Healthy Body
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Beware of Skin Cancer Risks, Even in Winter
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Staff
Chilly temperatures may have you pulling on cozy sweaters and coats, but don’t be fooled. You can’t stop protecting yourself from skin cancer just because winter is here, says Angie Seelal, RPA-C, of Advanced Dermatology P.C.
When the sun is shining bright and you find yourself soaking up its warmth on the beach, it’s easy to remember that ultraviolet (UV) rays are reaching your skin. However, concerns about skin cancer (the most common cancer across the globe), need to be in the forefront of your mind throughout the year.
Chilly temperatures may have you pulling on cozy sweaters and coats, but don’t be fooled. You can’t stop protecting yourself from skin cancer just because winter is here, says Angie Seelal, RPA-C, of Advanced Dermatology P.C.
When the sun is shining bright and you find yourself soaking up its warmth on the beach, it’s easy to remember that ultraviolet (UV) rays are reaching your skin. However, concerns about skin cancer (the most common cancer across the globe), need to be in the forefront of your mind throughout the year.
“Overcast skies and winter weather don’t necessarily block out the rays that can damage your skin cells and lead to skin cancer,” says Seelal, a dermatology specialist with years of experience treating chronic skin conditions.
The statistics are alarming: 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, and more than two people die of skin cancer in the United States every hour, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Additionally, more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day nationwide.
For all of you out there who enjoy that “healthy glow” you get following an afternoon in the sun, it’s important to note some gender specifics. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Women 49 or younger have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer, except breast or thyroid cancer. Until the age of 49, more white women develop melanoma than white men.”
“Almost all of us dismiss the risk of skin cancer or how severe it can be,” Seelal explains, “but the reality is that skin cancer poses a threat to nearly everyone, even in winter. Fortunately, there are common-sense steps we can take that lower those risks.”
Winter’s Dangers
It’s important to know that harmful UV rays don’t take a break just because the calendar flips to the colder months. While UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn, are stronger in summer, they’re also out in force at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as ice or snow. Plus, the thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes doesn’t block as many rays.
“If you enjoy skiing, skating, snowboarding, or hiking in the snow, cancer-causing UVB rays are out there with you, too,” Seelal warns. “Snow reflects about 80% of the sun’s UV rays, so they essentially hit your skin twice. A day on the ski slopes is just as dangerous to your skin as a day on the beach.”
Especially on cloudy days, winter sports enthusiasts are at greater risk. It is also important to understand that both snow and strong winds can wear away any sunscreen protection used and thereby reduce its effectiveness; so it is particularly important to actively reapply at least every two hours, Seelal notes. And UVA rays, which stay constant throughout the year, can penetrate glass. “Sitting inside next to the window, in your house or car, is still potentially skin-damaging on a bright winter day,” she adds.
Also, for those who happily benefit from warmer winter temperatures from living in the southern part of the United States, keep in mind you’re exposed to a similar amount of UV radiation from the sun year-round.
“When the sun remains strong, no matter the season, your skin stands at higher risk,” Seelal points out.
Specific Risk Factors
Both men and women are at risk, but many studies show that there is an alarming surge of melanoma rates in young women, and many believe this is largely due to sunbathing at the beach and or frequent trips to tanning salons. If you are a parent of a teenage or young adult daughter, be sure you share the risks with her.
Johns Hopkins Medicine lists additional risk factors:
Prevention
Staying sun-safe in winter is easier from the standpoint that you’re usually wearing more clothing in order to stay warm. Coats, hats, scarves and gloves all contribute to sun protection merely by preventing the sun from reaching the skin they’re covering. But your face, head and neck are typically exposed all year long, so Seelal advises paying close attention to preventing skin cancer on these vulnerable areas.
How do we protect ourselves year-round? Seelal recommends:
“Skin cancer is largely preventable, and it just takes a little extra thought to protect ourselves in the winter months,” Seelal advises. “Don’t let your guard down just because it’s cold outside.”
The statistics are alarming: 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, and more than two people die of skin cancer in the United States every hour, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Additionally, more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day nationwide.
For all of you out there who enjoy that “healthy glow” you get following an afternoon in the sun, it’s important to note some gender specifics. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Women 49 or younger have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer, except breast or thyroid cancer. Until the age of 49, more white women develop melanoma than white men.”
“Almost all of us dismiss the risk of skin cancer or how severe it can be,” Seelal explains, “but the reality is that skin cancer poses a threat to nearly everyone, even in winter. Fortunately, there are common-sense steps we can take that lower those risks.”
Winter’s Dangers
It’s important to know that harmful UV rays don’t take a break just because the calendar flips to the colder months. While UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn, are stronger in summer, they’re also out in force at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as ice or snow. Plus, the thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes doesn’t block as many rays.
“If you enjoy skiing, skating, snowboarding, or hiking in the snow, cancer-causing UVB rays are out there with you, too,” Seelal warns. “Snow reflects about 80% of the sun’s UV rays, so they essentially hit your skin twice. A day on the ski slopes is just as dangerous to your skin as a day on the beach.”
Especially on cloudy days, winter sports enthusiasts are at greater risk. It is also important to understand that both snow and strong winds can wear away any sunscreen protection used and thereby reduce its effectiveness; so it is particularly important to actively reapply at least every two hours, Seelal notes. And UVA rays, which stay constant throughout the year, can penetrate glass. “Sitting inside next to the window, in your house or car, is still potentially skin-damaging on a bright winter day,” she adds.
Also, for those who happily benefit from warmer winter temperatures from living in the southern part of the United States, keep in mind you’re exposed to a similar amount of UV radiation from the sun year-round.
“When the sun remains strong, no matter the season, your skin stands at higher risk,” Seelal points out.
Specific Risk Factors
Both men and women are at risk, but many studies show that there is an alarming surge of melanoma rates in young women, and many believe this is largely due to sunbathing at the beach and or frequent trips to tanning salons. If you are a parent of a teenage or young adult daughter, be sure you share the risks with her.
Johns Hopkins Medicine lists additional risk factors:
- People with fair skin and lighter eyes and hair tend to be particularly vulnerable to skin cancer.
- A family history of melanoma.
- Amount of time spent unprotected in the sun.
- Early childhood sunburns.
- Immunosuppressive disorders or weakened immune system.
- Those with many freckles or moles.
Prevention
Staying sun-safe in winter is easier from the standpoint that you’re usually wearing more clothing in order to stay warm. Coats, hats, scarves and gloves all contribute to sun protection merely by preventing the sun from reaching the skin they’re covering. But your face, head and neck are typically exposed all year long, so Seelal advises paying close attention to preventing skin cancer on these vulnerable areas.
How do we protect ourselves year-round? Seelal recommends:
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Wear broad-brimmed hats.
- Moisturize: with broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin, including the top of the ears, around the eyes and near the hairline.
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., even during winter months.
“Skin cancer is largely preventable, and it just takes a little extra thought to protect ourselves in the winter months,” Seelal advises. “Don’t let your guard down just because it’s cold outside.”
Angie Seelal, RPA-C, is a Certified Physician Assistant with Advanced Dermatology P.C. Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery is one of the leading dermatology centers in the U.S., offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies.
