When wrapping up for a walk on a wintry day, applying sunscreen may be the last thing on your mind. However, even during the coldest winter months, the sun’s ultraviolet (or UV) light poses exactly the same dangers in terms of skin cancer risk as it does on a summer day at the pool.
“The sun is less harmful in the winter only because of the duration of time that it is out,” says Gaurav Singh, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.D., F.A.C.M.S., Mohs micrographic surgeon and dermatologist at City of Hope® Cancer Center Chicago. “Although there are fewer hours of sunlight in the winter, exposure to the sun’s UV rays is not any less dangerous on a per minute basis.” We all love to see sunlight in the winter. But it’s important to modify our exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. This article covers the basics on winter skin cancer risk and how to protect yourself and your loved ones, including:
- Winter and skin cancer risk
- UV rays in winter compared to summer
- Do you need sunscreen in the winter?
- Skin cancer care in the Midwest
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer and would like to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.
Winter and Skin Cancer Risk
When there’s snow on the ground or freezing temperatures outside, most people don’t think about the risks of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. However, this does not mean that skin cancer risk goes away during the coldest months of the year.
UV Rays in Winter Compared to Summer
Sunlight is composed of several different kinds of light, including ultraviolet-A (UV-A), ultraviolet-B (UV-B) and ultraviolet-C (UV-C).
UV-A light is linked closely to the process called photoaging, which results in changes to the skin such as wrinkles, dark spots or loose skin. Levels of UV-A rays are consistent throughout the day, no matter what time of year it is.
“It is UV-B that causes burns and is also more associated with skin cancer,” says Dr. Singh. “And UV-B can have different peaks during the course of the day, depending on the amount of visible sunlight.”
But this doesn’t mean people should skip sun protection. Sun damage is cumulative, and the damage that adds up, including in the winter months, leads to skin cancer formation. Light reflects off of snow and leads to even more damage than if the snow were not present. Winter activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing or even a polar plunge, therefore do increase skin cancer risk.
Do You Need Sunscreen in the Winter?
Yes, sunscreen is just as important in winter as it is in summer, Dr. Singh says.
“People should wear sunscreen in the winter just as they do in summer and remember that there's no such thing as all-day sunscreen or waterproof sunscreen, he says, adding that any type of sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or so. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be used, and most makeups does not contain enough SPF to block enough sun. Using sunscreen with an SPF above 50 may be counterproductive as the product becomes very thick and you may end up using less of it.
In addition to protecting from UV-B rays, which are the type most directly linked to skin cancer, sunscreen can help reduce the aging effects of UV-A light.
“Sunscreen is not just for skin cancer purposes, but also helps with the photoaging process,” he explains. “This is because sunscreen helps keep the collagen we naturally have in our skin there for longer.”
Dr. Singh recommends several other ways to protect from the sun’s harmful effects, including wearing sunglasses and considering sun-protective clothing.
“Patients can get melanoma in the retina, so I always recommend wearing sunglasses and I make sure my patients get eye checks once a year,” he says. “Another thing I recommend is UPF protective clothing, which provides an additional barrier of protection whether a patient is skiing in the winter or they're on a beach in the summer or just taking a walk.”
Skin Cancer Care in the Midwest
The best way for patients to catch potential skin cancer early is to routinely see a local dermatologist at least annually. In between these visits, the American Cancer Society recommends monthly self-screening using a full-length mirror so that you get to know any patterns of moles, skin blemishes or other irregularities on the skin. Some common signs of skin cancers include:
- Changes to the size, texture or color of an existing mole or blemish
- A new lump, bump or mole that is growing in size
- A mole or skin blemish that has irregular borders, is an unusual shape or is more than one color
- A spot that seems like dry skin or eczema but does not go away with moisturizer
- Sores on the skin that bleed or do not heal over time
For people with a higher risk of developing skin cancer, more often than annual screenings are recommended. These should be conducted by a board-certified dermatologist at a center that treats all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, like City of Hope Chicago.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer and would like to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.