Why does my skin sting after moving somewhere colder?

How should I change my routine?

1. 1Use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser without fragrance. Avoid harsh soap bars and antibacterial cleansers, which can further disturb dry skin.
2. 2Keep showers to 5 to 10 minutes and use warm rather than hot water. Pat skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel.
3. 3Apply a fragrance free cream or ointment immediately after washing, while skin is still damp. Moisturizer traps existing moisture; a light lotion may not be enough in a colder, drier climate.
4. 4Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air, and protect your hands from cold and wind with gloves.
5. 5In the daytime, apply sunscreen over moisturizer on uncovered skin. Choose broad spectrum, water resistant protection with SPF 30 or higher.

A more expensive moisturizer is not necessarily more effective, even if the jar looks qualified to chair a meeting.3

How can I tell whether my skin is reacting to the climate or a new product?

Dryness and flaking after the move fit climate related moisture loss. Burning, intense itching or a rash where a new product touches skin raises suspicion of contact dermatitis. The two can overlap: fragrance can worsen already dry, irritated skin. A reaction can also take time to appear, so the last product applied is not automatically the culprit. Stop applying a product that appears to trigger the reaction.12

Can moving to a different climate trigger an eczema flare?

Yes. Cold, dry air is an eczema trigger. Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition that usually causes itching, with dry patches and a rash; inflamed areas can darken or lighten on darker skin. Stinging alone is not enough to identify eczema. A doctor can examine the rash and review exposures to distinguish eczema from other causes.4

Should I change my acne routine after moving to a new climate?

If your routine has become drying, reducing how often you use salicylic acid or retinol, or choosing a lower concentration, can help adapt it to winter. Acne can involve a weaker skin barrier and reduced tolerance of washing and topical medication. If a prescription retinoid has become too drying, ask your prescriber about adjusting the routine rather than replacing it yourself.13

When should I see a doctor?

Arrange an assessment for a painful or recurring rash, swelling, blisters, oozing, deep cracks, or itching that interrupts sleep. These symptoms need more attention than simply switching to a thicker moisturizer, and the pattern can help a dermatologist identify the cause.24