Is It Just a Mole?

 September is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – What You Need to Know

At LaserLife Clinic, we’re all about glowing skin — but healthy skin comes first. This September, we’re joining the global campaign for Skin Cancer Awareness Month, to shine a spotlight on something often overlooked: the subtle signs of skin cancer and the power of early detection.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and although it’s often linked to sunbeds or holidays abroad, it can affect anyone — regardless of age, skin tone, or sun habits.

Is It Just a Mole… or Something More?

We’ve all heard “check your moles,” but skin cancer isn’t always a mole. It can show up in sneaky, unexpected ways. And because it’s often painless and slow-growing, it’s easy to ignore.

Here’s what skin cancer can really look like:

5 Signs It’s Time to Get Checked

1. A dry patch that never heals
   Flaky, red, sometimes itchy — no matter how much you moisturise, it keeps coming back. If it bleeds or crusts, it needs a second look.
2. A shiny bump that looks like a spot
   Often pink or translucent with tiny blood vessels. Unlike a pimple, it doesn’t pop or go away.
3. A scar-like patch that wasn’t there before
   Flat, firm, waxy in texture — and slowly spreading. If it looks like a scar but has no injury to match, don’t ignore it.
4. A sore that reopens again and again
   It scabs over, then reopens. Then again. And again. Skin should heal — not stay stuck in a cycle.
5. A mole that’s changed
   Classic signs include:
   
   • Irregular shape or borders
   • Multiple colours
   • Getting bigger
   • Itchy, bleeding, or crusting

Not all changes mean cancer — but all changes deserve to be seen.

Why This Matters for Laser Clients

If you’ve noticed anything suspicious or undiagnosed on your skin, do not proceed with laser treatment until it’s been assessed by a medical professional.

 Skin cancer is a strict contraindication to all laser treatments — including laser hair removal, IPL, and fractional resurfacing.

 We’ll always check and flag any areas of concern during your consultation, and we’ll never treat over questionable moles or lesions.

 Your safety comes before aesthetics, always.

Protect What You’ve Got: The Right SPF Matters

At LaserLife, we recommend and use RAD SPF by Environ, a lightweight, antioxidant-rich sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It’s:

 Gentle and non-greasy

 Enriched with vitamins C and E for added skin support

 Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa

It’s your first line of defence — even on cloudy days or through glass.

Your Skin Safety Checklist for September

•  Self-check monthly in good lighting
•  Look for new marks, growth, or changes
•  Flag anything persistent, flaky, shiny, or unusual
•  Visit your GP for mole checks or changes
•  Wear daily SPF — yes, even in autumn
•  Never treat suspicious skin with laser

Did You Know…?

• 1 in 5 people will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime
• Skin cancer can affect all skin types — it just looks different on darker tones
• One blistering sunburn in childhood can double your lifetime risk
• Early detection = 99% survival rate

How We Support Skin Health at LaserLife

We may be best known for lasers and facials, but our team is trained to spot the difference between pigmentation and something more serious. Here’s how we help:

 Flag concerns during consultations

 Refer you when something needs medical attention

 Educate you on prevention, repair, and skin health

 Offer safe, post-summer recovery options for sun damage

What’s Happening This Month at LaserLife

 Free skin health check with any facial or laser consultation

 10% off post-summer repair treatments (including IPL, peels, and skin boosters)

 Optional before/after mole documentation to track changes

 Final Thought

Skin Cancer Awareness Month isn’t about scaring you — it’s about empowering you to protect the skin you live in. If something looks new, unusual, or just doesn’t sit right — get it checked. And if you’re not sure, we’re here to help guide you.

 Book your skin consultation today and let’s make skin safety part of your self-care routine.