Many of us check our faces everyday for new fine wrinkles and lines so we can run out and buy the latest wrinkle remover at the first signs of aging. Nonetheless only a few people pay such attention so as to their skin when it comes to the early signs of skin cancer. While skin cancer is most frequently found in sun exposed areas eg the face and arms, melanomas can appear in places that hardly ever see the light of day like between your toes or on your genitals.

Because of this it is very important that you become familiar not only with what the early indications of cancer of the skin are but also with what your skin looks like today. Doing a thorough inspection of your skin every month will enable you to spot any changes in your skin before it is too late. Often women opt to do that routinely at the same time they perform a self-breast examination every month to guarantee they don’t forget.

Now you know how critical examining your skin is, it is time to learn what things you should be searching for. We all have areas of imperfection on our skin and that’s completely normal. A few areas of darker pigmentation or a mole or two can be completely harmless. What is necessary to pay attention to is any changes in these defects. If the areas become larger or darker or if your moles begin to bleed or take on an irregular shaped border, it may be time to consult a skin specialist. You need to also visit your doctor if you notice any waxy raised bumps on your face or neck, or hard red bumps in these same areas.

While thinking about any type of cancer is not something any one of us like to do, finding cancer in its early stages is essential to a good treatment plan. By taking just a few moments each month to become acquainted with your skin and identify any suspicious skin conditions, you may be saving your own life.

It has been in the media for years but well worth repeating again and again. Sun exposure is your skin’s worst enemy. Not only does regular and extended sun exposure enormously increase your chances of skin cancer it also guarantees an early onset of wrinkles as you age. A sun-tan is a sign of skin in crisis. Stay clear of the sun, cover up and use SPF 15 or higher rated sunscreens on exposed areas. One thing not to forget is that you skin does require some sunlight each day so as to manufacture Vitamin D which is essential for bone strength and the moderate sun exposure required (about 10 minutes a day on your arms) will do no great harm. However , nutritional supplements containing this are a readily available alternative.