MERRY AND BRIGHT skin

Houston beauty experts share skincare tips, products, and procedures for an ultra-glam holiday glow

Ah, the holidays. The season ahead can make even the most bah-humbug person feel a bit indulgent. Parties, shopping and extra treats or cocktails (like Emma D'Arcy's TikTok famous "negroni sbagliato with prosecco in it") are par for the course for the next few weeks.

Although finding perfect outfits and presents is important, prepping for a holiday-ready complexion – that doesn't take too long and will counteract all those celebratory indulgences – is essential.

Even the most devout skincare enthusiast may want extra help to look photo and celebration ready, so we sat down with local skincare experts who share tips on how to get and keep a glowing complexion throughout the holiday season.

Customized skincare

SkinCeuticals Skin Lab by Dr. Roth offers a completely customized skincare experience with cutting-edge technology by one of the best medical-grade skincare brands. SkinCeuticals Custom D.O.S.E. (Diagnostic Optimization Serum Experience) is a personalized formula that addresses an individual's unique skin concerns, including discoloration, blemishes or aging skin.

The quick and painless process begins with a customized consultation where a unique serum is identified from over 48 possible combinations with ingredients like glycolic acid, retinol and niacinamide.

"D.O.S.E. streamlines a skincare routine. It is quick and easy, and the serum addresses many concerns," says Tori Lane, product and skincare specialist at SkinCeuticals SkinLab by Dr. Roth. "The serum typically lasts for three months, and it is a great way to incorporate medical-grade skincare into your routine. D.O.S.E. also makes a unique gift at a reasonable price point."

Perfect products

Dr. Quynh-Giao Sartor, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery - West University, recommends incorporating products that lift and smooth the skin. Aside from a broad-spectrum SPF (which everyone should use daily), she recommends three products for a stress-free holiday skincare routine.

A daytime eye cream containing vitamin K, such as the ISDIN Kox Eye cream. This type of cream stimulates lymphatic circulation around the eyes, brightens the appearance of darkness, and decreases eye puffiness.

A nighttime treatment with retinol/retinoid such as SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream or bakuchiol ISDIN Melatonik Recovery night serum to stimulate collagen production and cell turnover, increase skin firmness, improve skin texture and repair photodamage. Bakuchiol is an excellent alternative for those sensitive to retinol/retinoids or for those trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding (retinol/retinoids are unsafe in pregnancy or breastfeeding).

A simple hydrating moisturizer, such as over-the-counter La Roche Posay Double Repair, is suitable for most skin types. It has natural skin healing properties due to its base of prebiotic thermal water.

Non-invasive reatments

During the holiday season, no one has time to recover from elective procedures, so Dr. Edward Lee of Nuveau Plastic Surgery and Medical Aesthetics recommends three treatments to help patients look party-ready with little or no downtime.

BBL HERO is the fastest, most potent IPL in the industry. BBL HERO allows us to treat the entire face and body with four times the speed, three times the peak power and two times the cooling capacity. The result is clearer, smoother and younger appearing skin. BBL HERO can quickly correct vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, sun damage and age spots. Patients can reach outstanding results with minimal to non-existent downtime within as little as a single treatment.

Morpheus 8 is a radio-frequency microneedling fractional skin treatment that stimulates collagen production from the underlying layers of the dermis to reveal a more radiant, youthful appearance. With Morpheus 8, visible results can be seen in as little as a few days and continue to improve for weeks to come. Topical numbing is used during the procedure, and the downtime is about three to four days.

Moxi Non-Ablative Laser gently revitalizes the skin by correcting the initial signs of damage and aging. It is safe for all skin types any time of year and is performed with topical numbing. The downtime can range from zero to two days; makeup is allowed after 24 hours.

Photo by Fleur Kaan

Get a holiday photo and celebration worthy complexion with skincare tips from Houston experts.

beauty

INTENTIONAL INDULGENCE

Focus on wellness with these 6 indulgent Houston spa experiences

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Houston

From Vichy showers and Moroccan bathing rituals to CBD wraps, high-tech facials, and sleep-focused programs, Houston’s spa scene offers elevated ways to reset, recharge, and step into 2026 feeling refreshed and restored.

The start of the new year is an excellent time for a clean slate, especially after months of nonstop schedules and go-go-go energy. In 2026, many Houstonians are looking for more than just tired resolutions. They are craving resets that actually slow the pace, clear mental fog, and put wellness back at the forefront.

Houston’s spa scene is leaning all the way into wellness-forward experiences that go beyond a typical spa day. From French-inspired hydrotherapy and old-world Moroccan bathing traditions to CBD cocooning, high-tech facials, and better-sleep programs, we've curated the best unique treatments offering a chance to unplug, recharge, and step into the new year feeling refreshed, restored, and ready for whatever 2026 has in store.

Escape Spa
Worth the drive to Cypress, Escape Spa may be the only spot delivering a truly authentic Vichy experience, which uses both pressure and temperature to induce relaxation. Invented in France and part of Escape Spa's hydrotherapy menu, a Pure Vichy treatment takes place under a Vichy shower where warm water steams, exfoliates, and hydrates, leaving skin intensely polished, soft, and fully refreshed. Afterward, the spa’s no-phone policy encourages guests to unplug in the hot tub and tranquility room.

Milk + Honey Spa River Oaks
At this River Oaks mainstay, unwind, rejuvenate, and rediscover inner balance with a Lux CBD Body Wrap. Reset with this full-body service, including body brushing and a Signature Massage with Vital Body CBD cream. Finally, while nestled in a warm cocoon of blankets, enjoy a face and scalp massage with CBD facial oil.

Oasis Moroccan Bath
At one of Houston's only luxury Moroccan spas, clients can indulge in a variety of relaxing services, including the Radiant Refresh, which promises to purify the body and heal the mind. Spa-goers will be covered in Moroccan black olive soap before being treated to a steam-filled exfoliation and a warm-water pour. Next up is a body mask and hair wash. The Radiant Refresh is an ultimate "everything shower" where the only job is to lie back and let the ritual do the work.

The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston
This facial will transport spa-goers from downtown Houston to an English rose-scented garden. This limited-edition Elemis Pro-Glow Rose facial uses advanced, clinically proven formulas and expert lifting massage techniques to improve skin firmness and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Even with one treatment, skin looks deeply hydrated, lifted, and ready for the new year.

The Spa at The Post Oak Hotel
At the Post Oak Hotel’s spa, the Ultimate in Biohacking Rejuvenation Facial begins with a consultation and ends with skin that looks noticeably refreshed, lifted, and glowing. Described as "biohacking for your face," this next-level facial pulls out all the stops where seven non-invasive energy modalities work together to exfoliate, brighten, smooth, tighten, and deeply nourish skin in one luxurious power session. Backed by award-winning cosmeceuticals and cutting-edge technology, results are instant and photo-ready.

Tulum Wellness Spa
The Sleep Club is a 30-day program that's designed for those who treat sleep like the nonnegotiable it should be. The month-long plan includes four signature head massages to help calm the nervous system, a take-home sleep support kit, and a bonus month of unlimited access to the salt room and infrared sauna. The goal of the Sleep Club is deeper rest, better recovery, and long-term vitality.

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