Protecting Your Skin and Eyes from the Sun—Even in New England Winters

Even in the heart of a New England winter, when you are bundled up against the cold with only your eyes, nose, and mouth peeking out from scarves and hats, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can still affect your skin and eyes.

February’s designation as Cancer Prevention Month is a great reminder that sun protection isn’t just for summer beach days. New England may be cloudy; in fact, The Farmer’s Almanac ranks Vermont as the 2nd cloudiest state in the U.S. How is it, then, that Vermont also has the 3rd-highest proportion of melanoma cases per capita in the U.S.? And New Hampshire ranks 7th highest.

"UV radiation from the sun is still present on cloudy winter days, increasing your risk for several types of skin cancer," notes Keisuke Shirai, MD, MSc, a medical oncologist in Dartmouth Cancer Center's (DCC) Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program.

Here's what you need to know.

The sun is still here

Many people assume that cold weather and cloud cover protect them from harmful UV radiation. But UVA and UVB rays, the types of radiation that damage DNA and contribute to skin cancer, are still present even on cloudy, snowy, or cold days. Snow can also reflect UV rays, increasing exposure to the face and eyes.

In winter, exposed areas such as your eyes, nose, ears, and lips are particularly vulnerable. These tiny body parts often receive direct UV exposure because they are rarely covered. While they may be small, they are no less susceptible to sun-induced damage.

What your face shows

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and its incidence has been rising over recent decades.

“The two most common skin cancers, far more than melanoma, are basal cell carcinoma and skin squamous cell carcinoma, more related to sun exposure,” says Shirai.

Areas of the head and neck, including the face, receive high cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime, making them common sites for both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Skin cancers on the eyelids, nose, lips, and ears often go unnoticed until later stages because these under-recognized areas may be overlooked during self-exams.

Can eyes get cancer?

While the focus is often on skin cancer, the eyes and surrounding skin also require protection. UV radiation can contribute to cataracts and other eye conditions.

While far rarer than skin melanoma, a serious form of cancer called ocular melanoma affects the eye itself. This type of melanoma is biologically distinct from skin melanoma and, importantly, is not thought to be caused by sun exposure in most cases.

Tips for year-round sun protection

Even though it’s winter, Dartmouth Health experts recommend that you get outside for a number of reasons. Here are practical steps you can take to protect your skin and eyes, even on cold, cloudy New England days:

• Wear sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on all exposed skin, including your face, ears, neck, and the area under your chin. “UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, and daily protection helps prevent long-term damage,” says Shirai. The ACS recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapplying every two hours if you remain outdoors.
• Remember your lips: Choose a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to protect your lips from UV damage. Lips are often neglected but are susceptible to sun-induced cancers.
• Protect your eyes: Pick sunglasses that offer 99–100% UVA/UVB protection to shield your eyes and the skin around them year-round. Look for labels like “UV400.” Larger frames or a snug, wraparound style help block reflected light from snow and ice, and offer more protection than small fashion sunglasses.
• Accessorize: A wide-brimmed hat or a cap with a brim can shield your face, ears, and eyes from low winter sun. In bright, snowy conditions, this extra barrier reduces exposure.
• Know your skin: Perform monthly skin self-exams to look for new moles or changes in existing spots, especially on the face and neck. “Bring any concerns to your healthcare provider promptly,” says Shirai. Early detection of melanoma and other skin cancers significantly improves outcomes.
• Get checked by a professional: “An annual skin exam by a dermatologist helps catch suspicious lesions early. This is especially important if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, fair skin that burns easily, or numerous moles,” says Shirai. Talk with your primary care provider about scheduling annual skin exams.

Sun safety is cancer prevention

Even when winter temperatures in New England dip well below freezing and the sun feels far away, UV rays remain a threat to your skin and eyes.

“Clearly, our states are high risk, likely due to high altitude, higher rates of outdoor activity, sun reflection off the snow, and a more fair-skinned population,” says Shirai.

Protecting yourself year-round with sunscreen, protective clothing, and regular screenings is an active step you can take to prevent cancer.

For additional information and resources on skin cancer prevention and early detection, visit the DCC Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program or talk to your primary care provider.