November 21, 2025
Skin Cancer Doesn’t Stop in Winter:
Why Year-Round Protection Matters
Skin Cancer Prevention & Skin Care Tips for Logan, UT, and Beyond
Many people think sunscreen is only necessary in the summer, but UV rays are strong year-round, even if it's cold or cloudy. Because you can’t feel the sun ‘baking’ your skin in winter, it is easy to forget the damage that’s still happening underneath. This misconception leads to increased risk for skin damage and even skin cancer during these cooler winter months.
If you are in the Logan, Utah area, the increase in outdoor recreation in these high elevation and snowy conditions can also lead to increased UV exposure. Be smart, think ahead, and sunscreen up! Lone Pine Dermatology is here to tell you why sun protection matters year-round, especially to prevent the unwanted risks of skin cancer.
If you are in the Logan, Utah area, the increase in outdoor recreation in these high elevation and snowy conditions can also lead to increased UV exposure. Be smart, think ahead, and sunscreen up! Lone Pine Dermatology is here to tell you why sun protection matters year-round, especially to prevent the unwanted risks of skin cancer.
Myth vs. Reality: Skin Cancer Isn’t Just a “Summer Problem”
While there are plenty of myths out there about sun protection, UV rays, and other skin problems, skin cancer itself is not a myth, and you don’t want to find yourself with a problem like it that you could have prevented.Here are some common skin cancer myths:
1. Myth: You can’t get sunburned in the winter.
Reality: You absolutely can get sunburned in the winter! It actually significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Cold temperatures disguise the sun’s intensity, making it harder to notice sunburns forming until the damage has been done.
2. Myth: Those with darker skin tones don’t need sun protection.
Reality: If you have skin, no matter the color, you need protection from the sun. While those with the darker complexions have more melanin in their skin, offering some natural protection, it is not 100% effective to prevent damage from UV radiation.
3. Myth: Overcast and cloudy days are safe from UV rays.
Reality: Did you know that 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through cloud cover, therefore reaching you and your skin. Clouds can even boost UV radiation through reflection, making cloudy days potentially even more dangerous.
4. Myth: Your clothing provides all the protection you need from the sun.
Reality: While winter clothes do tend to cover ample amounts of your skin, unless your face, ears, neck, and hands are also covered, you are still at risk. Most non-specialized fabrics also provide limited UV protection. You should apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, and for outdoor activities, wear UV-protected accessories like hats and gloves.
At Lone Pine Dermatology, we often see patients who are surprised by their skin's winter sun damage that accumulates over time. Another important thing to note is Logan’s elevation (about 4,500 feet). We are exposed to stronger UV year-round. It might sound surprising, but being closer to the sun increases our sun damage. Understanding these risks and the truth behind these myths is one of the first steps to skin damage prevention.
Winter Skin Protection Tips in Logan
Now that we have cleared up a few common myths, let’s look at how to keep your skin protected all winter long.Unfortunately for us, our skin remembers. It remembers every bit of UV exposure it’s experienced. Because of that, the risk continues to add up over time. With the likelihood of 1 in every 5 Americans developing skin cancer, you should take all the precautions you can to make sure you are 1 of the other 4 who don’t.
1. Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Sunscreen should be part of your winter skincare routine just like it should be in the summer. UV rays can reach your skin even on cloudy or snowy days, as discussed above. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF-30 to all exposed areas, including your face, ears, neck, and hands.
If you are heading outdoors for skiing or a hiking adventure, or even just to shovel your snowy driveway, remember to reapply every two hours. Many people in Logan and the surrounding Cache Valley area spend time outside in reflective snow, which can double UV exposure. Choose a moisturizing sunscreen or one with added hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to combat winter dryness.
2. Protect Your Lips & Eyes
Your lips are especially vulnerable to the cold, dry air and sun exposure. Use a lip balm that contains SPF 15+, and reapply frequently.
And don’t forget about your eyes! Snow glare can be intense, particularly at higher elevations or on a bright winter day. A pair of UV-blocking sunglasses or ski goggles will protect both your eyes and the delicate skin around them from sun damage and premature aging.
3. Don’t Underestimate Snow Reflection
Snow reflects up to 90% of UV rays, which means your skin is exposed to both above and below. Before hitting the slopes or trails, apply sunscreen generously to often-missed areas like the underside of your chin, nose, and the lower part of your face.
4. Moisturize & Repair
Cold air outside and heated air indoors can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and more susceptible to irritation and damage. A weakened skin barrier can make it easier for UV rays to penetrate.
Switch to a richer moisturizer during winter months. Creams with ceramides, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid help lock in hydration and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. For extra protection, apply your moisturizer before sunscreen to keep your skin comfortable and resilient all day long.
5. Schedule Annual Skin Checks/Skin Cancer Screenings
Even the best at-home care can’t replace a professional skin exam. The winter months are a great time to schedule a skin cancer screening, as your summer tan has faded, making it easier for dermatologists to spot any concerning changes.
At Lone Pine Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide comprehensive skin checks for patients in Logan, Providence, Brigham City, Tremonton, and Preston, ID. Early detection saves lives. When melanoma is found early, the five-year survival rate is over 99%.
If you haven’t had a full-body skin exam in the past year, make it part of your winter wellness routine.
Skin protection isn’t just for summer; it is a year-round commitment. By using sunscreen daily, moisturizing properly, and scheduling routine skin checks, you can keep your skin healthy through every season.
Lone Pine Dermatology is proud to help patients across Logan and Northern Utah protect and care for their skin. Schedule your winter skin cancer screenings today and start the season with confidence.
Lone Pine Dermatology has office locations in Providence, UT, Brigham City, UT, Garden City, UT, Montpelier, ID, and Preston, ID.
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