Winter can be particularly unkind to the skin. Colder temperatures, drier air and indoor heating can all upset its natural balance, reducing the skin’s ability to stay hydrated. When the protective barrier is weakened, issues such as dryness, flaking and increased sensitivity often appear. The good news? With the right adjustments and treatments, your skin can remain soft and healthy all season.
Why Does Cold Weather Affect Your Skin?
As temperatures fall, environmental shifts can hinder your skin’s ability to retain moisture, especially in less humid regions. Cold winds and artificial heating lower air humidity, drawing hydration from the skin and weakening its protective layer. This can lead to rough texture, tightness and what dermatologists refer to as ‘winter itch’ or xerosis. Areas like the hands, arms and lower legs are often the most affected.
Even in milder climates such as Ibiza, where humidity stays relatively high, seasonal habits like hotter showers or exposure to dry indoor environments may still disrupt the skin’s natural rhythm. The effects may be subtler than in northern climates, but sensitivity and dryness are still common.
Nourish Your Seasonal Glow
- Keep Showers Short and Warm: Hot, steamy showers may feel soothing, but they can strip the skin’s natural oils. Use warm, not hot, water and keep showers under 10 minutes. Swap harsh soaps for gentle, fragrance free cleansers, and treat your body with the same care you give your face. Creamy, moisturising body washes are particularly comforting during cooler months.
- Moisturise Straight After Bathing: Apply a rich cream or balm while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Thicker formulas tend to work better than light lotions in colder weather. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, ceramides and glycerin. Do not forget dry-prone areas like elbows, knees and feet.
- Use a Humidifier and Stay Hydrated: Artificial heating can dehydrate the air indoors. Using a humidifier in your bedroom or main living space helps restore moisture overnight. Support your skin further by staying well hydrated and eating healthy fats, which nourish from within.
- Shield Your Skin Outdoors: Protect your skin from wind and cold with scarves, gloves and lip balm. And do not skip sunscreen, UV rays remain active all year round. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher protects exposed areas, even in winter.
- Extra Attention to Hands, Feet and Dry Zones: Hands and feet often require special care. At night, apply a thick balm and wear cotton gloves or socks to enhance absorption. Reapply hand cream throughout the day, and exfoliate gently once a week to prevent flaking, always following with moisturiser. If skin conditions like eczema flare up, use prescribed treatments and consult your doctor if needed.
Winter Skin Treatments at Clínica Dra. Laura Fernández
- Deep Hydration (Mesotherapy & Skin Boosters): Mesotherapy delivers micro-injections of hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants to deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. It can be applied to the face, neck, chest and hands. Skin boosters work similarly, offering lasting moisture and stimulating collagen for smoother, more supple skin.
- Chemical Peels & Laser Therapies: Lower sun exposure makes winter the perfect time for resurfacing treatments. Chemical peels and lasers help improve texture, tone and pigmentation by removing dull surface cells and promoting regeneration. A winter course offers excellent results with minimal recovery risks.
- Laser Hair Removal & Body Contouring: While laser hair removal can be safely and effectively performed all year round, the cooler months offer particularly comfortable conditions, with reduced sun exposure making it easier to follow post-treatment care. At Clínica Dra. Laura Fernández, we tailor each plan to your needs, ensuring effective and discreet results in time for spring and summer.
Let Your Skin Thrive
The colder season does not have to result in dry, dull or uncomfortable skin. With simple changes to your daily habits, you can keep your body nourished, resilient and glowing throughout the winter. Just as you care for your face, your body’s skin deserves regular attention, and a little consistency goes a long way.
If you are looking to enhance your results or address specific concerns, this time of year is ideal for professional care. Our expert team offers tailored treatments and advice to restore hydration, revitalise the skin and support your skincare goals over time.