Winter is a magical season — fresh-fallen snow, cozy skiing getaways, rosy cheeks, and that crisp “Jack Frost nipping at your nose” feeling. But Jack isn’t the only one taking aim at our beautiful faces this time of year.
Cold air outside + dry, heated air inside = irritated, dehydrated, flaky, unhappy skin.
And flaky, dry skin is never in season.
Below are the most common winter skin concerns to watch out for, plus expert tips on how to keep Jack from nipping at your gorgeous face.
1. Winter Acne: Why Dry Skin Can Increase Breakouts
Most people think acne is only caused by too much oil. But here’s the winter twist:
Dry, irritated skin can actually trigger acne, especially in people who are already oily.
When the skin becomes overly dry, it shifts into emergency mode, pumping out more oil to compensate. This excess oil mixes with dry, dead skin cells — the perfect recipe for clogged pores and breakouts.
How to Fix Winter Acne
- Exfoliate away dry, dead skin cells with gentle corrective acids like mandelic.
- Use a “hydration sandwich” when applying acne treatments — layer a hydrating gel or serum under and over your corrective acne serum to support the skin barrier.
- Moisturize generously with an acne-safe moisturizer. Hydrated skin stays balanced, prevents overproduction of oil, and breaks the cycle of winter breakouts.
2. Eczema Flares: Why Winter Makes Them Worse
Eczema thrives in dry weather. When the air lacks humidity, the skin barrier weakens, leading to itchy, rough, flaky patches that feel almost impossible to soothe.
How to Fix Winter Eczema
- Limit water exposure on irritated areas — water settling on the skin can worsen eczema.
- Use emollient moisturizers made specifically for sensitive, reactive skin.
- Avoid common dietary triggers like dairy, eggs, citrus, and tomatoes.
- Seek medical care if symptoms suddenly worsen or become infected.
3. Chapped Lips: The First Casualty of Winter
The skin on our lips is thin and fragile with no oil glands and no natural protection.
Winter’s cold wind, dry outdoor air, and low humidity indoors are a recipe for cracked, peeling, and painfully dry lips.
How to Fix Chapped Lips
- Don’t lick your lips. Saliva evaporates quickly and dries the lips out even more, especially when you’re outside in the cold.
- Choose lip treatments that hydrate, soothe, and create a protective barrier against the elements. Winter lips also benefit from formulas that gently exfoliate dry skin without scrubbing.
We recommend Hydrinity Lip Luxe for deep hydration, barrier repair and plumping.
For lips that are extra flaky, Anfisa An-Gloss Ceramide Lip Treatment hydrates while gently exfoliating the dry skin on the surface—you can actually see the old skin roll off the next morning.
For long lasting feels and yummy scents try Circadia Lip Renewing Hydrator. For sheer kissable color Sorella Apothecary Avocado Oil Lip Hydrator and Anfisa An-Gloss nourishes while adding beautiful, wearable shades that leave lips looking healthy and soft.
4. Windburn: When Cold Winds Attack
Long days outside — skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, or even walking the dog — often lead to dry, red, irritated skin known as windburn. It’s essentially your skin barrier waving the white flag.
How to Fix Windburn
- Cover exposed areas with scarves, hats, face masks, and high collars.
- Use a barrier protective daily SPF that also provides barrier protection against the wind.
- Soothe and repair the barrier with calming, protective skin care.
Our absolute favorite remedy for a chapped, windburned nose?
Hale & Hush Saffron Meristem Cream — a winter miracle worker.
5. The “Winter Itch” (Xerosis): Dry, Flaky, Itchy Skin
The body takes a beating this time of year. Indoor heat evaporates moisture from the skin, leaving legs and arms feeling rough, itchy, and uncomfortable.
How to Fix Winter Itch
- Run a humidifier at night to restore moisture to the air (your skin will thank you).
- Stay well-hydrated during the day.
- Use a rich, replenishing body lotion to soothe dryness and rebuild the moisture barrier.
6. Dry, Cracked, and Bleeding Hands
Cold air, frequent handwashing, and dry indoor heat can severely weaken the skin barrier, leaving hands painful, cracked, and sometimes even bleeding during the winter months.
How to Fix Dry, Cracked Hands
- Avoid drying antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers.
- Wear gloves when outdoors and when cleaning or washing dishes.
- Use a protective cream that restores the skin barrier while soothing irritation.
When hands are so sensitive that even regular lotion burns, we reach for Dr. Esthe Dual Barrier Cream — it never stings and brings fast, calming relief.
7. Rosacea Flares: Why Temperature Swings Make Things Worse
Rosacea causes persistent redness and visible blood vessels on the cheeks and nose, often giving the appearance of constant blushing. While it’s not just a winter condition, extreme temperatures — hot or cold — can trigger flares.
Rosacea is also commonly mistaken for acne, since bumps and pustules can accompany the redness.
How to Fix Winter Rosacea Flares
- Avoid common triggers including:
- Hot beverages (especially coffee)
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
- Wine
- Cheese and yogurt
- Use calming, anti-inflammatory skincare that strengthens the skin barrier and reduces flushing.
Final Thoughts: Winter Skin Can Be Beautiful
Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, flaky, irritated skin. With the right routines and protective strategies, you can enjoy the season’s beauty and keep your skin glowing, hydrated, and healthy.
Looking for expert skincare guidance? Our team of licensed estheticians will help you create or refine a routine that fits your skin’s unique needs — starting with a free skincare checkup.
Winter Skin FAQ: Your Top Cold-Weather Skincare Questions Answered
Why does my skin get so dry in the winter?
Winter air contains far less humidity, and indoor heating strips even more moisture from the skin. This combination leads to dehydration, flaking, tightness, and irritation. Your skin barrier works harder in winter, which is why nourishing, hydrating products are essential.
Can winter weather cause acne?
Yes — winter acne is common. When the skin becomes too dry, it overproduces oil to compensate. This excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Gentle exfoliation and consistent moisturizing prevent the cycle of dryness → oiliness → acne.
What’s the best way to treat chapped lips in cold weather?
Chapped lips are caused by thin skin, lack of oil glands, and exposure to wind and dry indoor heat. The best fix is using a hydrating lip balm that seals in moisture. Avoid licking your lips, as saliva evaporates quickly and worsens dryness.
Why does my eczema get worse in the winter?
Eczema flares when the skin barrier becomes weak or dry. Winter air reduces moisture levels, making eczema patches more itchy, inflamed, and irritated. Using emollient moisturizers, reducing water exposure, and avoiding food triggers can help minimize flares.
How do I prevent windburn on my face?
Windburn occurs when cold winds strip moisture from exposed skin, causing redness and irritation. Prevent it by covering your face with scarves or hoods and applying barrier-supporting creams before going outside. After exposure, use calming, reparative skincare to soothe the area.
What helps with dry itchy skin?
Dry indoor air and frequent hand-washing lead to itchy, flaky skin. Moisturizing consistently, using rich body creams, adding a humidifier at night, and avoiding overly hot showers can significantly reduce dryness and irritation.
Why does my rosacea flare up when it’s cold outside?
Rosacea is sensitive to temperature extremes. Cold wind, hot drinks, spicy foods, and alcohol can all trigger redness and flushing. Protect your skin outdoors, use gentle, anti-inflammatory formulas, and avoid known triggers to help keep rosacea calm.
Do I need a different skincare routine in the winter?
Yes — most people benefit from adjusting their routine seasonally. Winter typically calls for more hydration, richer moisturizers, gentler exfoliation, and products that reinforce the skin barrier. Even oily and acne-prone skin types need extra moisture during winter months.
Should I use a humidifier to help my skin?
Absolutely. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping to prevent dryness, itchiness, and irritation. Running one at night can significantly improve the skin's hydration and barrier function during the winter.
Can I still exfoliate during winter?
Yes — but gently and intentionally. Exfoliating removes dry, dead skin cells that build up faster in winter. Just avoid over-exfoliating, which can compromise the skin barrier. Enzymes work beautifully in cold weather because they’re effective yet gentle.
Author
Celine LeClerc
Celine LeClerc is a licensed esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, and the lead esthetician at Art of Skin Care, where she also serves as the Director of Education and Research & Development. With 14 years of experience in the skincare industry, Celine is renowned for her deep expertise and exceptional ability to match clients with the most effective, results-driven skincare solutions.
Guided by a passion for innovation, Celine scours the globe in search of cutting-edge, science-backed products that deliver visible transformations while supporting skin health at every stage of life. Her expertise spans everything from clearing stubborn acne to creating advanced, holistic routines for healthy aging.
At Art of Skin Care, Celine leads with a commitment to education, training both clients and estheticians on the latest advancements in skincare. Her mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge, tools, and routines they need to achieve radiant, resilient skin without compromise.
