Managing Rosacea Flare-Ups in Cold Weather: 3 Expert Tips
Dec 12, 2025
When the air turns crisp across Utah, and the winter winds pick up, your skin feels it — especially if you have rosacea. The cold, dry air, paired with indoor heat, can quickly irritate your skin and trigger redness, visible blood vessels, and discomfort.
At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, Dr. Robert Topham and our expert team understand how Utah winters can test even the most diligent skincare routine. We’re here to help you protect, soothe, and strengthen your skin through every season.
When your skin meets the chill, a chain reaction begins. Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, and as soon as you step inside, they dilate again — leading to that classic flush. Meanwhile, the dry air and indoor heating strip away your skin’s natural moisture, weakening its protective barrier.
It’s no wonder that surveys show wind and cold weather as two of the most common triggers for rosacea flare-ups. But with a little preparation and the right care, you can keep your skin calm all winter long.
Sure, covering up keeps you warm, but it’s also your skin’s first line of defense. Wrap a soft scarf loosely around your face before heading outside, and try to avoid sudden temperature changes. When you come indoors, let your skin warm up naturally rather than rushing it with direct heat.
Even these small adjustments can prevent that painful stinging or burning that often follows cold exposure.
Cold air can pull moisture right out of your skin, so hydration is essential. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and apply a thick moisturizer immediately after washing to lock in hydration. Using a humidifier indoors helps keep the air from drying you out even more.
Keeping your skin’s barrier healthy and hydrated can mean the difference between a manageable winter and months of flare-ups.
Hot drinks, spicy foods, intense workouts, and even stress can trigger flare-ups, especially when paired with harsh winter conditions. Opt for warm — not hot — showers, skip saunas, and build in quiet moments to de-stress. Mindful relaxation, light exercise, and steady sleep can go a long way toward keeping your skin calm.
Rosacea isn’t just skin deep; managing stress and lifestyle habits is part of managing the condition.
If redness, flushing, or visible blood vessels continue despite your best efforts, professional treatment can help.
At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, we use Excel V™ laser therapy — a precision treatment that targets your facial redness and broken vessels at their source. The laser energy gently heats and constricts abnormal blood vessels, reducing redness and improving your skin tone over time.
Most of our patients see calmer skin within just a few treatments, and there’s minimal downtime, making it ideal for busy winter schedules. Dr. Topham customizes each session to match your skin type and goals, so you can enjoy clearer, calmer skin no matter the forecast.
Winter doesn’t have to mean months of redness or irritation. With the right daily habits — and professional support when needed — your skin can stay calm, healthy, and radiant through the coldest season.
Call Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics in the greater Salt Lake City area to create your personalized winter skin-care plan and learn if Excel V laser therapy is right for you.