When most of us think about skin cancer, we picture long summer days, beach trips, and the scorching Australian sun. So it might seem counterintuitive to book a skin check in the middle of winter. But here’s the truth: winter is actually one of the *best* times to get your skin checked — and here’s why.
Australia’s UV Problem Doesn’t Hibernate
Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Our UV levels during summer are extreme — far beyond what most countries experience. But here’s what surprises many people: in Perth, UV levels remain above the damaging threshold of 2.5 on almost every day of the year, even in the depths of winter. This means UV exposure is a year-round concern, not a seasonal one.
While SPF50+ sunscreen is highly effective — blocking around 98% of UV radiation — it’s not a complete barrier. No sunscreen is. That’s exactly why regular skin checks remain important regardless of the season.
A Clearer Picture for Your Doctor
One of the most practical reasons to come in during winter is straightforward: your skin is in better condition for assessment. Summer sun exposure often leaves skin with areas of redness, irritation, or recent sunburn, all of which can make it harder to accurately evaluate lesions and spots. In winter, your skin tends to be calmer and more uniform, giving us a clearer baseline to work from.
A skin check isn’t just about looking for concerning lesions, either. It’s also an opportunity for us to educate you on how best to protect yourself — both during the lower UV winter months and as we move into the higher-risk spring and summer season.
Treatments Are Easier in Cooler Months
If we do find pre-cancerous lesions — such as actinic keratoses — that require treatment with prescription creams like 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod, winter is the ideal time to manage these. These treatments cause significant photosensitivity, meaning the treated areas must be kept completely out of UV light to prevent painful burning and complications. That’s a much easier ask when the days are shorter and the UV index is lower.
Similarly, if a suspicious lesion needs surgical removal, winter offers real advantages for recovery. Reduced sweating means wound sites stay drier and cleaner, which directly lowers the risk of wound breakdown and infection. And importantly, UV exposure can worsen scarring — so keeping a fresh scar out of the sun during healing is far easier in the cooler months.
Less Disruption to Your Active Life
Finally, there’s the practical reality of recovery. Excisions on certain sites — particularly the legs or arms — can sometimes mean taking a break from sport, swimming, or other physical leisure activities for a period of time. Let’s be honest: most of us are doing fewer of those things in winter anyway. It’s a natural time to schedule procedures that might otherwise interfere with your summer lifestyle.
Book Now, Protect Yourself All Year
Skin cancer is preventable and, when caught early, highly treatable. Don’t wait until a spot starts worrying you in the middle of summer. Use the quieter winter months to your advantage — get a thorough check, address any issues while the conditions are on your side, and head into the warmer months with peace of mind.
Book your winter skin check today.
Written by Dr Mikey Dawber
