Winter in the Midwest often brings freezing temperatures, biting winds and dry indoor heat. Those environmental changes deplete moisture from the skin, accelerate flaking and can make the complexion look dull and tired. Rather than hiding under scarves and hats, many people turn to professional skincare to replenish hydration, correct sun damage and give the face a healthy glow. Smooth Solutions MedSpa offers a range of advanced facial treatments that are particularly beneficial in winter. Their philosophy is to blend science and comfort: each service is performed by trained estheticians using proven technologies, and the goal is always to educate clients about their skin rather than push unnecessary procedures. The following sections explore the best winter facial treatments available at Smooth Solutions and explain why these therapies are ideal for keeping skin healthy during the cold season.
Hydrafacial A Mid‑Winter Pick‑Me‑Up
A key challenge in winter is dehydration; even oily skin can lose its glow when exposed to harsh air and heating systems. A hydrafacial is a comprehensive treatment that addresses dryness while also exfoliating and clearing congestion. Smooth Solutions describes their hydrafacial as a “mid‑winter pick‑me‑up” because it combines medical‑grade serums with gentle microdermabrasion, lymphatic drainage and suction to deep‑clean and replenish the complexion. The multi‑step process washes away built‑up debris and infuses antioxidants and moisturizers back into the skin, restoring radiance without irritation.
What it treats. A hydrafacial is ideal for clients experiencing dullness, flaky patches or a rough skin texture. It can also help with clogged pores, early fine lines or mild hyperpigmentation. Because the treatment is non‑invasive and tailored to each person’s needs, it works well for sensitive skin and those seeking a glow without downtime.
How it works. During the appointment, an aesthetician cleanses and exfoliates the face using a specialized handpiece that performs microdermabrasion while simultaneously delivering nourishing serums. Gentle suction removes debris and oil from pores, and lymphatic drainage techniques help flush away puffiness. A final infusion step introduces antioxidants and peptides to protect against winter dryness. The hydrafacial does not involve needles or lasers, so clients typically feel only mild suction and a refreshing cool sensation.
Treatment experience and recovery. Most hydrafacials take about 30 minutes and are relaxing enough to fit into a lunch break. There is zero downtimeskin may look slightly pink immediately afterwards, but the glow quickly returns, making it an ideal treatment before events or holiday gatherings. Many clients schedule monthly sessions during winter to maintain hydration.
Why Smooth Solutions recommends it in winter. The medspa uses high‑grade products and advanced devices to ensure results last. Because winter weather strips natural oils, the combination of mechanical exfoliation and serum infusion replaces what is lost and supports the skin’s barrier. The staff at Smooth Solutions emphasize that regular hydrafacials help keep winter skin balanced and make at‑home skincare more effective by improving product absorption.
Custom Chemical Peels Repair and Reset
Chemical peels are another winter essential. Dry, damaged layers accumulate on the surface of the face during cold months and can make the complexion look uneven. Smooth Solutions’ custom peels use medical‑grade products to slough off that build‑up and restore balance. Each peel is tailored to specific concerns, whether it’s melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne or simply a dull complexion.
What it treats. Chemical peels target a range of issues including melasma, sun spots, acne breakouts, fine lines and rough texture. By dissolving dead cells and stimulating new cell growth, the treatment reveals a fresher, brighter layer of skin underneath. During winter, when the skin’s turnover can slow down, peels help maintain a smooth surface and allow moisturizers to penetrate more effectively.
How it works. An aesthetician cleanses the face and applies a customized solution containing acids such as glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid. The concentration and type of acid depend on the client’s skin type and goals. The solution stays on for a specific amount of time to gently dissolve the outermost layer. Clients may feel tingling or mild warmth. After neutralizing the peel, the practitioner applies soothing products and sun protection. Sessions generally last 30–60 minutes and require little to no downtime.
Recovery and results. Depending on the strength of the peel, slight redness or light flaking can occur for a couple of days. For superficial peels, there is virtually no downtime; deeper peels can cause the skin to peel for up to a week. Smooth Solutions advises using clinical‑grade skincare and sunscreen during the healing period to protect the newly revealed skin. Clients typically notice improved brightness and a more even tone within one to two weeks.
Why choose a peel in winter? Sun exposure is lower in winter, making it safer to undergo treatments that temporarily increase photosensitivity. Peels remove damaged layers caused by summer sun and help correct dark spots. The medspa’s clinicians design peel schedules that gradually build results over the winter months, so the skin is radiant by spring.
LED Phototherapy Gentle Light for Healing
LED phototherapy uses controlled wavelengths of red, blue and near‑infrared light to energize skin cells. Unlike more aggressive treatments, it does not remove layers of skin; instead, the light encourages cells to repair themselves. This makes LED therapy a versatile winter treatment because it improves texture, reduces inflammation and can be combined with other procedures.
What it treats. The device addresses acne, psoriasis, melasma and rosacea. Red light promotes collagen production and reduces inflammation, blue light kills acne‑causing bacteria, and near‑infrared light accelerates healing. For clients whose skin becomes aggravated by cold weather or who experience breakouts from heavier moisturizers, LED therapy offers relief.
How it works. Clients sit under a panel of LED lights while wearing protective eyewear. Sessions typically last 20–30 minutes. The light feels warm but not hot, and there is no discomfort. Because the light does not cause thermal damage, there is no downtime, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately. Smooth Solutions often pairs LED sessions with other treatments, such as after a peel or microneedling, to accelerate healing and improve results.
Why use LED therapy in winter? In the winter months, the skin’s immune response can slow down. Light therapy boosts circulation and cell metabolism, which helps the face stay resilient against environmental stressors. It is also one of the few treatments safe for all skin tones that can be scheduled frequently without risk.
HALO™ Hybrid Fractional Laser Resurfacing When Sun Is Low
Laser resurfacing is extremely effective for correcting sun damage and deep signs of aging, but it requires careful timing to avoid post‑treatment sun exposure. For that reason, Smooth Solutions recommends HALO™ treatments during winter when days are short and UV levels are lower. HALO is a hybrid fractional laser that combines ablative and non‑ablative wavelengths, allowing clinicians to customize the depth of treatment to each client’s needs.
What it treats. HALO addresses fine lines, wrinkles, melasma, enlarged pores, acne scars and sun damage. By simultaneously removing damaged surface tissue and stimulating deeper collagen production, it produces noticeable improvements in tone and texture. Because the energy can be tailored, HALO works on the face, neck, chest and even hands.
Who it’s ideal for. Clients with fair to medium skin tones who want dramatic improvement without the extended downtime of traditional CO₂ lasers are good candidates. Those with darker skin may be better suited to treatments like LaseMD Ultra, which carry less risk of pigmentation changes. The consultation process at Smooth Solutions evaluates skin type and lifestyle to ensure the safest choice.
How it works. During a HALO session, the practitioner uses a device that delivers both ablative and non‑ablative laser energy through a microchip tip. The ablative portion creates tiny thermal injuries that vaporize damaged tissue, while the non‑ablative portion heats deeper layers to stimulate collagen without removing skin. A cooling system keeps the surface comfortable, and topical numbing cream helps minimize discomfort. Treatments take 30–60 minutes and require four to seven days of recovery for moderate resurfacing. Clients can expect redness and swelling followed by peeling; the appearance of microscopic epidermal necrotic debris (MENDs) is a sign of effective treatment.
Why winter is optimal. Post‑laser skin is especially sensitive to sunlight. Scheduling HALO between late fall and early spring reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation. Results continue to improve for months as collagen remodeling occurs, making the winter months an ideal period for healing.
RF Microneedling Deep Collagen Stimulation
RF (radiofrequency) microneedling combines the benefits of traditional microneedling with the skin‑tightening effects of radiofrequency energy. Smooth Solutions uses the Scarlet RF system, which delivers energy through microneedles to heat dermal layers and stimulate volumetric collagen and elastin production. Because it does not rely on light, RF microneedling is safe for all skin tones and can be performed even when the sun is minimal in winter.
What it treats. This therapy targets sagging skin, submental fullness, acne scars, sun damage and rough texture. By tightening connective tissue and encouraging new collagen formation, it helps the skin appear firmer and smoother. It’s also suitable for areas beyond the face, including the neck and jawline.
How it works. The device uses a handpiece with twenty‑five sterile microneedles that puncture the skin and deliver short pulses of radiofrequency energy. These micro‑channels trigger the body’s wound‑healing process while the heat contracts collagen fibers, leading to both immediate tightening and long‑term regeneration. Treatments last 30–60 minutes and have virtually zero downtime. Some redness or mild swelling may occur, but clients can typically resume normal activities within 24 hours.
Why it suits winter. Because RF microneedling does not rely on photosensitive wavelengths, it poses minimal risk of post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation. During winter, when people are less likely to be outdoors for extended periods, the healing process is straightforward. The results build gradually with a series of sessions, making it a strategic way to improve skin tone and firmness before spring.
Microdermabrasion Gentle Exfoliation for Sensitive Skin
For clients seeking a gentler alternative to lasers or peels, microdermabrasion offers effective resurfacing without downtime. The procedure uses a specialized handpiece to exfoliate and suction away dead skin cells, leaving the complexion smoother and brighter. At Smooth Solutions, microdermabrasion is customized to suit different skin types and can be paired with other treatments.
What it treats. Microdermabrasion improves circulation, stimulates collagen production and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It helps with fine lines, superficial pigmentation, enlarged pores and dull tone. The immediate removal of dead cells allows moisturizing products to penetrate more deeply an advantage during dry winter months.
How it works. The esthetician uses a handheld device that glides across the skin, mechanically exfoliating the surface while a light vacuum suction removes debris. The intensity can be adjusted based on the client’s comfort and skin condition. Sessions typically last 30–45 minutes, and there is no downtime. Clients might experience slight redness right after treatment, but this usually subsides quickly.
Why choose microdermabrasion in winter. When paired with hydrating facials or LED therapy, microdermabrasion can help relieve flaky patches and prepare the skin for richer moisturizers. Smooth Solutions recommends monthly treatments to maintain a smooth complexion and optimize the results of at‑home skincare during cold months.
Laser Hair Removal Prepare for Summer Now
Although hair removal might seem like a summer concern, the process actually starts in winter. Smooth Solutions advises beginning laser hair removal treatments when the skin is untanned, because the contrast between the hair and skin allows the laser to more effectively target the pigment. Starting early ensures smoother skin by summer.
How it works. The medspa uses Candela’s GentleMax Pro system. This device emits specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the melanin in hair, converting light to heat that damages the follicle. Repeated treatments eventually destroy the follicle, resulting in a permanent reduction in hair. To achieve optimal results, sessions must occur when hair is in the active growth (anagen) phase.
Why multiple sessions are needed. Hair grows in cycles, and only hairs in the growth phase can be effectively treated during a session. Smooth Solutions notes that lighter skin often requires six to eight treatments, while darker skin may need a few additional sessions. Their practitioners recommend following the advised interval schedule to catch hair in the appropriate stage and achieve a 90–95 percent reduction.
Technology advantages. The GentleMax Pro offers two wavelengths755 nm for lighter skin and 1,064 nm for darker skin to safely treat all skin types. Built‑in cooling technology sprays a cryogen coolant before each pulse, reducing discomfort and protecting the skin. Most clients compare the sensation to a rubber band snap. Because winter clothing covers treated areas, any temporary redness or swelling is easily concealed during the healing process.
Why start in winter. Beginning treatments when sun exposure is minimal reduces the risk of complications. It also allows enough time to complete multiple sessions before the skin is on display in spring and summer. Smooth Solutions emphasizes that starting early yields smoother results with fewer touch‑ups later. As a boutique medspa, they combine education with personalized scheduling and offer package pricing and payment plans to make the process accessible.
Conclusion
Winter can be harsh on the skin, but with the right professional treatments it is also an opportunity to repair damage, replenish hydration and prepare for the warmer months ahead. Hydrafacials restore moisture and clarity, custom chemical peels remove dull layers, LED phototherapy calms inflammation, HALO laser resurfacing corrects deeper imperfections, RF microneedling tightens and firms, microdermabrasion polishes the surface and laser hair removal prepares the body for summer. Each of these therapies is performed by trained practitioners who prioritize safety and customization. To discover which combination of treatments is right for you, schedule a consultation with Smooth Solutions MedSpa. Their team will evaluate your skin and design a winter regimen that keeps you glowing until spring. Contact the medspa today to start your journey toward radiant, resilient skin.