How to Perform a Self-Skin Check at Home (and Why Regular Skin Checks Matter)

One of the most powerful tools in the fight against melanoma and other skin cancers is awareness—knowing your skin, monitoring it regularly, and recognising when something changes. While professional skin checks with a doctor are essential, performing regular self-skin checks at home can help you detect early warning signs between visits.

In honour of Melanoma Awareness Month, here’s your guide to checking your skin, what to look for, and why regular checks—both at home and with your GP or dermatologist—are so important.

Why Self-Skin Checks Matter

Skin cancer, including melanoma, often develops in plain sight. Catching it early can mean the difference between a simple treatment and a life-threatening diagnosis. According to experts, melanomas detected early have a five-year survival rate of over 90%.

Performing a skin check once a month is recommended so you become familiar with your moles, freckles, and spots—and can notice any changes quickly.

How to Perform a Skin Check at Home

Use the Right Tools:

• A full-length mirror

• A hand-held mirror

• Bright lighting

• A chair (to check the bottoms of feet and back of legs)

What to Look For: The ABCDE Rule

Dermatologists recommend following the ABCDE rule when examining moles or spots:

• A – Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.

• B – Border: Irregular, blurred, or jagged edges.

• C – Colour: Multiple colours or uneven shades.

• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

• E – Evolving: Changing in size, shape, colour, or behaviour (itching, bleeding, etc.).

Don’t Miss These Often-Forgotten Areas:

• Scalp (use a comb or ask for help)

• Ears and behind the ears

• Back, shoulders, and backs of thighs

• Underarms and under breasts

• Between toes and the soles of your feet

• Fingernails and toenails

Take photos of spots you’re monitoring to track any changes over time.

The Importance of Professional Skin Checks

While self-checks are vital, they should never replace annual professional skin checks by a GP or dermatologist. Those with higher risk factors—such as a family history of melanoma, fair skin, or a large number of moles—may need to be checked more frequently.

A professional check involves full-body examination under proper lighting and magnification tools, often detecting things the untrained eye may miss.

How Often?

• Once a year for most adults

• Every 6–12 months for those with increased risk

• Monthly self-checks to supplement professional visits

Prevention Is the First Step

Protecting your skin in the first place is essential:

• Wear UPF50+ protective clothing like SParms arm sleeves, shoulder wraps, gloves, and neck gaiters

• Use SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every day

• Avoid direct sun during peak hours (10am to 4pm)

• Wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses

Final Thoughts

Performing regular self-skin checks can help you detect problems early—but they should be part of a wider sun safety routine that includes UPF50+ protection, daily sunscreen, and regular visits to a healthcare professional.

At SParms, we’re committed to making sun protection effortless with comfortable, dermatologist-recommended UPF50+ gear you’ll actually want to wear.

Know your skin. Protect it well. And don’t skip your check-ups.