02 May Why Prioritizing a Mole Check at RefinedMD Could Save Your Life—and Your Skin
RefinedMD encourages all patients to include an annual mole check as part of their wellness routine—not just for aesthetics, but for health. While many people focus on skin care treatments that smooth, tighten, and refresh, one of the most critical steps you can take is also one of the simplest: a yearly, full-body skin exam. With rates of skin cancer continuing to rise across all age groups, a proactive approach to mole monitoring isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Skin Cancer Is on the Rise, but Early Detection Changes Everything
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common type of cancer in the United States. The good news? When caught early, skin cancers—especially melanoma—are highly treatable, and in many cases, curable. An annual mole check allows a board-certified provider to examine your skin from head to toe, identify any suspicious lesions or changes, and create a record of your skin’s baseline for future comparison.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, but when caught in its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is about 99%. Unfortunately, many people wait until a mole changes drastically in shape or color before they seek help, missing the window for early intervention. That’s why it’s critical to schedule your exam even if you think everything looks fine. Skin cancer doesn’t always show up where the sun shines—it can appear under nails, between toes, on the scalp, or in other hard-to-see places. At RefinedMD, we know what to look for and where to look.
What Happens During a Mole Check?
A professional mole check is quick, thorough, and painless. Your provider will examine your entire body, including areas you might not usually consider, such as the soles of your feet, behind your ears, and even the inside of your mouth if needed. They’ll look for asymmetries, irregular borders, color variations, changes in diameter, and anything that simply doesn’t look like your other moles—what dermatologists call “the ugly duckling” sign.
If any concerning moles are found, we may use dermoscopy for a closer look or recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. But most of the time, a skin exam simply results in peace of mind and a documented baseline for your skin health going forward.
Why Once a Year Is the Magic Number
Much like an annual physical or dental exam, a mole check should become a consistent part of your yearly health checklist. Even if you don’t have a family history of skin cancer or haven’t had excessive sun exposure, skin cancer can develop in anyone. Annual checks make it easy to track changes over time. When we can compare a mole from one year to the next, we gain valuable information that can help prevent delayed diagnoses.
If you’ve had precancerous lesions or a personal history of skin cancer, you may need to come in more frequently—every six months is often recommended. But for most adults, once a year is enough to catch abnormalities early while remaining proactive.
Tech-Enhanced Safety and Visual Records
At RefinedMD, we stay on the cutting edge of dermatological diagnostics, using high-resolution digital imaging and advanced tools to map, photograph, and track your moles over time. This technology allows us to spot even the most subtle changes, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Digital mole mapping also makes follow-up visits more precise and informative, empowering you with data and insight into your own skin.
These tools are especially helpful for patients with numerous moles, fair skin, a history of tanning bed use, or those who have noticed recent changes but aren’t sure how long they’ve been happening.
When to Be Extra Vigilant
While everyone should have annual checks, some people are at greater risk for developing skin cancer. You should be especially diligent if you:
- Have a family or personal history of skin cancer
- Have more than 50 moles, or any atypical or dysplastic moles
- Spend significant time outdoors or have had frequent sunburns
- Use or previously used tanning beds
- Have very fair skin, red or blonde hair, or light eyes
- Have a weakened immune system due to medical conditions or medications
Additionally, new research highlighted in JAMA Dermatology found that melanoma diagnoses are increasingly common in younger adults—particularly women in their 20s and 30s. This underscores the importance of starting mole checks early and not assuming youth equals immunity.
How Skin Care and Skin Health Go Hand-in-Hand
Great skin starts with healthy skin. Many people invest in facials, laser treatments, and anti-aging regimens without first laying a foundation of wellness. A yearly mole check is like a deep clean for your skin’s health history. It helps ensure that any cosmetic treatments you pursue are done on a safe, stable surface.
If you’re undergoing treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, or laser resurfacing, your provider will need to verify that no suspicious lesions are present in the treatment area. Regular mole checks streamline that process and give you the confidence that your skin is not only beautiful—but medically clear.
An Appointment That Takes Minutes, A Decision That Lasts a Lifetime
Your annual mole check might only take 15 to 30 minutes, but the impact is immeasurable. It’s one of the most effective, evidence-based tools we have for reducing cancer-related skin complications. And because it’s non-invasive, quick, and requires no downtime, there’s no reason to put it off.
Protecting your skin means being proactive—not reactive. If it’s been more than a year since your last full-body skin exam, now is the time to schedule it. Let RefinedMD support you in not only looking your best but feeling confident that your health is being taken seriously, from your pores to your peace of mind. Book your annual mole check today at RefinedMD by calling the office or completing the online form and take the most important step in your skin care journey—because nothing looks better than healthy skin.