Did you know? Late spring is actually one of the best times of the year for a skin check.
Your skin is naturally lighter after winter, which makes any new or changing spots easier for doctors to see, including those that might have developed from sun exposure last summer.
At Sunstate Family Practice in Victoria Point, our doctors make skin checks simple, thorough and comfortable, and we also offer Total Body Mapping (TBM) to take your care one step further.
This article covers:
- How UV rays actually damage the skin and increase cancer risk
- What to expect during a professional skin check
- How Total Body Mapping (TBM) helps detect even the smallest
- changes early
- Sun-smart tips: Knowing is power
How the Sun Damages Skin
Sunlight is made up of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays penetrate the skin and can damage the DNA in your skin cells.
Sunlight contains two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA and UVB:
- UVB rays cause sunburn and can damage DNA, increasing the risk of skin cancer
- UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to premature ageing, wrinkles, and also playing a role in skin cancer
Over time, that damage can build up and cause cells to grow in abnormal ways, and that’s how skin cancer begins.
It’s not just about sunburn. Even mild, repeated exposure can cause tiny changes beneath the surface that aren’t visible straight away.
In fact, many skin cancers appear months or even years after the damage first occurs.
Regular skin checks are one of the smartest habits you can have when it comes to health, especially if you live somewhere sunny like Victoria Point, Redland Bay or Cleveland.
We’ve heard it before, but it’s nothing to roll your eyes at: Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in Australia, and Australia has one of the highest rates in the world.
Take a look at these skin cancer facts by SunSmart, which don’t tell a very nice story. E.g. “More than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime”.
Skin Checks With Total Body Mapping
A skin check is quick, non-invasive and done in complete privacy. During your appointment, your doctor will examine areas of your skin looking for moles, freckles, or spots that have changed in colour, size or shape.
Total Body Mapping (TBM) adds another layer of accuracy, and it’s available at Sunstate Family Practice for good reason.
Using high-quality medical imaging, it creates a full photographic record of your skin. This allows doctors to compare images over time.
It’s safe, confidential, and ideal for anyone with lots of moles, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma. Think of TBM as your personal skin health archive, it makes future checks faster, clearer and more reassuring.
FYI: “Total” doesn’t mean 100% total, it means the areas that get, or have got sun exposure, like your face, arms, legs, neck and possibly your back, among others. We only check and photograph areas that we discuss with you prior.
You can certainly show/tell your doctor areas you’ve noticed that have sun damage too.
What Happens During a Skin Check
- Your GP will ask about your medical and sun exposure history
- Then your GP checks pre-discussed areas of your skin, possibly using a dermatoscope
- If any spots look suspicious, your doctor may photograph or monitor them, or arrange a biopsy for further testing
- Your doctor will discuss the findings with you, and recommend the next steps
The appointment usually takes between 15–30 minutes, and most people leave feeling relieved and more in control of their health.
Book your skin check today at Sunstate Family Practice, before the summer season begins.
Sun-smart tips: Knowing is Power for Everyday Skin Protection
1.What SPF really means:
SPF 50+ doesn’t mean 50 minutes of protection or 50% shade.
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how much UVB radiation a sunscreen blocks.
- SPF 30 can block about 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50 can blocks about 98% of UVB rays
That’s right: SPF 50 isn’t “20 points” better than SPF 30.
Higher SPF gives slightly more protection, but only if you apply enough per the instructions.
For best results, use broad-spectrum sunscreen (it protects against UVA and UVB).
2. Check the CHOICE sunscreen guide:
See how your brand performs in real-world conditions take a look at the CHOICE Sunscreen Test.
3. Understand the UV index:
Anything above 3 means UV levels are high enough to cause skin damage. You can check this in your weather app before heading out.
The scale goes to 11+ (max), and there are plenty of days in Queensland that hit those extremes.
Don’t think clouds are your friends. On a cloudy day, over 90% of UV rays can still get through, and sometimes patchy clouds can even increase UV levels due to reflection and concentration.
4. Watch reflective surfaces:
Sand, concrete, and water can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, increasing exposure even in the shade.
For better protection, apply sunscreen:
- Eyelids
- Under the chin and jawline
- On the underside of your arms
5. Don’t forget your eyes:
UV rays can damage the surface of your eyes too, but sunglasses with UV400 protection can help prevent cataracts and sun-related eye conditions.
It can harm the cornea and lens over time, leading to blurry vision, eye ageing, and even macular damage. Take a look here for more information on that.
Choose your sunnies wisely!
At The End of The Day
Regular skin checks are more than just a precaution.
They’re a simple, effective way to stay ahead of skin damage and protect your long-term health.
With late spring being a perfect time to spot changes, and tools like Total Body Photography making checks even more accurate and reassuring, there’s never been a better moment to prioritise your skin.
Take charge of your skin health today, gain peace of mind, and step into summer confidently.
Book your skin check or Total Body Photography appointment now at Sunstate Family Practice.
