In Fairbanks, winter can be rough on skin. The air outside is dry and cold, and inside, heaters pull even more moisture out of the air. This mix of freezing wind and low humidity often leaves skin looking dull, flaky, or uneven. It does not just feel dry; it can tug, itch, or even sting.
During these long months, many people notice their regular routines stop working the way they used to. That is where treatments like a laser facial treatment can help. It uses precise light energy to clear away dead, damaged skin and stimulate new, healthy skin to grow. It is not about making a dramatic change. It is about helping your skin stay strong and smooth during a time of year when it often takes a hit.
We will explain how winter affects skin health, what happens during a laser facial, and why colder months offer the perfect window to try this kind of treatment.
How Winter Affects Your Skin in Fairbanks
When temperatures drop, moisture tends to leave the skin faster. Cold air holds less humidity, and wind tends to break down the skin’s protective layers. In Fairbanks, that is just regular winter weather. On top of that, indoor heating makes the air even drier, pulling water from the surface of the skin as soon as you come inside.
This combination creates a few noticeable changes on the face:
• Flaking or peeling, especially around the nose or cheeks
• Red or irritated patches that do not go away easily
• A tight, stretched feeling after washing your face
Even with thick moisturizers and humidifiers, winter skin in this climate requires more support than usual.
What to Know About Laser Facial Treatments
A laser facial treatment uses heat and light to remove thin, damaged layers of skin and prompt the body to build new cells. This can smooth rough texture, lighten discoloration, and help even out tone. At Alaska Oral & Facial Surgery, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is used to help improve wrinkles, discoloration, acne scars, and skin roughness on areas that need renewal. It does not scrape or peel; instead, it reaches deeper layers in a safer, more controlled way.
Here is how the process generally works:
• Skin is gently prepped so the laser can pass over evenly
• The laser device is guided across the face, targeting dry, rough, or uneven areas
• Over time, the deeper skin responds by creating new collagen and showing smoother texture
Laser light is directed to a very precise depth in the skin, which helps keep the treatment safe and reduces the risk of scarring or pigment changes. Most people do not need numbing, and the whole session usually moves quickly. There is no single standard treatment; they are planned around what your skin actually needs.
Why Laser Facials Are Great for Winter Months
One bonus to doing treatments like this in winter is how your environment helps with the healing process. After any laser work, the skin is more sensitive to sunlight. Shorter winter days mean lower UV exposure, which makes it easier to stay protected, even if you are running errands around town.
The timing also works because:
• You are more likely to stay indoors, so it is easier to avoid sun and wind
• You are probably past the holiday rush and can focus on self-care
• Skin that has already been through a long cold snap may now show signs that it is time for a deeper refresh
Treatments during this slower season give you time to recover while still preparing for spring when you might want brighter, healthier skin.
What the Experience Feels Like and What to Expect
Walking into the appointment, many are unsure what it will feel like. Most describe a warm, flickering sensation, not pain. Some redness or swelling is normal, but that usually fades within a day or two. There is no peeling or long downtime like older methods.
Before your session, a light cleanser may be used, and protective eye covers are provided. During the treatment, the laser is adjusted for your skin’s needs. Afterward, skincare is simple. You just need to keep your face calm and lightly moisturized while avoiding strong sun or weather exposure.
To help your skin get the most from the session:
• Keep the area moisturized with something gentle
• Skip makeup for the rest of the day
• Do not pick or rub any areas that feel warm or tight
Even after a single session, skin often feels fresher and smoother to the touch.
When to Consider Booking a Winter Session
Winter does not wait, especially in Alaska. By early January, most people’s skin has already been through weeks of dry air and constant temperature swings. This is a good time to think about support. An early to mid-winter session can bring much-needed relief and protect the skin from further damage.
It also lines up well with the rhythm of the season. After holidays, schedules relax and there is more time to focus on personal care. Booking now gives your skin time to settle and bounce back before the brighter spring months set in. Plus, planning ahead helps you avoid last-minute stress, especially if you want to ease into the season feeling a bit more refreshed.
Healthier, Softer Skin All Season Long
Winter in Fairbanks goes far beyond a cold snap; it lingers. And as it drags on, our skin needs more help to stay soft and strong. A laser facial treatment does more than smooth rough patches. It creates space for new, healthy skin to grow without the need for harsh scrubs or peels that can irritate dry faces even more.
When temperatures stay low and winds stay sharp, comfort becomes more than just bundling up. It means making sure your skin can breathe and repair itself from the inside out. These treatments offer a gentle way forward, giving your face a chance to recover while the rest of the world outside stays frozen. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can be used on the face, neck, hands, and other areas that see a lot of winter exposure, so you can support more than just one trouble spot at a time.
Winter weather in Fairbanks can be tough on your skin, but we offer safe and comfortable options to help you maintain a healthy complexion. One of the ways we support skin health is through a laser facial treatment that gently removes dry, damaged layers to reveal smoother, more radiant skin. Our knowledgeable team at Alaska Oral & Facial Surgery combines personalized care with advanced technology to give your skin the attention it needs during the coldest months. To set up your appointment, call us today at 907-452-4101.