19 Jun Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Prioritize Your Skin Health
Summer is here—which means more time in the sun, more skin exposure, and more opportunities for damage. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, hiking adventure, or just spending extra hours outdoors, it’s the ideal time to schedule your annual skin check at RefinedMD. While skin cancer can develop at any time of year, UV exposure increases significantly in the summer months, putting your skin at higher risk. That’s why June is the perfect moment to take your skin seriously and prioritize a preventive visit.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it’s also one of the most treatable—especially when caught early. An annual skin exam with a board-certified dermatologist is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your health. At RefinedMD, our team offers thorough full-body skin checks that take just 20–30 minutes and could make all the difference. Whether it’s your first time or you’re due for your yearly visit, now is the time to take action.
What Happens During a Skin Check
A skin check is a comprehensive visual examination of your skin from head to toe. During this appointment, one of our dermatology providers will carefully evaluate any moles, freckles, or spots for irregularities. We’re trained to recognize subtle changes that could signal precancerous or cancerous growths, even before symptoms arise. If something looks suspicious, we may recommend a biopsy or suggest close monitoring with photographs to track changes over time.
We encourage patients to come to their appointments with clean skin and no makeup, nail polish, or artificial tanning products. This allows for a more accurate evaluation. Don’t worry about shaving or removing body hair—your provider is focused entirely on your skin health. If you’ve noticed any new, changing, or bothersome spots, this is the perfect time to bring them up. No concern is too small when it comes to protecting your skin.
Who Should Get an Annual Skin Check (Hint: Everyone)
Annual skin checks are important for everyone—not just people with a history of skin cancer. If you’ve ever had a sunburn, used a tanning bed, spent time outdoors without sunscreen, or simply have fair skin or many moles, you’re at increased risk. That said, even people with darker skin tones or minimal sun exposure can develop skin cancer, including melanoma. The goal of a yearly skin exam is to detect potential issues before they become serious, regardless of your background or skin type.
If you’ve already had a skin cancer diagnosis, you may need to come in more frequently for follow-up exams. We also recommend more frequent visits for patients with a family history of melanoma or those with large numbers of atypical moles. At RefinedMD, we create personalized screening schedules based on your risk factors and medical history, ensuring your skin is monitored at the right intervals.
Skin Cancer Doesn’t Take the Summer Off
June kicks off not just vacation season, but also peak UV index levels. The sun’s rays are more direct this time of year, which increases your risk of sunburn and UV-related skin damage. Even short periods of sun exposure without protection—like walking your dog, gardening, or driving—can accumulate over time. Scheduling a skin check in summer helps ensure you’re not only addressing existing issues but also equipped with the right tools and information to stay safe all season long.
In addition to in-office evaluations, our dermatology team offers guidance on proper sunscreen use, UPF-protective clothing, and safe sun habits tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you’re heading to the mountains or planning a tropical getaway, we’ll help you prepare with the right skin protection strategies to minimize your long-term risk.
Know What to Watch For
Between annual appointments, it’s helpful to monitor your own skin regularly. One simple tool is the ABCDE rule for evaluating moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6mm, and Evolution or change over time. If a mole or spot meets any of these criteria—or just seems unusual or “off”—it’s worth bringing to our attention. Other warning signs include sores that don’t heal, scaly patches, or areas that bleed or itch persistently.
We understand that it can be difficult to distinguish between harmless spots and those that might pose a risk. That’s exactly why professional skin checks are so valuable. Our dermatology experts are trained to see what you can’t, using dermoscopy and other techniques to analyze your skin with precision and accuracy.
Get Peace of Mind This Summer
A skin check is one of the easiest things you can do for your long-term health—and yet it’s often overlooked. At RefinedMD, we’re making it easy for you to take control of your skin’s future. If it’s been over a year since your last skin exam (or if you’ve never had one), now’s the time. You’ll walk away with more than just peace of mind; you’ll gain the knowledge and support needed to make smart skin decisions year-round.
Contact RefinedMD today by calling the office or completing the online form to schedule your annual skin check.