin- removing dead skin cells and promote cell turnover for a smoother complexion. They also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyper pigmentation and the chamomile and green tea extract are soothing and calming for the skin.

Recommended by Deanna St. Cyr, Esthetician and Erin Mathes, Esthetician

 

Dr. Dennis Gross Blur and Repair Serum

This rich, restorative serum is ideal for nighttime use and designed to promote a smoother, more radiant complexion. It features a powerful blend of Resveratrol and Vitamin C, two ingredients known for their rejuvenating benefits. Resveratrol serves as a gentle alternative to retinol, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. It supports natural cell turnover, helping to reveal a more even, luminous skin tone. Vitamin C enhances  brightness and supports the skin’s natural healing process, leaving your complexion refreshed and revitalized by morning.

Recommended by Erin Mathes, Esthetician

 

Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil

This nourishing cleansing oil is the perfect first step in your skincare routine, especially during the dry winter months. Formulated with castor oil, it’s rich in fatty acids that gently dissolve makeup and impurities while keeping the skin hydrated. Sweet almond oil provides deep moisture and helps soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while vitamins A and E, along with natural antioxidants, work to reduce puffiness and brighten the eye area. The result is  clean, supple, and refreshed skin without any greasy residue.

Recommended by Deanna St. Cyr, Esthetician

 

Winter is the perfect season to slow down and treat yourself to the kind of care your skin (and your spirit) deserve. Whether you’re craving deep hydration, a restorative facial, or simply the calm that comes from an hour in expert hands, our aestheticians at the Topnotch Spa are here to help your skin thrive through the season. For the ultimate escape, pair your treatment with an overnight stay through our Spa and Stay Package, where relaxation extends from the treatment room to your private retreat in the Green Mountains.

Your most radiant winter starts at Topnotch, book your winter glow today.