Experiencing Winter Skin Problems? Know Why and How to Deal with Them

The winter season, though comforting for some with its cozy attire, warm fireplaces, and hot soups, can also be a challenge for skin due to the harsh, dry weather conditions.

Presently, it appears like numerous individuals are combating skin problems, including severe acne, dry skin, and damaged skin barriers. Such conditions have been frequently highlighted by users on TikTok, thus rendering the term 'winter uglies'.

If you have been struggling with your skin condition, you may find solace in the fact that you are not alone. Therefore, it's of paramount importance to understand why your skin reacts this way during winter and actions you can take to restore it to a healthy state.

Though 'winter uglies' does not fall into any medical category, experienced dermatologists, like Ife J. Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetic, have concurred that recently they have encountered an increase in skin problems in their patients.

Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of the Mount Sinai Hospital's cosmetic and clinical research department, agrees that the cold weather is detrimental to the skin. He cites low humidity, biting cold, and winds as causes that potentially harm the skin's function by removing essential oils from it.

Winter poses specific challenges to persons with existing conditions such as eczema. According to Cindy Wassef, MD, who teaches at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, cold weather causes eczema flare-ups and it's typical to have numerous calls regarding red, itchy, and dry skin during a spell of cold winter days.

Even in the absence of particular skin conditions, lowered temperatures and dry air could cause your skin to dry out, and you could end up feeling itchy and uncomfortable, asserts Dr. Rodney.

However, dry skin is not the only worry. According to Dr. Rodney, it’s common for the skin to break out as well. Dry and sensitive skin, coupled with the body’s overproduction of oil, often leads to acne breakouts during winter.

Additionally, if you’re applying active ingredients, like spironolactone or tretinoin in your skincare routine, you may be unknowingly worsening the issue due to the combination of these products and cold weather.

Furthermore, one should not neglect the scalp. As highlighted by Rodney, concerns like dandruff flare-ups or other hair-related issues are also prevalent during these months.

Despite the frustrations and struggles associated with winter and the consequent skin problems, dermatologists assure that there are certain methods to replenish one's skin health.

Zeichner advises making adjustments to your skincare regimen during wintertime. He suggests swapping your lightweight summer lotion for thicker creams or using petroleum jelly as a handy option.

If acne appears to be the problem, he recommends re-evaluating the medication you’re currently using and considering a reduction in strength or even changing products altogether, preferably under a dermatologist’s advice.

As per Rodney, paying special attention to moisturizing one's skin, specifically the face and neck areas, is crucial during this time.

Sealing as much moisture as possible into your skin just after a shower is the best time for moisturization. Dr. Rodney further suggests pat drying the skin to rid it of excess moisture and applying a cream-based lotion to lock in the moisture.

If, however, you’ve already adjusted your skincare routine and are continuously experiencing difficulties, it might be wise to book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist for a more in-depth look at your skin and obtain a customized treatment plan.