12 Hidden Ways Winter Damages Your Skin and Hair Beyond Just Dry Air

7. UV Rays Reflect Off Snow, Causing Hidden Sun Damage

Bright winter days can be deceptive. Snow reflects ultraviolet rays and higher-altitude sun is stronger, so UV exposure remains a meaningful risk even in cold weather. UV damages collagen and accelerates signs of aging, and it can also affect hair, fading color and weakening the cuticle over time. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed face and hands, and reapplying if you're outside for long periods, helps protect the skin. Lip products with SPF guard the delicate lip area. Sunglasses and hats offer extra defense and reduce squinting that can deepen expression lines. For hair, UV-protective sprays and wearing a hat when you’ll be exposed for long stretches provide practical protection. Think of sun care as a year-round habit rather than a seasonal one.

8. Hot Showers Strip Away Protective Skin Oils

Hot showers feel comforting in cold months, but they dissolve the skin’s natural lipids that help retain moisture. Over time, frequent hot bathing increases TEWL and makes skin more irritable and prone to redness. The same applies to hot baths and steaming treatments. Switch to lukewarm water and shorten the duration of showers; this simple swap preserves more of the skin’s protective oils. Immediately after showering, pat skin gently dry and apply a moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. For hands, use heavier creams or emollient ointments overnight and consider wearing cotton gloves after applying a restorative balm. Small shifts in temperature and timing protect the barrier without asking you to give up comfort entirely.