The start of a new year is a natural time to reset routines and focus on long-term health. While many people commit to better nutrition or exercise, skin cancer prevention is often overlooked. This is especially true in South Florida, where year-round sun exposure increases risk even outside the summer months.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early. By building a few simple habits into your routine, you can take meaningful steps to protect your skin and catch problems before they become serious.
Make Monthly Skin Self-Exams a Routine
One of the most effective tools for early detection is something you can do at home. A monthly skin self-exam helps you become familiar with your skin so you can spot changes quickly.
Set aside time once a month to examine your entire body in good lighting. Use a mirror or ask a partner to help you check areas that are hard to see. Pay close attention to your scalp, ears, back, hands, feet, and between your toes.
Look for new moles, spots, or growths. Also watch for changes in size, shape, color, or texture of existing moles. If something looks different, itchy, bleeding, or does not heal, it is worth having it evaluated by a dermatologist.
Early detection often means simpler treatment and better outcomes.
Schedule Regular Professional Skin Checks
Even the most careful self-exams cannot replace a professional skin cancer screening. Annual full-body skin exams are recommended for most adults, and more frequent visits may be advised if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer.
At Feinstein Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists perform thorough skin checks using trained clinical judgment and advanced tools. These exams help identify subtle or early changes that may not be apparent at home.
Regular skin checks are especially important in January. Starting the year with a baseline exam creates a clear reference point and reinforces skin health as part of your overall wellness plan.
Do Not Skip Sun Protection in Winter
A common misconception is that sun protection is only needed during summer. In South Florida, ultraviolet exposure remains high year-round, even on cloudy or cooler days.
Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is one of the most effective preventive habits you can adopt. Apply it to exposed areas like the face, neck, ears, and hands. Reapply when spending extended time outdoors.
Protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses provide an additional layer of protection. These habits reduce cumulative sun damage, which is a major contributor to skin cancer over time.
Know Your Personal Risk Factors
Skin cancer does not affect everyone equally. Understanding your individual risk helps guide how proactive you should be.
Higher risk factors include fair skin, a history of sunburns, excessive sun exposure, indoor tanning, a weakened immune system, and a personal or family history of skin cancer.
If you fall into one or more of these categories, early detection and consistent monitoring are even more important. A dermatologist can help tailor a prevention and screening schedule that fits your risk profile.
Take Changes Seriously and Act Early
Many people delay seeing a dermatologist because a spot does not hurt or seems minor. Skin cancer often develops quietly, without pain or obvious symptoms in its early stages.
Acting early when you notice a change can make a significant difference. When skin cancer is detected early, treatment is often less invasive and more effective. This is especially true for melanoma and other aggressive forms of skin cancer.
If something does not look right, trust your instincts and schedule an evaluation.
Start the Year With a Proactive Approach to Skin Health
The new year is an opportunity to make prevention a priority. By committing to monthly self-exams, annual professional skin checks, and daily sun protection, you are taking meaningful steps to protect your long-term health.
At Feinstein Dermatology, we believe skin cancer prevention begins with education, awareness, and access to expert care. Our board-certified team is here to support you with comprehensive screenings, early detection, and advanced skin cancer treatment options when needed. Schedule your skin cancer screening today and make prevention part of your new year routine.
