Winter in Ohio has a way of showing up on our skin. Dry air, indoor heat, and constant temperature changes can leave skin feeling tight, reactive, or simply not as vibrant as it did a few months ago. Add in post-holiday fatigue, and many guests find January is when their skin starts asking for a little extra care.
This is actually one of the best times of year to listen.
In 2026, one of the biggest shifts in skincare is a move away from aggressive treatments and toward strengthening the skin itself. You may hear terms like skin barrier repair, functional skincare, or seasonal skin cycling, but at their core, these trends all point to the same idea. Healthy skin behaves better, looks better, and responds better to professional treatments.
Winter puts the skin barrier under constant stress.
When that barrier is compromised, moisture escapes more easily, irritation increases, and even products that once worked well may suddenly feel ineffective. This is why many professionals are focusing first on restoring balance before pushing for dramatic correction.
One of the most effective ways to address this is through hydration-forward services designed specifically to support barrier repair. Treatments such as our Hydrate Bar Facial focus on restoring moisture and reinforcing the skin’s protective layer, while enhancements like a HydroPeptide moisture infusion mask can be added to many facials to deliver an extra boost of hydration when skin needs it most.
Another trend gaining momentum is a more realistic approach to glow. Instead of chasing overly shiny or heavily exfoliated skin, guests are gravitating toward hydrated, calm skin that reflects light naturally. This softer version of “glass skin” prioritizes nourishment and comfort, making it especially appropriate during colder months.
January is an ideal time to explore professional treatments designed to replenish hydration, calm inflammation, and support the skin’s natural defenses. Services like our Essential Facial can be customized further with gentle exfoliation, such as a Circadia lactic peel, which delivers effective yet controlled exfoliation. When performed in a series over several weeks, these treatments help restore clarity and glow while remaining supportive of winter-stressed skin.
Here is a simple professional insight we often share.
When skin feels reactive or dull in winter, the solution is rarely more exfoliation. In most cases, skin needs hydration, barrier support, and a thoughtful reset. Targeted facials that focus on restoring moisture and calming the skin can deliver noticeable improvement without downtime.
At home, winter skin care often benefits from simplification. Gentle cleansing, consistent hydration, and barrier-supporting products help maintain results between visits and protect skin from ongoing environmental stress. Small adjustments, guided by a professional, can make a significant difference in how skin feels day to day.
This may include incorporating gentle exfoliation two to three times per week to help serums and moisturizers absorb more effectively, increasing their overall performance. Products like HydroPeptide’s 5x Power Peel towelettes or Polish and Plump treatments are designed to maintain results between facials while remaining appropriate for winter skin.
January skin care is not about chasing trends.
It is about creating resilience. Guests who invest in skin health now often experience fewer flare-ups, better texture, and a smoother transition into spring.
Think of this visit as giving your skin what it actually needs, not just what it is asking for in the moment.
Schedule your winter skin care service online or call our Guest Services team at 614-538-5800 to reserve your experience.
Expertise for this article comes from Amy McLain, Director of Spa Education. With over 25 years in the beauty industry and as a licenced esthetician, she is consistently researching new cutting-edge products and services to keep Kenneth's on top as a leader in the industry.