5 expert tips to keep your skin glowing through harsh northern Illinois winters

When I moved to Northern Illinois from Southern Illinois in 2013, I thought I knew what winter was. But the biting wind, bone-dry air, and freezing temperatures in the Rockford area were on a completely different level. It didn’t take long to realize that protecting myself from the cold wasn’t just about bundling up— I needed to take extra care of my skin, too.

I asked local esthetician and owner of Gold & Glow Lab, Taliyah Huffman, to share her top 5 tips with our readers. Known for her passion for skincare and helping clients achieve their best glow, Taliyah understands how brutal Northern Illinois winters can be on our skin. She shared her advice to help your skin stay healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season. Gold & Glow Lab is located at 10532 Main St in Roscoe, Illinois, with locations in Cherry Valley and Machesney Park, IL as well.

Here are Taliyah’s five go-to tips to keep your skin happy and hydrated this winter:

1. Winter is the best time for facial peels

Winter is a time for resetting, and your skin is no exception. The colder months are the perfect opportunity if you’ve ever considered trying a facial peel.

“Winter is the BEST time for peels,” Taliyah says. “It preps your skin for the sunny seasons ahead, and you’re less likely to be exposed to extreme amounts of sun, which can reverse your peel’s progress.”

2. Keep your skin hydrated

The dry winter air can leave your skin feeling parched, and dry skin can be painful. Hydration is essential to protect your skin from cold conditions.

“Does your skin feel dry, irritated, or tight? Especially after a shower or during winter months?” Taliyah asks. “Winter air strips your skin of its natural oils. If not corrected, your skin can develop early signs of aging, like fine lines, crow’s feet, large pores, and even random breakouts.”

Taliyah’s holy grail for dry skin? “Dermalogica’s Intensive Moisture Balance cleanser and moisturizer,” she says. “Use them heavily and frequently to keep your skin hydrated and balanced.”

3. Don’t skip sunscreen

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean the sun isn’t causing damage. Even in the winter months in Winnebago County, sunscreen is a must to prevent premature aging.

“You need to wear your SPF daily,” Taliyah says. “Even if you’re staying inside, even if it’s winter. I know—yawn. I don’t even want to hear this myself because it can feel like a chore. But 90% of visible signs of aging on the face and neck are due to sun exposure and insufficient protection, even during the cold and cloudy months.”

4. Small changes add up

Taking care of your skin doesn’t always require big commitments. Small lifestyle adjustments can go a long way toward protecting your skin from the harsh winter weather.

“Little things add up!” Taliyah says. “We highly recommend limiting hot showers, adding a humidifier to your home, and drinking appropriate amounts of water. These may seem unnecessary, but they can really help you combat uncomfortable skin.”

5. Try Dermalogica’s Precleanse

A good skincare routine starts with the right products, and Dermalogica’s Precleanse is one Taliyah always recommends. It’s perfect for addressing the effects of winter on your skin.

“One product we always rave about and encourage the use of is Dermalogica’s Precleanse,” Taliyah says. “It’s my first step to every skin treatment. It acts as a makeup remover, preps your skin for your main cleanse, and adds tons of moisture to balance your skin’s pH — perfect for combating winter skin issues.”

“At Gold & Glow, one of our top services booked is skin treatments,” Taliyah says. “We pride ourselves on helping you achieve your dream skin with the right home skincare routine and our professional-grade treatments. If the winter season has your skin looking and feeling less than desirable, we’ve got you covered!”

Don’t forget the basics

On top of these tips, you can practice some simple daily habits to keep your skin healthy. Wash your face morning and night to remove dirt and oil, avoid touching your face throughout the day (as hard as that is!), and exfoliate gently once or twice a week to keep your skin smooth. Consistency is key — sticking to your routine can make all the difference, especially during winter.

Ready to take the next step?

Winter can be tough on all of us, but your skin doesn’t have to suffer. Everyone’s skin has different needs, and the Gold & Glow Lab team is here to help you create a personalized skincare regimen that works for you. With Taliyah’s expert advice and the right habits, you can face even the harshest Northern Illinois weather with confidence—and glowing skin.

Visit Taliyah and her team at Gold & Glow Lab to find the best treatments and products for you.

About Taliyah Huffman and Gold & Glow Lab

Taliyah, 24, has been in the beauty industry since 2021 after graduating from Tricoci University of Beauty Culture. She started her career sharing a small studio but quickly grew her business to open Gold & Glow Lab, located at 10532 Main St in Roscoe in October 2023.

Since then, she’s expanded to Cherry Valley and Machesney Park locations, offering her expertise to even more clients. Known for her passion for skincare, Taliyah is dedicated to helping her clients feel confident in their skin through personalized treatments and trusted products.

At Gold & Glow Lab, Taliyah’s mission goes beyond skincare. She’s passionate about creating a space where her clients and team feel confident, supported, and empowered to grow.

The products Taliyah mentions, including Dermalogica’s Intensive Moisture Balance and Precleanse, are available at Gold & Glow Lab.

For more about Taliyah’s story and the services offered at Gold & Glow Lab, check out our previous article here. To learn more, book a treatment, or pick up the products Taliyah mentions, visit Gold & Glow Lab’s website. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for the latest updates and events. 

This article is sponsored by Gold & Glow Lab.

Photos by - Carris at Til Death Photo Co.