I grew up thinking the tanner I was, the better I looked, and I know I’m not alone. Every actor, pop star, and reality personality I envied as a child had bronze, beautiful skin. I, on the other hand, was blessed with skin as white as snow.
Because of my pale complexion, I spent hours in the sun trying to become the women I saw in magazines. And, while I did get a touch darker, the only thing I really got was terrible sunburns. Truthfully, I can’t even count on my hands the number of bad sunburns I’ve gotten over the years.
Thankfully I never stepped foot inside a tanning booth (my parents would’ve disowned me if I had), but that doesn’t mean I didn’t do serious damage to my skin. Despite realizing the error of my ways in my early twenties, I know I’ve put myself at risk for developing skin cancer at some point in my life.
If my story sounds familiar to you, or you’re still someone who spends hours baking in the sun during the summer, let this serve as a reminder to get your skin checked this summer. We all should be seeing a dermatologist every year for our annual skin check, but we can also check our moles and spots for anything unusual year-round.
Here’s how to do your own at-home skin exam, as well as why you should make an appointment to see a dermatologist this summer. Health is wealth, y’all!
Just a quick note: We’re not doctors at HeyPumpkin, and you should always contact your doctor if you have any concerns about your health.
How to Check Your Skin at Home
Before hopping into the shower, take a look at your skin in the mirror. Make note of any new moles or spots that may have popped up in recent months — do they look unusual?
When looking for an abnormal spot, it’s important to remember “ABCDE” — asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, and evolving.
Non-cancerous moles tend to be very symmetrical and almost look like perfect circles. If you notice one of your moles is not symmetrical, it may require further examination. The borders of your mole should also be smooth. Uneven borders, on the other hand, might be a red flag.
And, while moles can be different shades of brown, check to see if any moles have a variety of colors. Likewise, your moles should not be bigger than a pencil eraser and if you notice any spots have grown or changed in size, shape, or color, make a dermatology appointment immediately.
Doing these routine skin checks in the mirror will make you aware of any changes to your skin and alert you of anything suspicious. Spotting an irregular mole can be life-saving, so don’t push it off or ignore it.
When You Should See a Dermatologist
Going to your annual physical isn’t enough to make sure your skin is healthy and normal. It is important for everyone, regardless of age, skin tone, and family history with skin cancer, to get their skin checked by a dermatologist every year.
Dermatology visits are usually covered by most insurance companies (although they require a small copay) and most don’t take longer than 15 minutes. The dermatologist will take a look over your skin from head to toe, make note of any moles, and let you know whether you need to get anything removed. It’s as simple as that!
They also may point out any moles or spots that you need to keep an eye on over the years, as well as help you deal with any other skin issues, such as rashes or acne.
Now that we’re officially in summer, don’t put off going to the dermatologist any longer. Give yourself peace of mind knowing your skin is healthy and everything looks OK. And no matter what you do, please wear your sunscreen. Your future self will thank you!
