A regular skin exam is an important step you can take in safeguarding your skin health. By performing self-exams and visiting a dermatologist for professional checks, you can identify potential skin issues early, provide an opportunity for prompt treatment and help to minimize risks.

The Importance of Preventative Skin Exams

Preventative skin exams can help detect skin cancer, early signs of aging, or other skin conditions. Here's why regular skin checks are essential:

1. Early Detection of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, but can be highly treatable when caught early. Regular exams help spot irregular moles or growths that could indicate skin cancer.

2. Prevention of Advanced Skin Conditions

By identifying skin issues early, such as acne, eczema, or fungal infections, you can help prevent them from worsening and causing more damage.

3. Maintain Skin Health Over Time

Regular exams allow you to monitor your skin's health and make necessary changes to your skincare routine or lifestyle before problems develop.

How to Perform a Self-Skin Exam

Being proactive with self-skin exams is an easy, effective way to monitor your skin for any changes. Here's how to do it:

1. Check for New or Changing Moles: Look for any new growths or changes in the appearance of existing moles, such as color, size, or shape.
2. Examine Your Entire Body: Make sure to check your scalp, back, legs, and other hard-to-see areas with a mirror or by using a handheld mirror to inspect your back and other areas.
3. Look for Asymmetry, Irregular Borders, and Color Changes: Skin cancer lesions often appear asymmetrical with uneven borders and multiple colors. Keep an eye out for any moles or spots that exhibit these traits.
4. Note Itchy, Painful, or Bleeding Areas: If a mole or skin lesion becomes irritated, painful, or starts to bleed, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
5. Track Changes Over Time: Keep a record of any moles or spots that change in appearance. This will help you notice patterns or significant changes over time.

Schedule Regular Dermatologist Exams

While self-skin exams are an important step, professional skin exams are crucial for a thorough check. Dermatologists can detect concerns you might miss, making regular visits essential—not just when you notice changes. Experts recommend scheduling a full-body skin exam at least once a year, even if everything looks normal.

You should also schedule a visit to a dermatologist if you notice any of the following:

1. Changes in Moles: If a mole changes in size, shape, or color, or becomes irregular or asymmetrical.
2. New Growths: Any new spots or moles that appear, especially if they look different from your other moles.
3. Non-Healing Sores or Lesions: Persistent sores that don’t heal, itch, or bleed may be signs of an underlying issue.
4. Frequent or Unexplained Skin Infections: Recurrent or unusual skin infections may require a professional evaluation.
5. Family History of Skin Cancer: If you have a family history of skin cancer, it's important to have regular professional exams.

Benefits of Regular Skin Exams

1. Early Detection Can Save Lives: Early detection of skin cancer or other skin issues increases the likelihood of successful treatment and recovery.
2. Peace of Mind: Regular exams help to provide reassurance that your skin health is being actively monitored and maintained.
3. Preventative Care: Addressing potential issues early can help prevent them from developing into more serious or chronic conditions.
4. Tailored Skincare Advice: A dermatologist can provide personalized skincare recommendations based on your skin’s unique needs and concerns.

How Often Should You Have a Skin Exam?

The frequency of professional skin exams depends on various factors, such as your skin type, age, and family history of skin conditions. Generally:

• For Individuals with No Risk Factors: Schedule a skin exam every year or every two years, depending on your dermatologist’s recommendation.
• For Individuals with Risk Factors (e.g., family history of skin cancer, fair skin, excessive sun exposure): More frequent exams may be necessary, potentially every six months to a year.

Quick Tips

• Perform monthly self-skin exams to check for any new or changing moles, spots, or growths.
• Look for signs of skin cancer such as asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, and any mole that bleeds or itches.
• Track changes over time by taking pictures of any moles or lesions to monitor their evolution.
• Visit a dermatologist annually for a professional skin exam, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer or other risk factors.
• Seek professional care immediately if you notice any unusual growths, persistent sores, or changes in existing skin lesions.
• Wear sunscreen and UPF 50 clothing daily to help protect your skin from UV damage that could lead to future skin issues. SHOP SINSOL UPF 50 Collection to help stay protected while looking radiant.