Winter skin — Preparing for your seasonal travels with Dr Azadeh
Travel during the winter months presents its own unique beauty — from snow-dusted Alpine villages, festive European cities, or sun-soaked southern hemisphere destinations. Yet the season can be unforgiving on our skin, and your skincare deserves the same level of preparation as your carefully curated itinerary. But while we meticulously plan every detail of our journeys, our skin often bears the brunt of winter travel without the same thoughtful attention.
Winter travel presents unique challenges for our skin. Long-haul flights in recirculated air strip moisture from the skin. High-altitude ski destinations mean increased UV exposure combined with biting cold winds. Moving between heated indoor spaces and freezing outdoor temperatures creates constant stress on the skin barrier. Complexions feel tight, look dull, or lack their usual luminosity precisely when we want to feel and look our best. This is where thoughtfully chosen medical aesthetic treatments can make a genuine difference, hydrating the skin at a deeper level, supporting collagen production and restoring overall balance before and after your travels.
Dr Azadeh Ovaici, a GP and aesthetic doctor with over 15 years' experience at her Harley Street clinic, works with clients who understand that looking after oneself is part of travelling well. Her approach to winter skincare mirrors the philosophy I bring to travel planning: personalised, considered, and focused on creating the conditions for you to experience your journey at your best.
Treatments that restore and revitalise.
Skin Boosters
Treatments such as Profhilo and Redensity 1 deliver hyaluronic acid beneath the skin's surface, improving hydration, elasticity and luminosity from within. These are particularly effective for dry, dehydrated or crepey skin, helping to boost collagen, improve texture and enhance overall tone throughout the winter months.
Polynucleotides
Derived from purified DNA fragments, polynucleotides such as Plinest HPT work at a cellular level to repair and regenerate the skin. They're especially effective for under-eye dullness, crepey or fragile skin, and fine lines caused by dehydration and reduced firmness.
Vitamin B12 injections
Winter fatigue can show not only in how you feel, but also in your skin. Vitamin B12 injections support energy levels, mental clarity and overall skin vitality — particularly valuable during busy or demanding winter months.
Anti-wrinkle treatments
Cold weather and dehydration can make fine lines appear more pronounced. Carefully administered anti-wrinkle treatments can soften dynamic lines while maintaining a natural, expressive appearance.
Medical skin consultation
Every skin is different. At Dr Azadeh Clinic, comprehensive consultations allow for proper assessment before any treatment. Dr Azadeh creates personalised winter skin plans, taking into account hormonal changes, menopausal skin, postnatal recovery, and lifestyle factors. This ensures the treatment approach supports both immediate skin health and long-term results.
Common question about winter skincare.
Should I exfoliate more often in winter?
Not necessarily. Over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, especially when skin is already dry. Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
Will heavier moisturisers solve dry skin?
They can help on the surface, but true hydration occurs deeper within the skin. Treatments such as skin boosters provide longer-lasting, cellular-level hydration.
Is SPF still important in winter?
Yes. UV rays and blue light from screens affect the skin all year round, even on grey days. Daily broad-spectrum SPF remains essential, particularly if you're undergoing aesthetic treatments.
A considered approach to travel wellness.
What distinguishes Dr Azadeh's practice is her commitment to safe, evidence-based treatments that prioritise skin health over quick fixes. Her clinic offers tailored treatment plans based on medical assessment, treatments that consider long-term skin health, a discreet and welcoming environment in central London, and exclusively CE-marked, medical-grade products.
Just as I believe in meticulously preparing every detail of your travel experience, preparing your skin for the demands of winter travel is another form of thoughtful planning. Whether you're about to embark on a ski holiday in the Alps, planning festive markets across Europe, or escaping to warmer climates, a personalised approach to skincare ensures you can be fully present and confident throughout your journey.
Winter travel need not mean compromising on how your skin looks and feels. With the right guidance and preparation, you can protect your skin before departure, maintain its health during your travels, and restore it upon return — arriving and experiencing your journey at your very best.
Dr Azadeh Ovaici is a GP and aesthetic doctor based at Harley Street, specialising in personalised, evidence-based skincare treatments. For more information about polynucleotides and other aesthetic treatments, visit drazadeh.co.uk
