Turning 40 is kind of a big deal. Maybe you’re starting to feel not as young and spry as you used to. Or wondering where those wrinkles around your eyes came from. But hey, aging happens to all of us. One important health change to make when you hit your 40s is getting your skin checked for signs of cancer. We know, cancer sounds scary. But checking your skin at a skin check clinic like Sundoctors can help catch problems early. This article will explain why having the docs look at your skin is so crucial after 40. Let’s do this.

Your Skin Changes as You Get Older

Here’s a fact: your skin at 20 versus 40 is not the same. As you get older, your skin gets more wrinkled, thinner and paler. Some sunspots and other changes are normal. But unhealthy changes can sneak up too. Your skin also becomes more fragile and dry over time. This weaker skin barrier makes it easier for cancer cells to take hold. So changes that might not cause issues when you were younger can be problematic as you get into your 40s and beyond.

Sun Damage Adds Up Over Time

You probably hear a lot about wearing sunscreen and the risks of too much sun. But when you’re young, bad sunburns may heal and not seem so serious. As you get older though, all that sun damage that’s built up over the years starts to rear its ugly head. Too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer. And you might not even realize the harmful effects until decades later when you’re older. That’s why it’s so important to get checked – those skin spots could be cancer waiting to happen.

Your Risk Increases as You Age

Here are the receipts: your risk of getting skin cancer jumps up significantly in your 40s. There are a few different types of skin cancer, like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest kind. About 50% of melanomas happen in people older than 50. Rates of basal and squamous cell carcinomas also skyrocket in your 50s and 60s. The reason? All that sun damage from your younger years starts to cause problems. Better stay on top of it.

Early Detection Can Save Your Skin.

This is the key reason to get checked. Catching skin cancer early when it’s small and hasn’t spread makes a huge difference. Early stage skin cancers are way simpler to treat before they grow large or spread. Your dermatologist can find issues quickly with a thorough skin exam. Then they can remove concerning spots right away before they become an aggressive cancer. Detecting it early is crucial.

Know Your ABCDEs and What to Look For

So how do the docs know what spots to look for? They use the ABCDE checklist for possible signs of melanoma:

A – Asymmetry – One half doesn’t match the other

B – Border – The edges are uneven, ragged or blurred

C – Color – There may be different shades or patches

D – Diameter – Larger than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser

E – Evolving – The spot is changing shape, size or color

Other things they’ll check are any new or changing moles or spots, sores, lumps, or scaly patches. Speak up about anything you notice.

Your Checkup Game Plan

Visiting the dermatologist should start at age 40, then yearly after that. They’ll do a full body skin check, sometimes using a special magnifying tool for a close look. The appointment is super easy, no needles or anything. They’ll have you undress and check everywhere from your scalp to your toes. If anything seems suspicious, they may biopsy it. Then you’ll know for sure what you’re dealing with.

Jimmy’s Skin Check Experience

Let’s see how this all plays out with an imaginary dude named Jimmy. Jimmy’s 43 and hasn’t had his skin checked in years. But he decided to schedule an exam when he turned 40.

At his appointment, the dermatologist finds a funky looking dark spot on Jimmy’s back. They perform a biopsy to analyze the cells. Turns out it’s melanoma skin cancer. Luckily, catching it early means they can remove it with a simple outpatient procedure. Jimmy takes care of it before it becomes a big problem. Moral of the story: those skin checks matter to people.

Time to Schedule Your Skin Check Appointment.

Reaching the big 4-0 means it’s time to take action to detect any skin issues brewing under the surface from all those years in the sun. Booking your first dermatology appointment could save your skin and your life. Stay vigilant with self-checks at home too. And if you notice any worrisome changes before your next appointment, get it looked at ASAP. Don’t take chances with your skin health. Here’s to aging gracefully and catching problems early. Your skin will thank you down the road.