As a lifelong traveler, I can attest that there’s nothing worse than the combo of air travel and a derailed wellness routine when it comes to my skin. And holiday travel, typically punctuated by an increased amount of stress and less-than-ideal weather conditions, makes it even worse. Turns out, I’m not alone. According to Kennedy Malone, Clinical Esthetician and Department Head and Trainer at milk + honey, ‘tis the season for skin to completely freak out. But before you resign yourself to looking dull, dry, and irritated in every photo from now until New Year’s, know there are ways to keep that glow alive.
Here, Malone shares tips she gives her clients at milk + honey, a med-spa known for its holistic, plant-based approach to skincare and wellness. From hydrating smarter during winter cold snaps to prepping your face before a long-haul flight and sharing insights on how far out to book serious treatments ahead of big moments, Malone breaks down exactly how to protect your skin—and your sanity—through the busiest season of the year.
What are some of the biggest issues you see with skin this time of year and how can that be remedied?
Hydration isn’t just topical, so it’s important to also drink water and eat water-rich foods like citrus, cucumber, and leafy greens helps your skin stay plump. Using a humidifier at home can also counteract dry indoor heating. Also, applying products to slightly damp skin can help lock in moisture more effectively and an oil based cleanser can help protect your barrier function to keep your skin nice and plump.
Let’s talk air travel. What issues arise there, and how can we prep for them?
Air travel can be hard on the skin because cabin air is extremely dry, which dehydrates and irritates the skin. Pre-plane, we recommend applying a heavy, occlusive moisturizer or balm to lock in hydration. On the plane, keep a misting spray and lip balm handy, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside out. One of my favorite tricks is to sleep in a hydrating sheet mask after a long day of travel to put my best face forward.
Amara Resort and Spa
What are some specific ways to prep and care for the skin in the winter?
Cold, snowy weather can strip skin of moisture and cause redness or chapping. Start with a protective, nourishing moisturizer and incorporate facial oils for extra hydration. Gentle cleansing is key—avoid stripping the skin with harsh soaps. Sunscreen is still essential even on cloudy, snowy days, as UV rays reflect off the snow. And don’t forget your hands and lips; thick balms and gloves go a long way!
How far in advance of a special event like New Years Eve or meeting the parents should you get treatments in the medspa?
For best results, we recommend scheduling your facial 7-10 days before an event. This allows the skin time to fully reap the benefits of the treatment and allows time for any redness to settle. If you’re incorporating deeper treatments such as peels, dermaplaning, or microcurrent, booking 10–14 days in advance is ideal.
What are some unexpected tips on upkeep of the skin?
Keep your post‑facial glow alive by following through with home care: after a facial, it’s best to use gentle, nourishing cleansers and moisturizers, avoid over‑exfoliating, and apply products while skin is still slightly damp to help seal in hydration. And treat your body with the same care as your face. Winter dryness isn’t only a facial issue; using rich body creams or oils, or occasionally indulging in a hydrating body wrap or body treatment helps maintain an all-over healthy glow.
Stay Healdsburg
How important is mitigating stress to keeping the skin healthy during the holiday season?
milk + honey offers a full range of massage and body‑work services, from classic Swedish massages to hydrating body cocoon wraps, detox steam + massage treatments, and more for good reason. During the holidays, stress can take a real toll on skin, contributing to dullness, breakouts, tension, poor sleep, and a weakened skin barrier. Regular massage helps counteract these effects by reducing stress, improving circulation, and supporting lymphatic drainage, all of which promote healthier, clearer, and more radiant skin. A spa visit isn’t just indulgence—it’s an essential part of holistic self‑care. Taking time to give the body and mind a break allows the skin to regenerate and stay resilient during seasonal stress. It’s a conscious choice for long-term health and resiliency.
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