As the weather cools, so does the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate and refresh your skin. The skin and beauty pros all agree that winter is the ideal time for treatments that brighten dull complexions, restore hydration and target pigmentation—just in time for the holidays. Here, top aesthetic doctors share their favorite winter treatments to help you achieve that sought-after glow with options for every schedule and level of downtime.
Laser Hibernation
Boston dermatologist Vladyslava Doktor, MD emphasizes that winter is the best time for laser-based treatments, as the skin is less tan and more tolerant to energy procedures. “My advice would be to consider treatment using energy-based devices like radio-frequency microneedling or Fraxel for a winter glow-up,” she says. “Both devices target superficial and deep pigment changes, improve texture and skin tone and produce new collagen to decrease fine lines.”
Holiday Glow Getters
For those seeking instant results without downtime, New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD recommends her Skinfluencer Holiday Treatment: “It’s a feel-good, look-great treatment that combines light microdermabrasion, followed by HydraFacial with peptide infusion and a final application of our proprietary serum containing exosomes. It’s great for anyone who wants a quick pick-me-up for the holidays—brightening dry, dull winter skin and giving it that magical glow!”
For a little extra sparkle, Dr. Peredo highlights Miria by Avava, an AI-driven laser treatment. “With low energy settings, it’s a quick, superficial treatment to target fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture and tone,” she explains. “We finish with the Skinfluencer serum containing exosomes for even faster healing and brighter results. The most popular areas to treat are the face, neck, chest and hands—perfect for showcasing any holiday jewelry.”
Peel It Back
New York dermatologist Nelson Novick, MD turns to superficial peels for a glowing complexion with minimal downtime. “The quickest turnaround time to obtain a glowing complexion would be to use a superficial peel consisting of either a high concentration of glycolic acid at 50-70 percent, salicylic acid at 30 percent or a low concentration of TCA of 15-25 percent, depending on the needs of the patient,” he says. These peels are ideal for improving skin tone, reducing dullness and smoothing the skin during the winter months.
Liquid Gold
New York dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, MD recommends VSEL Aquagold for a no-downtime solution during the busy season. “Using the unique hollow-bored gold needles of the device, we can microneedle laser-activated VSEL PRP into the skin,” he explains. “VSEL cells are essential ‘backup’ stem cells for repair, offering a noninvasive treatment that improves hydration, reduces pore size and refines texture. It takes about 30 minutes, with results visible in five to seven days and lasting up to six months.”
A Healing Glow
“To give skin a healthy glow and support faster healing after procedures, I often recommend topical exosomes and red-light therapy as part of an expedited recovery plan,” says San Diego oculoplastic surgeon Kallie Satterfield, MD. “Exosomes, in particular, are really moving the dial when it comes to rejuvenating and hydrating the skin.”
Collagen Comeback
“Treatments like Sculptra and microneedling with exosomes are some of the best tools I use to restore collagen and give skin a natural glow,” says Grosse Pointe, MI, dermatologist David Balle, MD. “Sculptra has seen a resurgence because it fits perfectly with the regenerative approach patients want today—natural results without looking ‘done.’ It works beautifully in areas like the temples, neck and décolleté to restore lost volume and create long-term collagen regeneration.”
He adds, “When paired with microneedling or fractionated laser, exosomes significantly enhance healing and improve results. These treatments help rejuvenate the skin from the inside out while speeding up recovery, which patients love.”
PRX Power-Up
For patients seeking needle-free rejuvenation, Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD recommends PRX Derm Perfexion. “PRX is a topical collagen biostimulator that combines TCA, hydrogen peroxide and kojic acid,” she explains. “It tightens the skin, reduces fine lines and improves overall skin health while thickening the skin. It’s applied with measured pressure, requires no needles and has minimal downtime.” Dr. Downie adds, “I use it on the face, neck, chest [and] arms and have even explored its potential for knee rejuvenation.”
