Back-to-School Routine Skin Care Check
Introduction
A recent study found that nearly two thirds of U.S. high school students experienced a sunburn in the past year. With the new school year approaching, it’s easy to focus on notebooks and new clothes, but what about your skin? The shift from long, sun filled summer days to the structure of a new academic routine provides the perfect opportunity for a skin reset.
In this article, we explore why back to school season is an ideal time to schedule a full body skin check, what to expect during an exam, who should consider one, and how Bryn Mawr Dermatology can help you and your family maintain healthy skin throughout the year.
While this article spells out some important information about a skin check, we highly recommend you read the full article, here are the key points we will focus on:
Table of Contents
Why Is Back-to-School the Perfect Time for a Skin Check?
Studies show that a significant portion of a person’s lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and young adulthood. This makes the period right after summer a critical time for a full skin evaluation. Dermatologists can detect new or evolving moles, freckles, and lesions, as well as assess signs of UV damage that are not always visible. Including a skin check as part of your back to school routine is a proactive way to protect your health and catch potential issues early.
What Is a Full-Body Skin Check and Why Is It Important?
A full body skin check is a thorough, professional evaluation that helps uncover early signs of sun damage or skin cancer, especially after a summer of increased sun exposure. During the exam, your dermatologist carefully evaluates your entire skin surface, including areas that are often overlooked such as the scalp, soles of the feet, and behind the knees. Special attention is given to areas that receive higher sun exposure, like the face, chest, shoulders, and back.
The main goal is to detect new or changing moles, freckles, and lesions that may require closer monitoring or treatment. If anything unusual is found, your provider may perform a quick biopsy during the visit for further analysis. Regular skin checks also create a record of your skin’s condition.
Who Should Get a Full-Body Skin Exam?
While everyone can benefit from routine skin checks, certain individuals are more vulnerable to skin issues and should prioritize annual exams such as:
- Anyone with a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Individuals with fair skin, light eyes, or a tendency to burn easily
- People with a high number of moles or atypical moles
- Those who spend a lot of time outdoors for work or recreation
- Individuals who have used tanning beds
- People with a weakened immune system due to medical conditions or treatments
- Children or teens who have experienced frequent sunburns
How Does Summer Sun Exposure Impact Your Skin Health?
Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays during the summer can have both immediate and long-term effects on your skin’s health.
- Sunburns: A sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to excessive UV radiation, which damages the skin’s DNA. Even a single severe sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
- Premature Aging: Chronic sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which are essential for maintaining its firmness. This can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and a leathery texture, making you look older than you are.
- Hyperpigmentation: Pigmentation issues such as freckles, sunspots, and melasma often worsen. This is the body’s attempt to protect itself from UV damage.
- Increased Risk of Skin Cancer: UV radiation can cause mutations in skin cells, leading to the development of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
How Can a Full-Body Exam Fit into Your Back-to-School Routine?
Between sports physicals, school supply runs, and adjusting to new schedules, it may seem like there’s no time to spare. But a full-body skin exam is a quick, non-invasive appointment that can easily fit into your back-to-school checklist, and it could make a big difference for your health. Appointments typically take only 15 to 30 minutes, making them easy to schedule before or after school, and early fall is often a lower-demand time for dermatology visits, meaning shorter wait times.
A professional skin check ensures that any new or changing spots from summer sun exposure are evaluated promptly. Teens dealing with acne, rashes, or skin sensitivity can also benefit from updated treatment guidance, making the visit valuable beyond skin cancer screening. Prioritizing skin health at this stage not only protects against immediate concerns but also sets a strong example of lifelong self-care for young patients.
How Can Bryn Mawr Dermatology Treat You For Back-to-School?
From assessing sun damage, monitoring suspicious moles, to refreshing your skincare routine, Bryn Mawr Dermatology is ready to get your whole family off to a strong year.
Our board-qualified dermatologists provide individualized attention to skin health, providing comprehensive, caring treatments to individuals of all ages. Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and a focus on information and prevention, we provide each visit with confidence and proactive answers. From teenage acne control to comprehensive skin exams for parents, we provide personalized assistance for your family’s individual skin concerns.
Unlike one-size-fits-all clinics, Bryn Mawr Dermatology is known for its attentive, expert care and long-term commitment to patient wellness. We welcome patients at our conveniently located offices in Villanova, Collegeville, and Chesterbrook.
Include skin health in your back-to-school preparation. Contact us at (267) 486 3482 to schedule your appointment, or book it online today. Early care makes a lasting difference.
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Content Review Committee at Bryn Mawr Dermatology
By: Bryn Mawr Dermatology, Published: March 4 2024
Medically Reviewed By: Christine Stanko, MD, FAAD –March 3, 2025