May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a good opportunity to pause and pay a bit more attention to your skin. We often meet patients who spotted a change some time ago but were not sure if it was worth having checked. This is one of the reasons why awareness matters so much.
This year also marks an important step forward at Dr Ed Robinson Aesthetics. We are pleased to welcome consultant dermatologist Dr Alex Crawford to the team. With his expertise, we are now able to offer a dedicated mole checking and skin cancer screening service alongside our existing aesthetic treatments, giving our patients access to more comprehensive skin care in one place.
Why is skin cancer becoming more common in the UK?
Skin cancer is now one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the UK, and rates continue to rise. Much of this is linked to cumulative sun exposure over time rather than a single episode of sunburn.
Many of our patients assume that sun damage is only relevant after holidays abroad. In reality, day-to-day exposure in the UK contributes significantly, especially to the face, neck and hands.
There are three main types of skin cancer, and each behaves slightly differently:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type. It tends to grow slowly and very rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can continue to grow and cause damage to the surrounding skin and tissue, particularly on areas like the face.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is usually faster growing than BCC and has a higher risk of spreading, especially if it is not treated early. It often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, ears and hands.
- Melanoma is less common, but the most serious form of skin cancer. It can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new lesion, and has a greater potential to spread to other parts of the body if not identified early.
Early-stage skin cancers can often be managed very effectively, sometimes with relatively minor procedures. If diagnosis is delayed, treatment can become more complex.
That is why early detection is so important. Becoming familiar with your skin and having any changes assessed promptly makes a significant difference to outcomes.
What are the early signs of skin cancer to look out for?
Patients often ask what they should actually be looking for. While not every change is serious, there are clear warning signs that should not be ignored.
Look for:
- A mole that changes in size, shape or colour
- An irregular or uneven border
- Multiple colours within one lesion
- A mole that bleeds, crusts or becomes itchy
- A new lesion that looks different from others
Early assessment offers peace of mind and, where needed, early intervention.
What does a professional mole check involve?
With the introduction of our new dermatology service, mole assessments are now carried out by Dr Alex Crawford, bringing specialist-level expertise into the clinic.
A mole check is not just a quick glance. It typically includes:
- A full medical and skin history
- Examination using dermoscopy, which allows detailed visualisation beneath the skin surface
- Assessment of any concerning lesions
- Clear guidance on whether monitoring, biopsy or removal is needed
What happens in clinic is that subtle features, invisible to the naked eye, can be identified early using dermoscopy. This is where specialist input makes a significant difference.
How can you protect your skin from sun damage?
Sun safety advice is often repeated, but in practice, many people are still getting it wrong.
For effective protection:
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors
- Wear protective clothing, especially during peak hours
- Avoid sunbeds entirely
- Be mindful of reflective surfaces such as water and sand
In clinic, we often see patients who rely on SPF in makeup alone. This is rarely sufficient, particularly in summer months, and can cause early ageing signs and further skin concerns.
Can aesthetic treatments help with sun-damaged skin?
While prevention is always the priority, many patients seek treatment for existing sun damage. At Dr Ed Robinson Aesthetics, several clinically proven treatments can improve skin quality and address the visible effects of UV exposure.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser treatments, such as BBL® HEROic™ are commonly used to target pigmentation, uneven tone and early signs of photoageing.
BBL® HEROic™ is an advanced light-based treatment that delivers precise pulses of energy into the skin. Rather than a traditional laser, it uses broad-spectrum light to gently heat the upper layers of the skin, helping to reduce pigmentation, calm redness and stimulate collagen production over time.
Who it is for:
Patients with sun spots, redness, or uneven skin texture.
In practice:
For milder cases, we would usually start with a series of gentle treatments. If pigmentation is more stubborn, settings can be adjusted or combined with other modalities.
Benefits:
- Improves skin clarity and tone
- Reduces pigmentation caused by sun damage
- Stimulates collagen for longer-term improvement
Medical-Grade Skincare
Medical-grade skincare remains a cornerstone of managing sun damage, using prescription-strength or clinic-grade products designed to repair, protect and maintain the health of the skin.
Who it is for:
Suitable for almost all patients, particularly those with early signs of damage.
In practice:
A common mistake patients make is using too many active products without guidance. A structured routine tailored to your skin often delivers better results than layering multiple products.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a treatment used to improve overall skin quality following sun exposure by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulate the natural healing response and encourage collagen production.
Who it is for:
Patients with fine lines, uneven texture or mild scarring from sun damage.
In practice:
When skin concerns are not settling with skincare alone, we would normally look at introducing microneedling as part of a broader treatment plan.
Benefits:
- Improves skin texture
- Supports collagen regeneration
- Enhances absorption of active skincare
Combination Approaches: What tends to work best?
In reality, a single treatment is rarely the full answer.
What tends to work best is a layered approach:
- Skincare to protect and maintain results
- Laser treatments to address pigmentation and tone
- Microneedling to improve texture and collagen
We can tailor combinations depending on the degree of sun damage and the patient’s lifestyle. This is where a personalised consultation becomes essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my moles?
It is advisable to check your skin every few months. If you have many moles or a history of sun damage, annual professional checks are recommended.
Is skin cancer always caused by sun exposure?
Sun exposure is the primary cause, but genetics and skin type also play a role.
Are all changes in moles cancerous?
No. Many changes are benign, but it is important to have them assessed to rule out anything serious.
Does sunscreen completely prevent skin cancer?
Sunscreen significantly reduces risk but does not eliminate it entirely. Consistent use alongside other protective measures is key.
Can aesthetic treatments remove skin cancer?
No. Aesthetic treatments improve skin quality but are not used to treat skin cancer. Suspicious lesions must always be assessed medically.
Taking a proactive approach to your skin health
Looking after your skin is not about overreacting to every small change, but it is about paying attention and knowing when to have things checked. Skin cancer is far more manageable when caught early, and in many cases, a simple assessment is all that is needed to provide reassurance.
At Dr Ed Robinson Aesthetics, you now have access to consultant-led mole checks with Dr Alex Crawford, allowing concerns to be assessed quickly and accurately in a clinical setting you trust.
If you have noticed a change in a mole, a new lesion, or simply feel unsure about something on your skin, it is always worth having it reviewed. We often find that patients wish they had come in sooner, even when the outcome is reassuring.
Book a consultation at our clinic in Hale, Cheshire for clear answers, reassurance, and support in maintaining healthy skin.