As far as the natural beauty industry is concerned, Nina Patino is a skin care miracle worker. This Ukrainian native has been an esthetician for 11 years, and six of those years have been spent at Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in Upper Manhattan.

But for all of her experience in skin care, she relies on the first, and best, pieces of advice she ever got. “I grew up by the sea,” she recalls, “and my aunt always told me to be careful of the sun, to never sleep with makeup on, and things like that, the basics that we often forget.” And though her aunt’s words have served her well, modern technology now plays an important role in her skin care regimen for herself and her clients.

The Bio Sculpt Lifting Facial is one of the most-often requested at the day spa, and it combines a Biologique Recherche serum and micro-current technology. Each combination of Biologique products used is customized to individual skin care needs and includes organic ingredients, such as cucumber, peppermint, and ginseng, as well as thermal algae and soy protein. The machine they use stimulates the muscles in the face to tighten and tone. “People are always going to the gym to work out their other muscles, but no one focuses on the muscles in the face, which need a work out, too,” Nina points out.

But according to Nina, that’s not the only skin care mistake people make. In fact, the biggest mistake is that people aren’t taking care of their skin. “They color their hair or they go tanning instead of taking care of their skin. So then they get pimples and wrinkles and age spots that they try to cover up with foundation and concealer, and that makes it worse.”

Her remedy for the neglect, especially now that winter is here: “Make sure you wear sunblock if you’re planning on going skiing. And if you tend to get dry skin in the winter, buy oil-based products instead of water-based ones.”

As for those who want the benefits of a spa visit without ever leaving home, Nina suggests heading to the fridge. “I like to use club soda on my face,” she says. “The bubbles have oxygen and your face gets a micro-massage. Even if you just splash some on your face, it stimulates the skin and gives it a boost.”

But she boils all her advice down to one thing, “Lifestyle is the most important thing. It’s your diet, it’s your decisions, it’s everything. You can tell a lot about a person from their skin. It indicates stress, environment, and other choices. You have to learn how to live healthy.”

Nina recommends taking advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are not only loaded with antioxidants, but can be added to facial masks for a sweet treat for your face.

Nina’s Winter Skin Care Tips
1. Use richer, thicker products that protect against harsh winter conditions.
2. Remember the sunscreen. Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can’t stop using it, especially if you plan on being out in the snow.
3. Remember to give your lips a little TLC, too. Try using a lip balm under your lipstick or wearing one with SPF.
4. Choose oil-based products over water-based ones if your skin tends to get dry and irritated in the winter.

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