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February in Massachusetts means we’re deep into the worst of winter for skin problems. The combination of freezing temperatures, indoor heating, and low humidity creates conditions that make chronic skin issues flare up and stick around.
At Hines Dermatology Associates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Yvonne Hines, MD, and our clinical team see a noticeable increase in flare-ups during the coldest months. Certain skin conditions are particularly vulnerable to winter weather. Understanding why can help you get through the rest of the season.
Your skin’s outermost layer acts as a barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Winter conditions systematically break down that barrier. Several factors work together during the winter months:
When your skin barrier breaks down, you see more cracking, dryness, and inflammation — especially if you already have a chronic skin condition.
Some chronic skin problems get consistently worse between November and March, including:
Eczema tops the list of winter skin complaints. The condition causes dry, itchy, inflamed patches that crack and bleed when moisture levels drop.
People with eczema often see the worst flare-ups on their hands, face, and inner elbows during cold months. The itching gets intense, and scratching the patches worsens the condition.
Psoriasis creates thick, scaly patches when skin cells multiply too quickly. Cold, dry air makes these patches worse by drying out the scales and causing more inflammation.
Winter also means less sun exposure, which is actually helpful for psoriasis. The ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight slow down the rapid skin cell production that causes plaques. When you’re bundled up and spending more time indoors, you lose that natural benefit.
Rosacea causes facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. The condition often responds poorly to temperature extremes, which winter delivers constantly.
Walking from freezing outdoor air into an overheated building shocks your blood vessels. They dilate quickly, creating that characteristic flushed look that can last for hours. Wind also causes irritation, essentially burning your facial skin. Hot drinks and spicy foods may feel comforting and warm during cold weather, but they can exacerbate rosacea symptoms.
This condition creates flaky, itchy patches on your scalp, face, and sometimes chest. It’s related to yeast that lives on your skin, and winter conditions make it thrive.
Cold weather slows down skin cell turnover, which means dead skin builds up more than usual. The yeast feeds on the oils in these dead skin cells, creating more inflammation and flaking. You might notice your dandruff gets worse or that itchy patches develop around your nose and eyebrows.
Those rough, bumpy patches on the backs of your arms, thighs, or cheeks? That’s keratosis pilaris, and it gets much worse when the air is dry.
The condition happens when keratin builds up around hair follicles, creating tiny plugs. Winter’s dry air makes these bumps more prominent and the surrounding skin rougher. The bumps can get red and inflamed, especially if you're wearing scratchy fabrics that rub against them.
You can’t control the weather, but you can take steps to protect your skin during the coldest months. Here are a few tips to help you manage winter flare-ups:
Switch to heavier moisturizers when temperatures drop, and look for products with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or petroleum jelly that create a protective barrier.
Run a humidifier in your bedroom and main living areas to add moisture back into the air. Keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature rather than cranking up the heat.
Don’t skip your prescribed treatments just because they seem to be working. Consistent use prevents flare-ups rather than just treating them after they start.
If your skin condition is making winter miserable, you don’t have to just wait it out until spring. Dr. Hines and our team can evaluate what’s triggering your flare-ups and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Call our office in Attleboro at 508-222-1976 today or book your appointment online.
