Many doctors recommend seeing a dermatologist by age 25 to have a full-body skin check. By that age, your skin has likely been exposed to sun damage, increasing your risk of skin cancer. You may want to see a dermatologist sooner if you suffer from a recurring skin condition or if you notice any suspicious skin abnormalities or growths. An annual appointment can help catch cancer before it spreads, and it can also help you and your dermatologist manage long-term skin conditions.