5 Everyday Habits That Quietly Increase Your Risk of Skin Cancer
May 9, 2025
How to Check Your Skin for Cancer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Your skin is your largest organ — and it’s constantly exposed to the sun. Here’s how to stay one step ahead.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., but the good news? It’s also one of the most preventable — and treatable when caught early. Performing regular self-exams is a powerful habit that can help you spot changes before they become something serious.
At Aloe Up, we believe skin protection goes beyond sunscreen. It’s about staying informed, being proactive, and making sun safety a daily ritual. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you check your skin at home.
Step 1: Start With a Clean Slate
Before you begin, find a well-lit room and a full-length mirror. Remove makeup and any clothing that covers your skin. You’ll also want a hand mirror for hard-to-see spots like your back or scalp.
Pro Tip: After a shower is a great time to check your skin — your body is clean, and you’re already in front of a mirror.
Step 2: Know What You’re Looking For
When examining your skin, you’re looking for anything new, changing, or unusual. The most common signs of skin cancer include:
- New moles or spots
- Existing moles that change in size, shape, or color
- Spots that bleed, itch, or don’t heal
- Asymmetry or uneven borders
- Multi-colored or dark patches
Use the ABCDE rule to help evaluate moles:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
- Border: Edges are irregular or blurred
- Color: Multiple colors or uneven tone
- Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6mm)
- Evolving: Changing in size, shape, or behavior
Step 3: Examine Head to Toe
Follow this full-body scan to make sure you don’t miss a spot:
- Face and Scalp: Check your forehead, nose, lips, ears, and around the eyes. Use a hand mirror or ask someone to help check your scalp, parting your hair section by section.
- Neck, Chest, and Shoulders: Women should lift breasts to check underneath. Don’t forget behind the ears and along your jawline.
- Arms and Hands: Look at the tops and undersides of your arms, including your elbows, wrists, palms, and between your fingers.
- Torso and Back: Use a hand mirror to check your upper and lower back, or ask a partner for help. Don’t forget the sides of your body.
- Legs and Feet: Check your thighs, knees, calves, and shins. Examine the tops and soles of your feet, between toes, and even under your toenails.
Step 4: Track Changes Over Time
What you see today might look totally normal — but six months from now, it could look different. That’s why documenting your findings is essential.
- Take clear, well-lit photos of moles or spots you're monitoring
- Create a monthly or seasonal reminder on your phone to check your skin
- If something looks suspicious or changes, call your dermatologist
Early detection can save lives — don’t second-guess your instincts.
Step 5: Pair With Daily Protection
Regular skin checks are just one part of the prevention puzzle. Protect your skin daily with broad-spectrum SPF, even when it’s cloudy. UV damage happens every day — not just at the beach.
At Aloe Up, we offer dermatologist-recommended sunscreens designed for everyday use. Our formulas use aloe vera as the base (instead of water), so they’re gentle, non-greasy, and highly effective.
Final Thoughts
Catching skin cancer early starts with you. With just 5–10 minutes once a month, you can develop a life-saving habit. Combine that with consistent SPF use, smart sun habits, and annual dermatologist visits — and you’re giving your skin the long-term care it deserves.
Your skin tells your story. Protect it. Check it. Love it.
👉 Explore Aloe Up’s SPF Collection » here
