Why winter worsens skin conditions?

Apurv Modi

Winter has a way of creeping on your skin long before you notice the drop in temperature. One week, your face feels normal, and the next you’re searching for heavier moisturisers, dealing with flaky patches, or wondering why your eczema has suddenly flared again. While cold weather and low humidity play a role, new dermatology and behavioural health data show something important: our habits in winter matter just as much as the weather.

Your Winter Behaviour Affects Your Skin More Than You Think

Winter changes how we behave. We shower hotter, drink less water, sit longer in heated spaces, skip sunscreen, and moisturise less frequently. Each of these small changes compounds into real skin stress.

And the numbers support it.

• A 2024 global dermatology review in Skin Health Journal found that moisture loss from the skin barrier increases by up to 25% in winter months, even with stable temperatures, simply because people bathe hotter and more frequently.
• A 2023 Indian consumer-health dataset showed that sunscreen usage drops by nearly 60% in winter, even though UV exposure remains high.
• Dermatologists report a 30–40% spike in eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis consultations between November and February.

None of these surges is caused by the weather alone. Behaviour is a big driver.

Hot Showers: The Biggest Hidden Culprit

When it’s cold, hot showers feel like therapy, but they’re the first thing dermatologists caution against. Hot water strips away natural oils, damages the skin barrier, and leaves your microbiome unprotected. Skin-health data shows that people who take long, hot showers in winter experience double the rate of trans epidermal water loss compared to those who keep temperatures lukewarm.

Skipping Sunscreen In Winters Because “It’s Not Sunny”

UV exposure doesn’t disappear in winter. UVA rays, the ones responsible for long-term skin damage, remain almost unchanged year-round. But behavioural studies have shown that Indians are 3–4x more likely to skip sunscreen in winter, leading to pigmentation flare-ups, melasma, and premature ageing.

Indoor Heating, Long Work Hours & Dehydration happens in Winters 

Winters push most people indoors. Whether it’s electric heaters, blowers, or car heaters, all of them lower humidity drastically.

Pair that with lower water intake (because we don’t feel thirsty), and you get:

• dullness
• tightness
• increased fine lines
• higher sensitivity
• worsened acne

A 2024 hydration study noted that over 70% of participants unknowingly drank 30–40% less water in winter, directly affecting skin elasticity.

Stress, Sleep, And Lifestyle Shiftsin Winters

Winter is also a high-stress season; deadlines, festivities, disrupted routines, and late nights pile up. Stress triggers cortisol spikes, which weaken the skin barrier and worsen inflammatory conditions. Add lack of sleep to the mix, and your skin struggles to repair itself at night.

Why Understanding This Matters

Because fixing winter skin isn’t just about “using more moisturiser.” It’s about recognising that your winter behaviour creates an environment where skin conditions flourish.

And this is where behaviour-led, data-driven self-care becomes essential.

“People blame the weather for winter skin issues, but the data tells a different story. Most flare-ups come from the way we behave when temperatures drop, hotter showers, less hydration, inadequate sun protection, and irregular routines. When we understand these patterns, we can correct them. Winter doesn’t harm our skin; our habits do. And the moment people start making small, consistent changes, their skin health improves dramatically,” said Apurv Modi.

So, how do you break the cycle? A behaviour-first approach

• Shorter, lukewarm showers
• Hydrating immediately after bathing (within 2 minutes)
• Daily sunscreen, even on cloudy days
• Humidifier use in heated rooms
• Water reminders throughout the day
• Night-time routines that support repair

These aren’t cosmetic fixes. They’re behavioural ones, rooted in how the skin actually responds to everyday choices.

Final Thought

Winter might seem like the villain, but the real story is more nuanced. Your skin isn’t reacting to the season; it’s reacting to your seasonal habits. And with awareness, data, and a little consistency, winter doesn’t have to mean irritation, dryness, or flare-ups.

It can simply be another season, not a skin struggle.

Apurv Modi is Managing Director and Co-Founder of Abhay Group