Hola mami, I’m Julie — a millennial mami born and raised in Los Angeles, proudly rooted in Mexican culture, and now living in Málaga, Spain. I’m always on the lookout for plans that check two boxes: happy kids + a relaxed mami.
What Happened to Our Skin and Hair After Moving to Málaga?
Este blog post tambien esta disponible en espanol aqui.
When my family and I moved to Málaga two years ago, I never imagined that something as simple as tap water would have such a noticeable impact on our health and daily routine. Not long after settling in, my children began to show signs of skin irritation: dryness, itchiness, and occasional redness. Around the same time, I noticed something personally alarming: my hair was falling out. A lot.
After speaking with other local moms and doing some research, I learned that hard water (agua dura) could be the culprit. The water in Málaga, while perfectly safe to drink, has a high mineral content—specifically calcium and magnesium—that can build up on the skin and scalp, disrupting its natural balance.
Is Hard Water Really the Problem?
According to dermatologists and pharmacists, yes. Hard water can:
- Strip moisture from your skin, leading to irritation
- Leave mineral deposits on your scalp, which may clog follicles and contribute to hair thinning
- Make it harder for soaps, shampoos, and conditioners to rinse cleanly, leaving behind a residue that weighs down hair and dulls skin
Combine that with stress, environmental changes, and expat life, and it becomes clear: our skin and hair needed extra love.
What We’re Doing to Fix It (and What You Can Try Too)
I’ve started testing different routines and products designed to combat the effects of hard water. Here are a few practical changes that have helped:
- Installing a Shower Filter — A high-quality filter can reduce the amount of calcium and chlorine that hits your hair and skin daily. We’re currently trying one and will post a before/after soon!
- Using a Clarifying Shampoo Weekly — This helps remove mineral buildup on the scalp.
- Moisturizing with Fragrance-Free Creams — Especially for my kids. We’re now much more careful with what goes on their skin.
- Scalp Massages with Nourishing Oils — Argan oil and rosemary oil are our favorites.
Collaborating with Local Experts in the Costa del Sol
As part of this journey, I’m reaching out to local pharmacists and dermatologists in Málaga and Benalmádena who are active on social media and passionate about skincare and wellness. My goal is to bring you expert-backed advice from trusted local voices.
If you’re a professional in this space—or know someone who is—and would like to collaborate, I’d love to feature you in a post or even do an Instagram/TikTok Live together!
Want to Recommend a Product?
If you’re a skincare or haircare brand (especially local to Spain), and have a product you believe could help families like mine, let’s chat. I offer before-and-after reviews on my blog and social media, and always tag the business location so other expat families can find you easily.
Stay Tuned for Product Tests and Local Tips!
I’ll be sharing real-life results as we continue exploring solutions—including what worked, what didn’t, and what products we genuinely love.
Thanks for following along on this journey! If you’ve experienced something similar or have a favorite local pharmacy or product to recommend, drop it in the comments or DM me on Instagram.
✨ With love from the Costa del Sol,
Julie
@lamamilife | @lamamijulie on TikTok
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