It's Not All Sun Exposure: You Can Develop Melanomas in the Winter, Too

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is the leading cause of skin cancer, but you don’t need to spend all day in the sun to develop melanoma. The darker, colder winter months aren’t enough to stop melanoma — even when it’s not as sunny, you still need to protect your skin from this aggressive skin cancer.

At the Houston Cancer Institute, with locations in Houston and Katy, Texas, our team wants to arm you with the knowledge and tools to protect your skin year-round. Here’s why melanoma is different from other skin cancers, why you can still get it in winter, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Melanoma isn’t like other skin cancers

While basal and squamous cell skin cancers typically develop in sun-exposed areas of your body, melanoma can appear anywhere — even in places rarely exposed to sunlight, like the soles of your feet, palms of your hands, or under your fingernails.

This aggressive cancer forms in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment in your skin. Its ability to spread quickly and unpredictably makes melanoma one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer.

You can still get melanoma when it’s cloudy and colder

Winter and overcast skies don’t eliminate UV exposure. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning your skin remains vulnerable even when the sun isn’t shining. Ice and other reflective surfaces can also bounce UV rays back onto your skin, amplifying your exposure.

Melanoma doesn’t hibernate during the winter months, so neither should your skin protection habits.

Early detection is your best defense against melanoma

When caught early, melanoma is highly treatable. Regular skin checks — at home and with a medical professional — are essential to spotting suspicious changes. Look for asymmetrical moles, irregular borders, uneven colors, or growths larger than a pencil eraser. If you notice anything unusual, don’t put off having it evaluated.

Year-round skin protection dramatically lowers your risk

Protecting your skin isn’t just a summer job. Daily sunscreen use, even during winter, is essential. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours when outdoors. Don’t forget easy-to-ignore areas like your ears, lips, and the back of your hands. 

Protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses also help block harmful UV rays.

Take charge of your skin health

If you have melanoma, it’s important to act quickly. Our team at the Houston Cancer Institute uses the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to target melanoma and keep it from spreading. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a skin cancer expert.