Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Cold Weather Impacts Skin and Hair
When it's cold outside, our bodies try to stay warm by reducing blood flow to our skin.
This can make our skin dry, sensitive, and more likely to get damaged.
Cold air also sucks out moisture from our skin and hair, making them look dull and feel itchy.
Some people might get red, swollen, or itchy patches on their skin from the cold.
To keep our skin and hair healthy in winter, we should use mild soaps, wear gloves when washing dishes, and put on thick moisturizers right after washing.
If our skin or hair problems don't go away or get really bad, we should see a doctor.
Cold weather reduces blood flow to the skin, making it dry, sensitive, and prone to damage.
Common cold weather skin issues include dryness, cracking, eczema flare-ups, chilblains, and cold urticaria.
People with sensitive skin, poor circulation, anaemia, or prolonged outdoor exposure are more at risk.
To prevent skin damage, use mild soaps, wear gloves, apply thick moisturizers, and use barrier creams.
Seek medical advice if skin or hair problems persist, worsen, or show signs of infection.
- Who
- People with sensitive skin, poor circulation, anaemia, or prolonged outdoor exposure
- What
- Cold weather affects skin and hair by reducing blood flow, causing dryness, cracking, and other issues
- When
- During winter or cold weather
- Where
- Areas with cold climates
- Why
- Cold weather reduces blood flow to the skin, dries out the skin, and weakens its natural protective barrier
- Common Cold Weather Skin Issues
- Dry skin, cracking, eczema flare-ups, increased sensitivity, chilblains, cold urticaria
- Affected Body Parts
- Hands, feet, ears, nose, lips, scalp, heels
- High-Risk Groups
- People with sensitive skin, poor circulation, anaemia, or prolonged outdoor exposure
- Prevention Tips
- Use mild soaps, wear gloves, apply thick moisturizers, use barrier creams
- When to See a Doctor
- Persistent symptoms, severe itching, open sores, signs of infection, sudden hives, swelling, difficulty breathing