
Newport Beach aestheticians share their top tips and go-to treatments for colder weather.
By Ashley Probst
Winter in Newport Beach may be mild, but changes in weather and holiday stress can both still wreak havoc on your skin. Colder air and lower humidity can cause dehydration, which often brings unwelcome flakiness and irritation. Even efforts to combat these seasonal shifts can lead to additional problems, such as over-exfoliating already sensitive skin or taking hot showers, which can worsen dryness and irritation. So winter is the perfect time to indulge in a bit of extra TLC through luxurious spa treatments and simple at-home remedies.

Skin Care Essentials
To keep skin looking fresh and feeling its best during the winter season, Newport Beach skin specialists recommend a multistep routine that hydrates and protects.
Throughout the year, it’s important to start with a hydrating cleanser to rid your skin of impurities without stripping it of natural oils, which are essential for maintaining moisture and preventing tightness in the winter. This is why experts suggest using richer products like creamy or oil-based cleansers.

“Some people hesitate to use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, but oil actually attracts oil, effectively lifting away makeup and toxins,” says Angeline DeLeon, an aesthetician at Spa Pendry at Pendry Newport Beach. “This method allows moisture to penetrate the skin better.”
It’s also important to exfoliate no more than once a week. This stimulates the skin and removes dead skin cells that can cause a dull, flaky appearance. Exfoliation also helps brighten the complexion, lighten dark spots and soothe breakouts.
After an exfoliation, follow up with a toner that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. “Toner helps balance your skin’s pH, preventing excessive acidity that can lead to damage,” DeLeon says.
Serums and moisturizer with ceramides also help strengthen the skin barrier—which can be weakened by cold weather—and lock in moisture. Additionally, products that incorporate vitamin C may brighten dull skin that’s lacking sun exposure.

That said, UV damage is still a concern in the winter, so it’s essential to continue applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before venturing out for the day. At night, adding a face oil to your skin care regime can promote long-lasting hydration by ensuring other products penetrate deeply into the skin.
While a hydrating routine gives your face a radiant glow, don’t forget that winter months can take a toll on the rest of your skin, too. This is especially true for the parts of your body that may be covered with extra clothing, but still need extra attention.
“People think that, ‘Oh, I don’t need to worry about my dry skin … or cracked heels because I’m not wearing flip-flops,” says Nichole Hester, spa director at The Resort at Pelican Hill. “During the winter months is when you want to continue taking care of those dry areas, whether it’s your whole body or your feet.”

To moisturize the body, Hester recommends applying an oil mixed with lotion or body butter, especially after bathing.
For an extra touch of relaxation, Hester enjoys using ingredients that soothe the senses during colder months. “I love the idea of chamomile. … Even just internally enjoying chamomile tea is really nice during the winter,” she says. “I love mint and eucalyptus during winter time, as well. I feel like it’s fitting with the season and it kind of gets me in the mood for the holidays.”
Seasonal Spa Solutions
While a consistent at-home routine is essential for your skin’s health in all seasons, certain treatments for addressing winter’s challenges are best left to the professionals. Fortunately, Newport Beach offers a range of face and body services designed to hydrate and rejuvenate winter skin.
Inspired by the beachside city’s iconic locale, the 90-minute Coastal Renewal body treatment at the Forbes Five-Star Spa at Pelican Hill is ideal for winter. “It’s definitely more of a warming, cozy body treatment experience. I think that’s really suitable for this time of year,” Hester says.
Incorporating influences from both land and sea, such as rosemary that’s grown on-site and a minty scrub reminiscent of the ocean breeze, this body polish and wrap showcases all that the California coast has to offer.

The treatment begins with aromatherapy using Roman chamomile, neroli blossom and lemon verbena to soothe and induce relaxation. This flows into a rosemary-olive oil massage, full-body scrub and wrap in herb-infused linens. This is followed by a scalp treatment utilizing rosemary hair oil, which Hester recommends leaving in for at least two hours, but ideally overnight.
“The finale really is the rosemary-olive body butter, which is very luxe and rich,” Hester says, noting that rosemary stimulates circulation, eases muscle and joint tension, and offers a warming effect, while olive oil works to soften and condition the skin.
Over at Balboa Bay Spa, the 50-minute Hydroglow facial is also ideal for colder months. “Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, it instantly boosts luminosity, evens out skin tone and fights environmental damage,” says Spa Manager Holly Monson.

Other notable treatments include a high-performance Moisture Infusion facial, nourishing HydraFacial experiences and a seasonal body scrub with peppermint and rosemary for winter, which can be added on to any massage.
To achieve full-body relaxation, opt for the Coastal Escape massage at Spa Vea, which is offered as a 50- or 100-minute treatment. This sensory journey starts with warmed coastal stones and kukui-coconut lotion, followed by a luxurious massage designed to melt away holiday stress. Dry skin doesn’t stand a chance against the tropical oils, which are expertly blended with rich, natural emollients. For an extra touch, add an exfoliating back or foot scrub to round out the treatment.
For an equally indulgent face treatment, opt for the Platinum Facial Experience at Spa Pendry. This 90-minute session combines various complex and complementary methods for facial rejuvenation, including enriched oxygen exfoliation, ultrasound, microcurrent, cryotherapy and a MediSpa Aquapeel.
“This innovative [MediSpa] machine employs a step-by-step process with seven modalities that cleanse, infuse, hydrate and clinically treat the skin using nonabrasive tools,” DeLeon says. “Key benefits include stimulating collagen production, enhancing cell turnover and providing deep hydration.”

When it comes to preparing skin for winter, the most hydrating steps include the Aquapeel, an oxygen-infused antioxidant serum and ultrasound mask technology. The results are firmer and brighter skin for up to four weeks. Also this season, the Platinum Facial is combined with a complimentary cryotherapy session in Spa Pendry’s Winter Awakening Facial experience.
Naturale Touch SpaTique also offers transformative treatments, both with advanced technology and seasonal options such an apple-pumpkin enzyme exfoliation and mild peel followed by a soothing, organic chocolate hydration CoQ10 mask.
“[Start with] a relaxing treatment of a good cleansing with our green tea Lélexo cleanser under purified steam and a seasonal professional-grade apple-pumpkin enzyme,” says Naturale Touch owner VanDe Jones. “… [This] will bring the skin back to life, … followed by a 911 deep hydrating, three-layer treatment with [an] ultrasound or radio frequency procedure to lift and lock in the healing ingredients. This is a great treat for your skin.”

Additionally, Naturale Touch’s services include microdermabrasion, LED therapy and radio frequency, plus firming, hydrating and lifting treatments for holiday party prep. And the spa offers a FactorFive skin care product line that was developed by Stanford University-trained scientists with a basis in stem cell therapy, providing an advanced solution that promotes youthful, resilient skin—a perfect defense against the elements.
With these expert-approved tips and treatments, your skin is sure to remain healthy and radiant throughout the season, making winter an ideal time to rejuvenate and prepare for the year ahead.