Winter Skin Health Tips Orlando
January 30, 2026
Throughout our Central Florida communities, most people know when their skin needs added protection from the cold. After all, living in the Sunshine State, there are fewer days on the calendar where you can showoff your favorite winter clothing. Although it’s not that difficult to talk others into covering exposed skin with sleeves, scarves and gloves to protect against sub-temperatures and windy conditions, trans-epidermal water loss that allows water to evaporate rapidly even though you are not sweating is an invisible form of dehydration.
So consuming enough water each day to stay well hydrated is essential during the winter months because the colder air and indoor heating can strip moisture from your body and often without causing you to feel thirsty. Research has shown that human thirst cues can dull your body’s thirst response by up to 40%, as the cold weather makes it much easier to forget to drink enough, especially without the heat and sweat of being outdoors in Orlando during summer months.
“Generally speaking, your body’s largest organ is composed of skin cells filled with water,” explains Dr. Micheal Steppie Orlando Mohs surgeon and medical director of Associates in Dermatology. “In fact, the skin requires adequate hydration each day just to keep cells looking “plump” by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, both of which may worsen when exposed to outdoor cold and indoor heating. Whenever skin becomes dehydrated from within, it makes it even more prone to cracking, flaking, and redness due to irritation.”
Proper hydration protects your skin’s barrier by blocking allergens and infections from having easy access. Although rapid moisture evaporation during the winter months can increase the appearance of premature aging, fluid intake protects your skin’s barrier to block allergens and infections from having access. Moreover, good hydration boosts elasticity, helps flush toxins, and prevents the skin barrier from breaking down. Although well-hydrated skin improves blood flow, delivers crucial nutrients, and flushes out impurities, it is internal hydration that keeps your skin supple and healthy.
Outdoor Enthusiasts Need Winter Sun Protection
Without sensing the added heat of summer sunshine, there are still numerous occasions during the winter months when you are exposed, or overexposed to the sunlight’s harmful UV rays. In fact, some find it difficult to accept that they might need the same level of sun protection they had relied on at the beach or lounging poolside when our local weather was hot. That’s why the Skin Cancer Foundation offers these tips about winter situations where UV radiation can potentially damage your skin.
- While At Work – People working outdoors likely have a better understanding of the fact that ultraviolet radiation shows up every day and regardless of the season. However, if you work indoors or out of a vehicle, you may wrongfully think you’re safe from damaging sunlight. Although UVB rays that are mostly responsible for sunburn are blocked by glass, more than 50% of UVA rays, which are the main cause of premature aging, can reach your skin. Plus, both UVB and UVA rays contribute to skin cancer.
- When Traveling – When you know you’re headed out of town for the weekend, do you think about protecting exposed areas skin while traveling to your destination or do you simply wait until you get there to consider sun protection? While laws require that front windshields are treated to filter out UVA, many side and rear windows do not provide protection from UV radiation. Unless you install protective window film, consider using a sunscreen or wearing protective clothing enroute.
- On Rainy Days – Even when you’re outside on a day that it is so cloudy you can’t even see the sun, as well as when it is pouring rain, UVA rays can penetrate through rain, fog and clouds to leave your exposed skin vulnerable to harmful UV rays. So, it is important to remember that just because you can’t feel the sun beating down on your skin doesn’t mean that you have proper sun protection. Interestingly, thin or scattered cloud cover can even intensify ultraviolet radiation levels at the surface.
- Getting Nails Done – Regardless of your sex or age, if you are headed to the nail salon for a manicure (hands) or pedicure (feet) for a cosmetic beauty treatment, you should consider using UV protection. If you are getting a gel manicure that is typically dried using UV lamps or LED lamps, both emit UV radiation (mostly UVA) and you can apply a good sunscreen about twenty minutes before using the dryer. Or, simply opt for a regular manicure that uses a mini-fan to reduce non-gel drying time.
- Low Latitude Out-of-Doors – Unlike northern states, UV levels in the Sunshine State remain high even during winter months due to its close proximity to the equator. Living in Florida, you are also exposed to sneaky reflective surfaces, including water, sand, and structures that can amplify UV radiation anytime you’re outdoors. Not surprisingly, the state has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the United States, so self-examinations are the key to early detection of skin abnormalities year-round.
“During the winter months, the best way for our Central Florida residents to avoid UV-related sun-damage to their skin is rather simple,” says Dr. Steppie. “When you are headed outdoors always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, and wear protective clothing. Plus, both naturally shaded areas and umbrellas provide superior protection while allowing you and your family to safely enjoy outdoor activities.” While living in the Sunshine State allows you to enjoy more time outdoors in the winter sun, remember to take a break during peak UV hours.
Alarming Skin Cancer Statistics for 2026
Collectively known as keratinocyte carcinomas, both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are once again projected to continue their steady upward trend in incidence rates for 2026. In addition, they remain the most common forms of skin cancers with rates in older adults having risen steadily for decades. In part, this is believed to be due to better detection and more precise reporting methods. While both cell types are highly curable when caught early, their rising level of prevalence may pose a growing burden.
On the other hand, newly diagnosed cases of melanoma are expected to continue a steep climb despite advances for early detection and a growing awareness in regards to proper sun protection. About 8,510 people are expected to die from the disease this year, with older men continuing to face the highest risk. While this deadly form of skin cancer can develop in people with a strong family history of melanoma, the American Cancer Society says the leading cause of melanoma cancer cases and death can be directly linked skin exposed to UV radiation.
In communities of color, melanoma frequently develops in areas that are not typically exposed to sunlight like beneath toenails, on the soles of the feet, or in the palms of the hands. Unfortunately, hidden versions of acral lentiginous melanoma (ACL) often result in a delayed diagnosis that translates into poorer outcomes with reduced survival rates. Thankfully, despite the increases in diagnosis of the deadly disease, annual melanoma-related deaths has declined in both men and women over the past decade.
Where skin cancer starts by cell type...
The vast majority of skin cancer starts in the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) but the cause and depth depends upon the cell type. When DNA changes, it can lead to uncontrollable growth. Most skin cancers are directly linked to exposure to the sun’s damaging UV radiation regardless of the actual time spent outdoors. Tumors originate from a normal cell (called the cell-of-origin) that has undergone transformations as a result of genetic mutations. The most common place to get skin cancer is the face, head and neck, but it can occur anywhere on the body.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (lower epidermis): Basal cell carcinoma starts in the basal cells found in the lowest part of the outermost layer of the skin. These are the cell types that are responsible for producing new skin cells but damage to the cell’s DNA from ultraviolet radiation can trigger uncontrolled growth. As the most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinomas tend to grow very slowly and rarely metastasize to other parts of the body.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (upper epidermis): DNA damage can trigger uncontrolled, rapid multiplication of the thin, flat squamous cells in the outermost layers of skin. While squamous cell starts in the epidermis, this type of cancer cell can grow deeper into skin layers and, if not treated early, have a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body compared to basal cell carcinomas. In addition to mutations, other risk factors include fair skin, a history of sunburn, increased age, and chemical exposures.
- Melanoma (pigment cells): Melanoma skin cancer originates in the cells responsible for producing the skin’s color (melanocytes). These cancerous cells often develop in the top layer of skin as a new spot or from existing moles. When this cell type undergoes genetic mutations, brown, black, skin-colored, pink, or red tumors can multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. Unlike basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell cancers, melanoma is much more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma (deep in epidermis): The most common cause of Merkel cell carcinoma is infection with Merkel cell polyomavirus that is responsible for up to 80% of cases. While it is harmless to most individuals, the virus is found on the skin and can cause dangerous mutations in a small number of people. The remaining twenty percent of cases are caused by long-term exposure to excessive amounts of UV radiation. Since people may not catch Merkel Cell early enough, its survival rate is lower than most.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer, which is the world’s most common type of cancer. The good news is that skin cancer is also highly preventable with better sun protection year-round and most types are very treatable when diagnosed early on. Since all cell types of skin cancer can be disfiguring and possibly deadly if allowed to progress, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends examining your skin from head-to-toe each month, as well as seeing a dermatologist once a year for a professional skin exam. Moreover, if you spot anything new or changes to existing moles, make an appointment right away.
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Even if you decided to skip making a New Year’s Resolution, it is never too late to set personal goals like resolving to take better care of your skin. With just a few adjustments to your lifestyle, you can lower your skin cancer risk and slow down skin aging related to ultraviolet radiation. After all, skin cancer prevention requires a year round approach to protecting your skin against harmful UV rays. That’s because ultraviolet radiation isn’t just dangerous, it is also very sneaky and is a leading cause of premature aging and skin cancer. So, whether you’re spending time outdoors or not, your skin requires daily sunscreen and intense hydration for protection from both the cold weather and indoor sources of dry heat. If you notice anything unusual, call 800-827-7546 to schedule an annual skin exam at one of Associates in Dermatology’s sixteen Central Florida offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, or St. Cloud.
