Does cold wind/temperature damage skin? and make it age prematurely? if so, how do i counteract this? i work outside in the cold 4 hours everyday.

It's not the cold: temperature so much, but the wind and associated conditions of cold weather: forced air heat. These things lead to DRY SKIN. Your skin loves moisture....and protection from UV radiation. Moisturize heavily with a SPF 15+ product. After work, cleanse (although don't over do cleansing...that is also drying) and moisturize again. Covering your skin when outside in harsh conditions is always good.