January for a Dermatologist Skin Check

January is the month we take stock — of our health, our habits, and the things we’ve quietly put off. Skin check with a dermatologist often falls into that category. Not because they’re unimportant, but because they don’t always feel urgent.

In reality, a professional skin check is one of the most proactive things you can do for your long-term health — and January is the ideal time to do it.

At No. 23 Skin, we see skin checks not as a reaction to worry, but as part of intelligent, preventative healthcare. Calm. Thorough. By Dermatologists. Designed to give you clarity and peace of mind for the year ahead.

What do we mean by a “skin check”?

A skin check (often called a mole check) is a clinical examination of your skin by a trained medical professional, looking for:

• New moles or lesions

• Changes in existing moles

• Lesions that aren’t healing

• Subtle signs of early skin cancer

Importantly, it’s not just about melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are far more common — and far more treatable when picked up early.

A proper skin check is visual, systematic, and informed by years of dermatology training. It’s not something apps, mirrors, or online quizzes can replace.

Why January is a Good Time for a Dermatologist Skin Check

January offers a rare pause.

After a year of sun exposure — holidays, weekends outdoors, everyday incidental UV — changes in the skin are often easier to spot. Tan has faded. Baseline skin tone has returned. Patterns become clearer.

It’s also a time when people are more receptive to preventative care rather than reactive fixes.

A January skin check allows you to:

• Establish a clear baseline for the year

• Address anything early, while treatment is simpler

• Move forward with confidence rather than uncertainty

This is skin health as part of life — not something to fear, but something to manage intelligently.

Who Should be Booking a Skin Check Dermatologist

There’s a common misconception that skin checks are only for people with “lots of moles” or obvious risk factors.

In reality, we recommend professional skin checks if you:

• Have spent time in the sun over the years (including childhood exposure)

• Have fair skin, freckles, or a history of sunburn

• Have noticed a mole that looks different from others — it is very important to get any changing or unusual looking moles checked. The NHS have a good melanoma check here. 

• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer

• Simply want reassurance from an expert

At Home Skin Awareness (to support medical checks)

Between professional checks, awareness matters.

We encourage patients to be familiar with their skin — not hyper-vigilant, but observant.

A simple monthly scan after a shower is enough. Look for:

• Anything new

• Anything changing

• Anything that feels out of character for your skin

If something catches your attention, that’s your cue to book in. You don’t need to decide what it is — that’s our job.

Why Who You See Matters

Not all skin checks are the same.

A consultant dermatologist has spent over a decade training specifically in diagnosing skin disease and skin cancer. That depth of experience matters — especially when changes are subtle.

At No. 23 Skin, all skin checks are led by medically trained dermatologists with specialist expertise. We don’t rush. We don’t over-diagnose. And we don’t dismiss concerns.

If something needs monitoring, we’ll explain why.
If something needs treatment, we’ll guide you through next steps clearly and calmly.

Different skin concerns benefit from different areas of expertise.

Some patients want reassurance and routine screening.
Others may have a history of atypical moles, skin cancer, or complex acne alongside their skin check.

Our team includes consultants with specialist interests in:

• Skin cancer and complex mole assessment (we recommend Dr Dhariwal, Dr Bhate, Dr Roest and Dr Rouhani).

• Regular mole checks and ongoing skin health (Dr Armstrong, Dr Bhate, Dr Dhariwal)

Seeing the right dermatologist from the outset saves time, anxiety, and repeat appointments. We know it can feel like a minefield, so give us a call to chat through who would be best for you – 02039411815.

Skin Should be Lived In

A skin check isn’t about fear.
It’s about stewardship.

Looking after your skin so you can continue living in it — travelling, exercising, ageing, enjoying life — with confidence.

January is simply a good place to start.

If you’re ready to book a professional skin check or would like guidance on which consultant is right for you, our team is here to help. Give us a call on 02039411815, or drop us an email through the contact form here.

Helen x

CoFounder
No. 23 Skin
02039411815
23 Ansdell Street

NB: This information should not be used in place of specific medical advice. Please book to see one of our dermatologists, or see your NHS GP if you have concerns about skin cancer risk or a changing mole.