Skin Checks in Winter: Why Now Is Actually the Right Time to Get Checked
Why Winter Is One of the Best Times to Get a Skin Check
Most Australians think about skin checks after summer — after the beach days, the outdoor hours, and the months of UV exposure. That instinct makes sense, but it misses the clinical logic of timing.
Winter is actually one of the more effective times of year to have a skin check. Here is why, and what a skin check with a GP actually involves.
Why Winter Works for Skin Checks
Skin that hasn't been recently sun-exposed is easier to assess. Active sun exposure can cause temporary changes in skin colour and texture — including mild inflammation and tanning — that can make it harder to evaluate lesions clearly. In winter, skin that has had months to settle gives a cleaner baseline.
Changes from summer are visible but fresh. Any spots that developed or changed over the summer months are still recent enough to examine and document accurately. Waiting until the following summer means those changes have had another full season to progress without review.
Demand is lower in winter. Skin check appointments are more readily available in winter than in summer, when clinics typically see higher demand. Booking now means less waiting.
Prevention works best with regularity. Annual skin checks — rather than checks only after concerns arise — are the standard recommendation for adults in Australia. Choosing winter as a consistent annual time to book makes the habit easier to maintain.
What Is Dermoscopy?
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive technique that uses a magnified, illuminated lens to examine skin lesions in detail not visible to the naked eye.
A GP trained in dermoscopy can assess the structure, colour distribution, and borders of moles and lesions with significantly more precision than visual inspection alone. Research published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that dermoscopy increased the accuracy of melanoma diagnosis compared to naked eye examination alone.
At Embrace Medical on Crown, skin checks are performed by experienced GPs using dermoscopy. The appointment involves:
- A full-body skin check reviewing all lesions, including any you are concerned about
- Dermoscopic examination of lesions requiring closer assessment
- Documentation of any spots being monitored over time
- A clear plan for any lesions that require follow-up, referral, or removal
Who Should Get a Skin Check?
Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world. The Cancer Council Australia reports that approximately 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by age 70.
A skin check is recommended for:
- All adults with a history of significant sun exposure
- Anyone who has had a previous skin cancer or precancerous lesion
- People with a family history of melanoma
- Adults with fair skin, red or blonde hair, or a high number of moles
- Anyone who has noticed a spot that has changed in size, shape, or colour
You do not need a specific reason or a spot you are worried about. Routine checks are preventive, not reactive.
Source: Cancer Council Australia. Skin cancer facts and statistics. cancer.org.au
The ABCDE Rule: What to Watch Between Checks
Between annual skin checks, the ABCDE rule provides a framework for self-monitoring:
If you notice any of these, see a GP rather than waiting for your next annual check.
Source: Cancer Council Australia; Skin Cancer Foundation (skincancer.org)
Skin Checks and Men's Health
Men are statistically less likely to attend skin checks and more likely to present with advanced skin cancer. This is partly because skin checks are often framed as a cosmetic or elective appointment rather than a routine health check. They are not.
If you are reading this during Men's Health Week (15 to 21 June 2026), a skin check is one of the most practical and evidence-supported appointments you can book. Read more about men's health checks here.
Book a Skin Check at Embrace Medical, Wollongong
Embrace Medical on Crown at 479 Crown St, West Wollongong offers skin checks using dermoscopy with experienced GPs. No referral is required.
Book a skin check at embracemedical.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a skin check take? A full-body skin check with dermoscopy typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of lesions reviewed and any additional discussion.
Does Medicare cover skin checks? A skin examination with a GP attracts a Medicare rebate. Additional procedures such as biopsies or excisions may involve separate costs. Speak with the practice about current fees.
How often should I get a skin check? Annual checks are the general recommendation for adults in Australia. Those with a history of skin cancer or high personal risk may be advised to attend more frequently.
Can a GP perform a skin check or do I need a dermatologist? GPs trained in dermoscopy perform routine skin checks and are the appropriate first point of assessment. A GP will refer to a dermatologist if a lesion requires specialist review.
What is the difference between a mole check and a skin check? A mole check typically refers to the examination of one or a few specific spots of concern. A full skin check covers the entire body systematically, including areas you may not be monitoring yourself, such as the scalp, back, and soles of the feet.
Information is general in nature and does not replace personalised medical advice. Book a GP appointment for an individual assessment.
Sources: Cancer Council Australia (cancer.org.au); Skin Cancer Foundation (skincancer.org); Dermatology Association of Australia (dermatology.org.au).
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