Winter can be especially challenging for sensitive skin. As temperatures drop and humidity levels fall, many people notice increased dryness, irritation, redness, and flare-ups that weren’t present during warmer months. If your skin feels tighter, more reactive, or harder to manage in winter, there’s a reason — and it has everything to do with your skin barrier.

Understanding why winter worsens sensitive skin can help you take the right steps to protect it and keep your skin comfortable all season long.