How often should I get my skin checked? | Skin Clinic

Living under the often harsh Australian sun, we all know that it’s extra important to get our skin checked regularly. The sun can be harsh on our skin, leading to premature ageing, weathering, skin cancer and everything in between. With 2 out of 3 Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, it’s so important to get regular checkups. But, how often should we be going in for checkups? If you’re not too sure, we can help. Carry on reading to learn how often you should be getting your skin checked and what to look out for.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

It is estimated that more than 95% of skin cancers are caused by or related to UV radiation from the sun. However, UV radiation can also come from other sources such as tanning beds and solariums. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, the behaviour and structure of your skin cells can change, leading to extensive damage over time and in the worst cases, causing cancer cells to develop. One of the best ways to help protect your skin from UV damage and radiation is to cover up in the heat of the day and to always wear a high UV protection sunscreen of at least SPF50+.

What Should You Watch Out For With Your Skin?

If left unchecked, skin cancer can be deadly, so keeping an eye on your skin is so important to your health. There are 3 main signs that you should be looking out for:

Melanoma – this may appear as a new spot or as a mole or spot that has recently changed colour, shape or size.
Basal cell carcinoma – this often appears as red, pearly or pale areas that may be lumpy or dry.
Squamous cell carcinoma – this is a thickened, red scaly spot that may develop sores or ulcers and may bleed easily.

How Often Should You Be Getting Your Skin Checked?

The Cancer Council recommends that you get your skin professionally checked at least once a year. If you’re considered more at risk due to light features, having a high number of moles or you work out in the sun, you can opt to have professional checkups more often. The Cancer Council also suggests that you should do self-checks every 3 months from the comfort of your own home.

Why Should You Get Regular Skin Checks Done?

Regular skin checks will help you spot any changes in your skin that require closer inspection. These changes include moles or skin tags that weren’t previously there, moles that have changed size or colour, and anything else on your skin that may seem unusual. These signs can be indicative of skin damage or skin cancer and should always be assessed by professionals to determine if they are benign or malignant. Early detection is pivotal to your health and could be the difference between successfully treating the changes in your skin and becoming very sick.

Book In For Your Skin Checkup Today

If you’re overdue to have your skin checked, or you have noticed a change in some of your moles or skin recently, get in touch with the team today. The team at our skin clinic can assess your skin and answer any questions or concerns that you might have.