My face is currently in its "maintenance phase"—here are the products that are helping me during treatment season.

      As soon as the temperature drops below 40ºF, the wind feels like it's desperately trying to remove every dead skin cell from my body, and my skincare routine seems to fail for my face completely. This is the moment each year I realize it’s time to switch to maintenance mode. Winter is the season when I schedule every possible treatment—lasers, light therapy, peels—anything that can help my complexion stay vibrant while the outside world appears dull, and the absence of sun and heat allows for better recovery. However, there's something no one prepares you for: treatment season is essentially a part-time job. You experience redness, tightness, peeling, and the entire saga of "don't sweat, don’t drink, don’t touch your face." While I appreciate the results, I’m determined not to waste any time (or money) on my efforts. Thus, I enter full winter survival mode with an array of products that shield my skin barrier, soothe irritation, accelerate healing, and keep me glowing even when my skin struggles. Here are the products that truly help me navigate through winter's treatment challenges, ensuring my face remains its best, brightest, and most healed. Keep reading!

      **Laser Genesis**

      During this period, I consistently book monthly Laser Genesis sessions with Eric Nietzel-Leone II at I Wanna Be Prettty. Laser Genesis serves as my cold-weather safeguard: it boosts collagen, diminishes redness, smooths texture, and imparts a glow that winter attempts to diminish. He recommends these four products to aid healing, enhance brightness, and prolong the post-laser radiance as much as possible.

      **Rejuran**

      Dual Effect Ampoule with c-PDRN

      "Anything applied post-laser must accomplish two things: avoid trapping heat and support the skin barrier during healing. This formula fulfills both criteria. It's enriched with growth factors that accelerate cell turnover, rebuild the barrier, and even provides a brightness boost—making it an ideal addition to any laser treatment."

      **CeraVe**

      CeraVe Healing Ointment

      "A truly effective post-procedure ointment must excel in one critical aspect: protection without causing blockages. This product is non-comedogenic, locking in moisture while safeguarding healing skin without leading to congestion. After most laser or resurfacing procedures, the skin becomes defenseless against external elements—which is why an over-the-counter occlusive like this is vital. It forms a breathable barrier while your skin restores itself. A bonus: it's lanolin-free, avoiding a common allergen that can create unnecessary irritation when your skin is most vulnerable."

      **Ourself**

      HA+ Replenishing Serum

      "This formula effectively acts as a three-in-one treatment—combining peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C—to repair, brighten, and plump the skin. The brand's unique HA technology penetrates deeply and gradually compared to conventional hyaluronic acids, aiding the long-term production of collagen and elastin. It's one of those rare serums that genuinely complements any laser treatment by maximizing glow while your skin is in recovery."

      **Alastin Skincare**

      Regenerating Skin Nectar

      "Formulated for post-procedure care, it enhances the skin's natural cell turnover process. A special blend of peptides is included to facilitate the removal of old, damaged cells to pave the way for new ones. This product also alleviates redness after laser treatments and is effective for sunburn relief, preventing the detrimental breakdown of collagen caused by burns and more."

      **MOXI or BBL Laser**

      I also visit Lisa Goodman at GoodSkin Clinics for a more intense laser session, as she emphasizes that post-laser healing is crucial for achieving optimal results. For recovery, she recommends the following products to activate your body's repair process.

      **RMED Skincare**

      Renewal EGF Serum

      "This serum is ideal for post-laser treatment to repair the barrier and expedite healing through biomimetic epidermal growth factors and advanced probiotic ferment. It’s free from silicones or other occlusives and irritants like fragrance, making it safe for acne-prone skin. Laser treatments can induce inflammation, which may sometimes lead to small breakouts."

      **Celluma**

      LED Light Therapy

      "I swear by the Celluma Pro Laser. It is the only FDA-approved red light therapy device. I use it for hair restoration and body aches, serving multiple functions while rejuvenating treated skin."

      **EltaMD**

      UV Daily Tinted SPF 40 Face Sunscreen Moisturizer with Zinc Oxide

      "Following laser treatment, I ensure to protect my skin with a gentle SPF. This particular product from EltaMD is a physical sunscreen that uses zinc and is created for sensitive skin."

      **Microneedling**

      With the sun out of the scene, I’m taking full advantage of doing several rounds of microneedling at Contor Studio with cofounder Brad Crerar. He emphasizes hydration and cleanliness post-treatment—and for good reason