Why Skin Cancer Checks Matter Even in Winter
Most people associate skin cancer checks with summer, but winter is actually one of the best and most important times to schedule your annual exam. Despite colder temperatures and cloudy days, UV rays remain active year-round—and skin cancer does not take a seasonal break.
Dermatologists often see patients delay important mole evaluations until summer, but waiting can allow dangerous lesions to progress. Here’s why winter is the ideal time to check your skin.
1. UV Exposure Still Occurs in Winter
It’s a common misconception that UV radiation disappears with cold temperatures.
The truth:
UVA rays penetrate clouds
UV reflects strongly off snow
Drivers receive daily UV exposure through car windows
These rays contribute to aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.
2. Clothing Hides Concerning Moles
In winter, people are bundled up—meaning changing moles or new growths often go unnoticed. By the time summer arrives, a lesion may have:
Grown
Changed color
Become irregular
Spread deeper
Early detection is the most powerful tool in preventing skin cancer.
3. Winter = Best Healing Conditions for Biopsies or Removal
If your dermatologist needs to remove a mole, winter provides ideal healing conditions:
Less sun exposure
Cooler temperatures reduce swelling
Lower risk of hyperpigmentation
Bandages and sutures are easier to conceal
Post-surgical care is easier in winter because sweat and sun exposure are minimal.
4. Skin Cancer Is Increasing in All Ages
Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are rising—even in young adults. Winter exams catch abnormalities early and protect patients year-round.
5. Holiday Stress + Travel = Sun Exposure
December vacations often include:
Ski trips (snow reflection)
Sunny getaways
Long drives
These all contribute to UV damage.
What Happens During a Winter Skin Exam?
Your dermatologist will examine:
Face
Scalp
Neck
Chest
Back
Arms
Legs
Hands and feet
Nails
Any suspicious spots will be photographed, monitored, or biopsied if needed.
Warning Signs: The ABCDE Melanoma Rule
Look for:
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Color changes
Diameter over 6mm
Evolving shape or symptoms
If you notice any of these, schedule an appointment immediately.
Winter may seem like an unexpected time for a skin exam, but it’s one of the smartest choices you can make for your long-term health. Early detection saves lives—and winter offers the safest, easiest healing conditions for any necessary procedures.