Common Winter Skin Problems & How to Prevent Them (Simple Guide 2025)

Winter can be tough on your skin. If your face feels tight, your hands are cracking, or your lips won’t stop drying out, you’re not alone. Many people across Canada experience skin issues as soon as the cold weather starts. The good news? You can prevent most of these problems with the right care. Here is a friendly, easy guide to help you understand the symptoms of each winter skin problem and what you can do to protect your skin. These tips are supported by the expert team at Skin Technique, Vancouver’s trusted medical aesthetics clinic.

1. Winter Rash

How it feels: You may notice your skin becoming dry, itchy, red, flaky, or irritated, especially on your hands, legs, and face. Why it happens: Cold air outside + dry indoor heating = moisture loss. How to prevent it:

• Apply a thick moisturizer right after your shower

• Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers

• Avoid long, hot showers

• Wear gloves when going outside

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
  Professional help: If your skin looks dull and dehydrated, Skin Technique offers hydrating treatments like HydraFacial, AquaGold, and Volite.

2. Eczema

Symptoms to look for: Red, itchy patches, rough skin, scaly areas, and flare-ups that get worse in winter. Why it happens: Cold air triggers dryness and irritation, which can make eczema act up. How to prevent it:

• Use rich, occlusive creams

• Apply moisturizer several times a day

• Wear warm, soft clothing

• Add moisture to indoor air using a humidifier
  If your flare-ups don’t improve, consider professional help for personalized guidance.

3. Rosacea

Common symptoms: Redness on cheeks, nose, or chin, visible veins, flushing, and a burning sensation. Why it worsens in winter: Cold wind and sudden temperature shifts cause blood vessels to expand. Prevention tips:

• Cover your face when going outside

• Drink lots of water

• Use gentle cleansers

• Avoid hot drinks and spicy food
  Skin Technique treatments: ClearV™ and Forever Young BBL™ help calm redness and irritation.

4. Chapped Lips

Symptoms: Dry, cracked, peeling, or burning lips. Why it happens: The skin on your lips loses moisture quickly in cold weather. How to prevent it:

• Use lip balm with petrolatum or dimethicone

• Reapply it multiple times a day

• Avoid licking your lips

• Use a humidifier at home

5. Psoriasis

Symptoms: Thick, scaly patches, redness, itching, and flare-ups during winter. Why it’s worse in winter: Low humidity, indoor heating, and higher stress levels. Prevention tips:

• Apply creams containing hydrocortisone, vitamin D, or vitamin A

• Moisturize daily

• Reduce stress

• Avoid hot showers

6. Windburn

Symptoms: Red, burning, sensitive skin that feels like a sunburn. Why it happens: Cold wind strips the skin of natural oils. How to prevent it:

• Cover your face, ears, and hands outdoors

• Apply a protective moisturizer before going out

• Avoid scrubbing irritated skin

7. Winter Acne

Symptoms: More breakouts, dry patches, blackheads, whiteheads, and irritation. Why it gets worse: Dry winter air triggers more oil production, which clogs pores. Prevention tips:

• Use a gentle cleanser

• Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer

• Avoid over-washing

• Keep hands away from your face
  Professional options: Skin Technique offers acne solutions like microneedling, chemical peels, and Forever Clear BBL.

Get Expert Help for Winter Skin Care

If winter always causes skin issues for you, don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse. The experts at Skin Technique can help create a personalized skincare routine that protects your skin throughout the season. Healthy winter skin is possible — you just need the right guidance. Book your consultation with Skin Technique today.