As someone who travels constantly and spends a lot of time outdoors, I know firsthand the toll the sun can take on my skin. At 33, I take my skincare seriously – not just the serums and SPF, but also the bigger picture, like making sure my skin is healthy from the inside out. That’s why I booked myself in for a skin check at Shade Skin Cancer Medicine in West Perth, and honestly? I walked away feeling like I’d just done my future self a huge favor.
First Impressions Matter
Shade Skin is tucked away on Outram Street, and from the moment I walked in, I could tell this wasn’t your average medical clinic. The space is modern, calm, and welcoming – more like a high-end skincare studio than a cold, clinical office. Upon arrival I was greeted warmly, and within minutes, I felt totally at ease. If you’re someone who gets nervous about medical appointments, this place does a great job of making you feel comfortable.
The Skin Check Experience
I was booked in with Dr. Emily Alfonsi, the medical director at Shade Skin, and let me tell you- she knows her stuff. She has years of experience in skin cancer detection and treatment, and she explained everything in a way that was super easy to understand.
The full skin check was thorough but non-invasive. Using a dermoscope, Dr. Emily carefully examined every mole and freckle, explaining what she was looking for along the way. I appreciated how detail-oriented she was it didn’t feel rushed, and she made sure to check areas I wouldn’t normally think about, like my scalp and behind my ears.
The Reality of Sun Exposure
Given that I spend a lot of time in the sun, Dr. Emily stressed the importance of regular skin checks ideally once a year, especially since Australia has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. She also gave me some great advice tailored to my lifestyle, including how to layer SPF for better protection and which ingredients to look for in my skincare to help repair sun damage.
Thankfully, everything looked good during my check, but if they had found anything concerning, Shade Skin also offers biopsies and skin lesion removals. It’s reassuring to know that if something ever did pop up, I’d be in expert hands.
The Cost & Why It’s Worth It
Shade Skin is a privately billing practice, with full skin checks ranging from $159 to $209 before the Medicare rebate. If you’re just concerned about one or two spots, you can book a spot check at a lower cost. Everything is clearly explained upfront, so there are no surprises when it comes to pricing.
For me, this was a no-brainer investment. We spend money on skincare, gym memberships, and supplements so why not also invest in something that could literally save your life?
Final Thoughts
Walking out of Shade Skin, I felt a huge sense of relief. Even though I take good care of my skin, I know that sun exposure is something I can’t entirely avoid. Having a professional, thorough skin check gave me peace of mind and reinforced the importance of prevention over treatment.
If you live in Perth (or anywhere in Australia, really) and haven’t had a skin check in a while, book yourself in. Shade Skin makes the whole experience easy, informative, and—dare I say—actually enjoyable. Your future self will thank you.
