The start of a new year is a natural time to reset. Refocusing on routines, preventive care, and long-term health. While many resolutions center on diet, exercise, and wellness, skin health is often overlooked. An annual skin check is one of the most important preventive steps you can take as you begin the year.

In a coastal city like Charleston, where sun exposure is part of daily life, yearly skin exams play a critical role in protecting your skin now and in the years ahead.

Starting the Year With Preventive Skin Care

An annual skin check is a full-body examination performed by a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate your skin for early signs of skin cancer, precancerous changes, and other concerning conditions. Early detection is key. Many skin cancers develop slowly and without symptoms, which is why routine exams are so valuable even when nothing looks or feels wrong.

Why Annual Skin Exams Matter, Especially in Charleston

Living in Charleston means year-round outdoor activity, whether it’s time on the water, walking downtown, or enjoying the beach. Over time, cumulative sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and visible skin damage.

Annual skin exams allow your dermatologist to monitor changes over time, identify lesions early, and address issues before they become more serious. When skin cancer is caught early, treatment is often simpler and more effective.

Even patients who are careful with sunscreen and sun protection benefit from professional monitoring, as sun damage accumulates over decades.

A New Year Is the Right Time to Set a Baseline

Many patients assume they should only see a dermatologist if they notice a changing mole or a new spot. In reality, annual skin checks help establish a baseline of what’s normal for your skin. This makes it easier to detect subtle changes from year to year, especially in areas that are difficult to see on your own, such as the scalp, back, or behind the ears.

Starting the year with a skin exam provides peace of mind and a clear plan moving forward.

Who Should Make Skin Checks a Yearly Habit?

While annual skin exams are beneficial for most adults, they are especially important for those with frequent sun exposure, fair skin, a history of sunburns, tanning bed use, or a personal or family history of skin cancer. In Charleston’s sunny climate, routine screening is an essential part of preventive care for many patients.

What to Expect at Your Annual Skin Check

Your dermatologist will perform a thorough head-to-toe exam in a private, professional setting. If any areas need closer evaluation, they will explain their findings and discuss next steps, whether that involves monitoring, treatment, or further testing.

Most visits are straightforward and efficient, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule, especially when planned at the start of the year.