A Complete Guide to Your Monthly Skin Self-Check
A Complete Guide to Your Monthly Skin Self-Check
A monthly skin self-check is one of the most proactive and empowering habits you can adopt for your long-term health. By regularly examining your skin, you become familiar with your own landscape of moles, freckles, and spots, making it easier to notice any changes early.
Here is our complete, step-by-step guide to performing a thorough self-check at home.
What You'll Need
- A well-lit room
- A full-length mirror
- A hand mirror
The 7-Step Process
-
Set the Scene
In a brightly lit room, stand in front of your full-length mirror. Make sure your skin is clean and dry, without any makeup or lotion. -
Start at the Top
Use a comb or your fingers to part your hair in sections, checking your entire scalp. Then, carefully examine your face, lips, neck, and the front and back of your ears. -
Examine Your Torso
Look at your chest and stomach. For women, be sure to lift your breasts to check the skin underneath. -
Check Arms and Hands
Raise your arms and inspect your underarms. Then, look over the front, back, and sides of both arms, from your shoulders down to your wrists. Don't forget your palms, the back of your hands, and in between each finger. -
Inspect Your Back
Turn your back to the full-length mirror and use the hand mirror to get a clear view. Check your entire back, from the nape of your neck down to your buttocks and the backs of your thighs. If this is difficult, don't hesitate to ask a partner or family member for help. -
Look Over Your Legs and Feet
Sit down to get a better view of your legs. Inspect the front and back of your thighs, shins, and calves. Check your ankles, the tops and soles of your feet, and the skin between your toes. -
Track What You See
The goal is to look for anything new, changing, or unusual. Keeping a simple log or taking photos can help you track spots over time.
A Proactive Routine for Healthy Skin
Keeping your skin healthy and balanced is a daily practice. A consistent routine helps you stay in tune with your skin's needs and makes it easier to notice when something is off. Here are our top picks for a supportive skincare regimen.
1. Cleanse Daily
Start with a clean slate. A gentle cleanser removes impurities without stripping your skin's protective barrier.
For sensitive or dry skin, try our Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser.
If your skin is more oily or acne-prone, the Probiotic Clarifying Cleanser is an excellent choice.
2. Treat & Target
Serums deliver concentrated ingredients to address specific concerns.
To brighten and even out skin tone, use the Advanced Vitamin C Brightening Serum.
For comprehensive anti-aging and firming, our Ultimate Youth Restoring Serum is a perfect all-in-one treatment.
3. Moisturize & Soothe
Hydration is key for resilient skin.
For lightweight, calming hydration that reduces redness, the Gentle Probiotic Calming Lotion is ideal.
For a richer, intensive anti-aging moisturizer, use the Probiotic Multi-Brightening Anti-Aging Cream.
4. Protect Every Morning
Daily sun protection is the single most important thing you can do to prevent sun damage.
Our Tinted Reef-Safe Sunscreen SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum protection with a breathable, non-greasy finish perfect for everyday wear.
To learn more about what to look for, you can read our guide on the Early Signs of Skin Cancer.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist for any skin concerns or for your annual professional skin examination.