Planning a Full Scale Glow Up in the New Year? Here Are The Exact Steps to Take *Now*

Main image – Liliyarodnikova/Stocksy

It’s official, deepest, darkest winter is here, and we are in our frosty mornings, short days-bare trees era. But, as much as it might feel like winter lasts an eternity, spring really is just around the corner. *Clutches on to every possible sign of brighter, warmer days*

And although that’s great news for those of us who can’t wait for the chilly weather to end, it also means there’s just enough time left to take advantage of the lowest UV months and treat yourself to all the skincare ingredients and treatments you might otherwise be more cautious about trying in the sunnier months. In short, it’s the perfect time for a winter glow up (if that’s your thing).

We’re talking new skincare, hair care, nail care and body care ingredients and treatments to start now, so that by the time spring has sprung you can exit hibernation, positively glowing.  

 

 

“Winter is an excellent time to consider treatments that involve a bit of downtime or can leave the skin temporarily more sensitive,” explains consultant and dermatologist, Professor Firas Niaimi. “Colder months mean less sun exposure, which reduces the risk of post-treatment redness, delayed healing, or pigmentation changes.”

Skincare experts and founders of beauty brand The Light Salon, Hannah Measures and Laura Ferguson add, “it is the ideal time to introduce or increase the strength of at-home treatments that make the skin more photosensitive – such as retinoids, AHA/BHA exfoliants, enzyme masks, and home microneedling tools.”

Along with Measures, Ferguson and Professor Firas, we’ve asked fellow experts, aesthetician Nina Prisk, doctors Dr Jessica Western, Dr Raj Arora and Dr Sonia Khorana, beauty founder Katie Mant, trichologist Kate Holden and nail guru Leighton Denny MBE, to give us some pro tips on all the different things you can try during winter to improve your skin, nails and hair for spring. 

You won’t need every single one of course, but whichever route you choose to go down, we’ve got all the info on what’s available and how it might benefit you in time for spring.

 

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The in-office face treatments

There are plenty of professional treatments you can book for your face that will be beneficial to start doing this winter.  As well as simple skin boosting treatments for hydration, Professor Firas says higher strength treatments with reduced sun-sensitivity concerns should be considered too.

 

 

“This includes a range of lasers, peels, and resurfacing treatments that would otherwise require strict sun avoidance,” he says. Here’s our breakdown of what you can book for your face, in-clinic:

CO2 laser resurfacing:

“This is one of the most effective treatments for improving texture, scarring, fine lines and overall skin quality,” says Dr Khorana. “Because CO2 laser creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, strict sun avoidance is essential during healing – which is much easier to achieve in winter.”

Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid this treatment as well as those with very dark skin and acne or any other active skin conditions.

Chemical peels:

These are a popular choice for achieving smoother, more even looking skin. “Medium-depth and stronger chemical peels can cause increased photosensitivity while the skin is renewing,” Dr Khorana says. “It is a safer time to do these in winter because the lower UV reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”

Avoid having a chemical peel if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, have any open wounds and suffer from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Advanced light-based treatments:

Think lasers, which can be used to treat everything from hyperpigmentation to skin texture issues. “Winter is a great time to treat sun damage, pigmentation and redness with energy-based devices [like this],” Dr Khorana explains.

“Patients typically have less UV exposure, which helps maintain results and lowers the risk of rebound pigmentation.” Again, if you are pregnant or breast feeding you should avoid booking this treatment and if you have very dark skin or have an active skin infection you should give it a miss too.

Botox:

Yep, the famous injectable for those looking for more radical results in the smooth skin, wrinkle-free department. “It’s advisable to avoid excess sun exposure after Botox treatments in order to reduce the chance of swelling or bruising,” explains Prisk. “You only need to do this for a day or two however it’s obviously much harder to do in the summer, whereas in the winter the cooler temperatures help to reduce the likelihood of swelling.”

Another bonus is that although Botox can be expensive, having it done in winter can actually make your money go further. “Not a lot of people realise that higher body temperatures can increase the rate at which Botox is metabolised, meaning that the colder weather in the winter can help to make your Botox last longer,” Prisk continues. 

“As a result you may not need to repeat the procedure as often as you do in the hotter summer months.” Don’t get Botox if you are pregnant or breast feeding, nor if you have a known allergy to botulinum toxin.

Emface:

“This is a revolutionary non-invasive treatment that combines synchronised radiofrequency heating and HIFES™ facial muscle stimulation to encourage collagen and elastin production, while simultaneously toning and lifting facial muscles,” explains Dr Western.

“The result is a more youthful, sculpted appearance with reduced wrinkles and a firmer, more lifted complexion.” And the best part? There are no needles involved or any downtime either plus it only takes 20 minutes!

“Individuals who have metal implants such as pacemakers and defibrillators should avoid the treatment. It’s also important to avoid it if you’re suffering from a severe skin condition or active wounds,” she adds. Also, “people who have had dermal fillers or Botox should wait at least 2-4 weeks before undergoing Emface.”

 

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The in-office body treatments

You might be covered up in warm jumpers and long socks but prepping your body for spring can start right now. “Body treatments that are ideal for winter include laser hair removal, CO2 laser for body skin for treating stretch marks, acne scarring or crepey skin on the chest, arms or abdomen,” explains Dr Khorana.

Also, “chemical body peels and body micro-needling.”

 

 

Dr Western recommends a treatment called Morpheus8 particularly during winter thanks to there being reduced sun exposure and less sweat production meaning less skin damage and no tricky healing process, post-treatment. But what does it involve? 

“It combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate the production of collagen and tighten skin,” she explains.

“It’s like a mini face or body lift, but without the surgery. And it can address a range of skin concerns including wrinkles, crepey sagging skin, and uneven texture, as well as acne scars and stretch marks, giving a more youthful and rejuvenated look.”

So how long does it take to start working? “Whilst it always depends on the individual’s specific requirements, typically for optimal results a series of three Morpheus8 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart is recommended,” says Dr Western. “Maintenance sessions may be needed every 6-12 months, with younger patients needing less frequent maintenance.”

Avoid this treatment if you have a skin infection or a severe skin condition like eczema. 

 

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The at-home skincare remedies

 

 

If you’re not a fan of in-clinic treatments and you want to try a glow up from the comfort of your own bathroom, these additions to your routine should help get your skin up to scratch. 

Winter-friendly actives:

These include exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA), retinol/retinoids, enzyme or resurfacing masks and at-home microneedling. They can provide, “smoother, softer texture, brighter, clearer tone, refined pores, reduced fine lines and more even pigmentation,” says Ferguson.

 “Use exfoliating acids once weekly, based on your skin type and strength of formula,” advises Measures. “For retinol/retinoids, start one to two times a week, increasing gradually to three times, depending on tolerance.” She adds that strong acids and retinol should be avoided “during significant irritation, rashes or barrier impairment.” Retinol should also not be used by those who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Apply an enzyme or resurfacing mask once a week “for maintenance or glow,” and microneedling rollers can be used once a week, “with a sterile device and proper aftercare, but avoid during active acne, eczema, psoriasis or rosacea flare-ups,” adds Ferguson. 

IPL:

According to Dr Khorana, winter is the perfect time for IPL – the easy peasy at home treatment to get yourself fuzz-free in time for bikini season.  While sadly not suited to all skin and hair tones (thanks to the way these devices target hair), IPL can offer quick, painless and long-lasting hair removal for over a year.

The Ulike Air10, for example, promises up to two years of smooth skin with just two weeks of treatments.

LED light therapy:

“Though less seasonal-dependent, LED light therapy can be more comfortable to do in winter when the skin can be more easily managed with moisturising, since many find their skin drier in colder months,” explains Dr Arora. “LED is the winter stabiliser,” adds Ferguson. “It keeps the skin glowing even when everything else in the routine becomes more potent.”

So what is LED therapy, and what does it do? “LED Therapy may help with breakouts, improve the skin’s circulation, and accelerate healing,” Dr Arora says. It is particularly beneficial to those with “aging concerns or those looking to improve skin texture and tone.” 

Mant adds, “Red and near-infrared wavelengths support skin renewal, circulation, and barrier, helping counteract the dryness and reduced daylight of the season.”

Who should avoid it? “Those with active infections, eczema, psoriasis, or generally very sensitive skin might need to avoid or carefully consider these treatments under professional advice,” Dr Arora warns. “Also, those with a history of keloid scarring or vitiligo should speak to their doctor.”

You can use LED therapy daily or a few times a week and as Dr Arora says, “consistent use yields the best results!” And Measures agrees. “LED is cumulative – the more consistent the use, the stronger and healthier the skin remains throughout the season.”

Heat-based therapy:

Ever heard of an infrared blanket? “Winter is when heat-based therapies like the Bon Charge Infrared Sauna Blanket shine,” says Mant. “FAR Infrared helps combat the sluggishness and tension people feel in colder weather, boosts circulation, and supports mood via heat-induced endorphins. It’s also a beautiful complement to LED since both increase microcirculation and recovery.”

But it may not suit everyone. “It is always advisable to consult your medical professional if you are suffering from illness or unsure if the practice is right for you,” she adds.

Not yet sure about whether an at home device might be for you? The annual Beauty Triangle Festival in London on Saturday, January 24 gives visitors both hands on experience of these devices, as well as access to experts- like Measures and Ferguson– for custom advice on the best fit for you.

 

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The at-home hair care fixes

Whilst some like to focus on improving the skin on their body and/or face, others may want to take this time to focus on maintaining the health of their scalp and hair instead.

 

 

Here are trichologist Kate Holden’s tips for achieving the ultimate hair glow up by springtime.

• Look into minoxidil: This is a powerful treatment for hair loss and you’ll need professional advice before using it. It helps increase blood flow to the hair follicles, resulting in healthier, stronger hair. “Minoxidil can be started at any point in the year, although being able to wear a hat and less social activity can make the initial shedding phase easier to manage.”

• Try derma rolling or microneedling: This time for the scalp, where you use a sterile roller to create tiny channels in your scalp to help growth-boosting treatments like minoxidil penetrate better, as well as encouraging collagen and blood flow. “This also isn’t season-dependent, but winter often works well because lower sun exposure reduces the risk of irritation or pigmentation after treatment.” 

• Apply stronger actives: “Exfoliating acids can feel gentler to introduce in colder months since there’s typically less sweat and sun sensitivity to deal with.”

• Treat your hair and scalp like royalty: “Focus on consistent scalp care, reinforcement, and damage prevention,” Holden says. “Support your hair with a protein treatment every few weeks if your hair is feeling weak or damaged, and pair this with a weekly deep conditioning mask to restore softness and shine.”

• Adopt good habits: “Limit heat styling as much as possible, always use a heat protectant, and switch to silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction,” she adds. “Regular trims during winter prevent split ends from compounding, and maintain good lifestyle habits like staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, and detangling gently, to help your hair look noticeably healthier by spring and summer.”

 

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The at home nail care steps:

The good news is that if you’re battling weak, cracked and damaged nails, there’s still plenty of time to get them in tip top condition by spring. “If you are prone to peeling, cracking, or breaking, you are essentially experiencing nail dehydration,” nail icon Leighton Denny MBE explains.

 

 

“The regime must focus on intensive moisture and protection.” Here, he details a simple daily ritual to help get your nails through winter. 

• Upgrade your nail file: “Most people don’t realise how important the right nail file is for nail health – especially with age as nails become drier, more brittle and prone to damage,” he says. “Use a crystal file to seal the tip (the ‘back door’ of the nail) to keep moisture in and water out.”
• Buff gently: “Use the roughest side of a buffer only on new growth and very gently – excessive buffing thins the nail.”

• Turn to oil and cream: “Apply a rich nail and cuticle cream and follow with a cuticle oil (the ‘hydration stage’) at least twice a day. You can never over-moisturise.”

• Apply a base coat: “Always wear a strengthening base coat or shield to act as a barrier and lock in the conditioning treatments.”

 

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The takeaway

From facial injectables and body boosters to hair revivers and essential nail strengtheners, you’re now just about covered for a spring glow up, wherever your focus lies.

Make sure you go to a recommended, reputable clinic for the professional treatments and follow the application frequency instructions for the skincare ingredients, particularly retinol. 

Be kind to your hair and scalp – you’ll notice a big difference to your hair’s condition and growth if you are – and stick to a religious nail care routine to keep them happy and healthy during winter, ready for what could be a killer mani come springtime.

 

Meet the experts

Nina Prisk is a Harley Street skin expert, aesthetics nurse and independent prescriber. She is the owner of Update Aesthetics Cosmetic Clinics in the UK.

 

Dr Jessica Western is Cosmetic Doctor at Dr Leah Skin Clinics.

 

Dr. Raj Arora is a GP and FOREO Ambassador. She also established The FaceBible and is frequently featured as a medical expert in various media outlets – including This Morning.

 

Katie Mant is the Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BON CHARGE, a leader in science-backed wellness technology. Her work transforms complex research into intuitive daily rituals, empowering people to sleep better, recover deeply, and reconnect with their wellbeing.

 

Hannah Measures and Laura Ferguson are founders of beauty brand The Light Salon, which counts celebrities like Victoria Beckham among its fans.

 

Professor Firas Al-Niaimi is a Consultant and Dermatologist

 

Dr Sonia Khorana is a GP with a special interest in dermatology, working as an aesthetic doctor, laser specialist and wellness & menopause lead.

 

Kate Holden is a Manchester-based trichologist, qualified hairdresser, and a full member of the Institute of Trichologists.

 

Leighton Denny MBE is a leading nail and beauty expert and an internationally recognised figure in the beauty world with his multi-award-winning nail and fragrance product line, Leighton Denny.