Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Key Signs Your Mole Could Be Cancerous

Tag Archives: skin care

Mole on Back With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a great time to prioritize skin health and learn how early detection can save lives. While most moles are harmless, some can signal a dangerous skin cancer like melanoma. Recognizing the warning signs is one of the most effective steps toward prevention and early diagnosis.

What Is a Mole?

Moles (also known as nevi) are small, clusters of pigmented skin cells. They can be flat or raised, and range in color from light pink to dark brown or black. Most are usually harmless, but some can signal something very serious and should not be ignored.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma: Five Warning Signs of a Cancerous Mole

To help identify the warning signs of skin cancer, dermatology providers rely on the ABCDEs. It’s a simple but effective checklist to evaluate moles. Here’s what to look for:

A – Asymmetry: One half does not match the other

B – Border: The edges are irregular, blurred, or poorly defined

C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven shades

D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though smaller melanomas are possible

E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color

Other Things to be Aware of

New moles appearing after age 30
Rapid changes to an existing mole
Itching, tenderness, or bleeding
A mole that stands out or looks noticeably different from the rest (referred to as the “ugly duckling” sign)

Who’s at Higher Risk?

Some people are more vulnerable to skin cancer and should have regular skin examinations, especially if they have:

Fair skin, light eyes, or light hair
History of sunburns or tanning bed use
Family or personal history of skin cancer
A large number of moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles

Why Early Detection Saves Lives

Melanoma, while serious, is highly treatable when caught early. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the 5-year survival rate for early-stage melanoma is 99%. That’s why regular self-exams and yearly professional skin examinations are so important.

How to Perform a Self-Skin Exam

Once a month, use a mirror or ask a partner to help you check out the following areas:

Scalp
Back and buttocks
Soles of feet and between toes
Underarms and behind ears

Take note of any new or changing spots. When in doubt, get it checked out.

Don’t Ignore Suspicious Moles – Schedule an Appointment Today!

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to check your skin. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait. A changing mole could be an early warning sign. Schedule a full body skin examination at the Neiman Dermatology Building to get the expert care and peace of mind you deserve.

Source: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Skin Cancer Foundation

BioRePeel Patient If you’re searching for an amazing skin rejuvenation treatment with no downtime, BioRePeel is the breakthrough treatment you’ve been waiting for. At the Neiman Dermatoloy Building, this innovative peel is quickly becoming a patient favorite for treating acne, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dullness—with little to no visible peeling.

What is the BioRePeel?

The BioRePeel is a medical-grade, bi-phase TCA chemical peel designed to stimulate collagen and elastin, improve skin texture, and deliver an instant glow—without the harsh side effects of traditional peels. It’s one of the most advanced skincare treatments available today and safe for all skin types and tones.

Unlike aggressive peels that cause redness or flaking, BioRePeel uses a 35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) blend, along with amino acids, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and vitamins, to exfoliate and hydrate the skin—leaving it refreshed, clear, and glowing.

Benefits of the BioRePeel

Patients who get the BioRePeel can expect:

Improved skin texture and tone
Reduction in active acne and blackheads
Minimized appearance of pores
Diminished fine lines and early signs of aging
Brighter, more hydrated skin
No downtime, redness, or excessive peeling

Whether you’re prepping for a special event or looking for a skin reset, the BioRePeel delivers visible results after just one treatment, with cumulative benefits after a full series.

Who is the BioRePeel Best For?

The BioRePeel is for patients dealing with:

Oily or acne-prone skin
Pigmentation and dark spots
Rough or dull texture
Fine lines and early aging
Congested pores and blackheads

It’s suitable for all ages and safe year-round, including summer, due to its gentle yet effective formula.

What to Expect During the BioRePeel
The BioRePeel session takes about 30 minutes and is designed to be both effective and gentle. Here’s what the treatment involves:

Cleanse. Your skin is thoroughly cleansed using SkinCeuticals Simply Clean to remove any impurities and prep the skin.
Peel Application. The BioRePeel solution is applied and left on for up to 10 minutes, depending on your skin type and concerns. You may feel mild tingling during this step.
Removal and Moisturize. The peel is gently removed with water, then your skin is nourished with SkinCeuticals Emollience or Triple Lipid Restore, followed by a hydrating eye cream.
Post-Treatment Care. For the next 24 hours, avoid direct sun exposure. Use a gentle cleanser, and apply sunscreen daily to protect and maintain your results.

There’s no downtime, so you can resume your day immediately with fresh, glowing skin. For best results, Jamie recommends a series of 4–6 sessions, spaced 1–2 weeks apart.

Book Your BioRePeel with Aesthetician Jamie Popp

Ready to reveal your healthiest, glowiest skin yet? Experience the skin-transforming power of BioRePeel with Jamie Popp, Licensed Aesthetician—known for delivering personalized, results-driven skincare in a welcoming, professional setting.

Woman Skin Concerns

Are you struggling with acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, or dryness? SkinCeuticals offers a wide range of products tailored to target these skin concerns. This guide highlights the best SkinCeuticals products for various skin types and concerns, helping you create a customized skincare routine.

Acne & Blemishes

Daily Moisture. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates oily skin without clogging pores.
Glycolic Renewal Cleanser. This exfoliating cleanser improves texture and radiance while helping to prevent breakouts by promoting skin renewal.
Hydrating B5 Gel. An oil-free serum that delivers deep hydration and enhances moisture levels, perfect for acne-prone skin.
LHA Cleansing Gel. An exfoliating cleanser that unclogs pores, reduces breakouts, and enhances skin clarity.
LHA Toner. A glycolic acid toner that provides even exfoliation, helping to refine skin texture and unclog pores.

Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots

C E Ferulic. A potent antioxidant serum that brightens the skin, reduces pigmentation, and prevents free radical damage.
Discoloration Defense. A corrective serum specifically designed to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve overall skin tone.

Anti-Aging & Fine Lines

A.G.E. Eye Complex. This treatment targets puffiness, dark circles, and crow’s feet, providing a more youthful appearance.
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. A rich, anti-aging cream that restores essential lipids to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and texture.

Dry & Dehydrated Skin

Daily Moisture. This lightweight moisturizer hydrates the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores, making it suitable for oily and combination skin.
Emollience. A rich, nourishing moisturizer for dry skin, providing long-lasting hydration and softness.
Hydrating B5 Gel. This moisture-enhancing serum replenishes hydration and smooths the skin.

Redness and Sensitivity

Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment. This soothing moisturizer helps to balance sensitive skin, reducing redness while improving skin brightness, texture, and clarity.

Sun Protection

Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. A lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen with a universal tint, offering superior sun protection for all skin tones.

How to Choose the Right SkinCeuticals Products

Selecting the best SkinCeuticals products depends on your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive) and your primary concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, or aging. Mixing and matching these products can help you create a personalized regimen to address multiple skin issues simultaneously.

If you’re unsure about your skincare needs, contact our office for a complimentary consultation with esthetician Jamie Popp, who can help design a routine tailored just for you.

Dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, are a common concern for many individuals. Resulting from an excess production of melanin, a natural pigment created by cells called melanocytes, their frequency can vary from one person to another. So, what can you do to address them? We like the SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment.

The SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment is a lightweight moisturizer that targets the causes of skin imperfections and dullness. Key ingredients like azelaic acid (3%), alpha arbutin (2%), and a phyto botanical blend (5.75%) effectively minimize dark spots and hyperpigmentation (while being suitable even for sensitive skin). Clinical studies over 12 weeks showed visible improvements in skin brightness, smoothness, and clarity, along with reduced pore-clogging surface oil.

To recap, the SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment is an excellent option to help improve skin tone and texture. If you have concerns with dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, contact Lisa S. Ball, FNP today.

Source: Skinceuticals.com

Woman with good hair When it comes to skincare, the majority of our focus usually goes to the face, diligently cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing to maintain a healthy glow. But in our quest for flawless skin, there’s one crucial area that often gets overlooked: the scalp. Just as our face needs care and attention, so too does the skin on our scalp. Recognizing this, we adapted the proven effectiveness of the HydraFacial to target scalp health, introducing the HydraScalp exclusively available at our office.

Why the scalp?

The scalp is often subjected to the same environmental pollutants, product buildup, and oil production that can wreak havoc on our face. Considering its role as the base for hair growth, neglecting it can result in a variety of potential issues.

What is the HydraScalp?

The HydraScalp is a one-of-a-kind treatment that utilizes the HydraFacial to effectively cleanse, stimulate, nourish, and hydrate the scalp.

What are some conditions it can help?

With the plethora of benefits delivered, it can in turn help with scalp dryness, itchiness, dandruff, and even hair loss.

How often should treatment be done?

Depending on your scalp, we recommend patients get the treatment once every 3-4 months.

As you can see, scalp health is so important and the HydraScalp is the perfect treatment for just that. Contact Lisa S. Ball, NP today to get a healthier, happier scalp, and unlock the key to luscious, vibrant hair from root to tip.

Woman with healthy skin

November is National Healthy Skin Month – a time to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of your skin and maintaining its overall health. And in doing this, a variety of different skin conditions and issues can be avoided. Here are some ways to do just that:

Have a skincare routine. Establish and follow a daily skincare regimen that is tailored to your skin type. Essentials include cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen.
Skin cancer detection & prevention. Get regular skin cancer examinations (at least once a year) and use sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days).
Keep your skin hydrated. Apply a moisturizer after cleansing and drink plenty of water (8 glasses a day).
Get plenty of sleep. It is recommended to get 7-9 hours of restful sleep a night to support overall skin health.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet. This doesn’t just positively impact your skin but your body as a whole.
Avoid smoking. This contributes to premature aging and wrinkling.

Remember, the path to healthy skin begins with commitment and consistency. Incorporate these practices into your routine and your skin will thank you.

Woman Skin Care Routine So, now that school is back in full swing, there’s no better time to establish (or re-establish) a skincare routine. This will not only help you to look your best but to feel it as well.

Here are some ways to do just that:

Use a facial cleanser that suits your skin type. Cleansing helps to remove any dirt, oil, and debris from the skin. Do this twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
Moisturize after cleansing. Regardless of your skin type, moisturizing is essential. It helps the skin maintain hydration and prevents it from becoming too oily.
Exfoliate 1-2 times a week. This helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote an overall brighter skin complexion.
Use an SPF of at least 30 daily. Sunscreen is very important in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.
Drink plenty of water. Hydration is crucial in helping to maintain the skin’s overall health.
Eat a balanced diet (avoiding processed foods). Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are some of the best options for healthy skin.
Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep (less than 6 hours) can lead to dull, tired-looking skin and can even worsen some existing skin conditions.
Try to manage stress. High cortisol levels can contribute to a variety of skin issues. Exercise, meditation, and yoga are some great ways to combat stress.
Avoid touching your face. This can transfer dirt/bacteria to the skin.
Change pillowcases regularly. This is another place where dirt and bacteria can collect. Wash/change pillowcases (and sheets) every week.
Remove makeup before going to bed. Leaving makeup on overnight can cause the pores in the skin to become clogged and lead to breakouts. Use a gentle makeup remover.
Have an acne treatment plan. Ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are great in fighting acne. Seeing a dermatology provider will better help in developing a personalized plan.

Remember that consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Stick to the routine and be patient as it can take some time to see noticeable improvements in your skin.

HydraFacial Woman

As you may already know, the HydraFacial is an incredible treatment that does wonders in helping to improve the appearance and health of the skin. The treatment is a favorite of many because it effectively combines several treatments into one addressing a variety of skin concerns.

Whether it’s fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, congested pores, or uneven skin tone the process contains three simple steps. They include:

Cleanse – The treatment begins with a gentle cleansing and exfoliation with a gentle peel to remove any dirt, makeup, and oil.
Extract – Utilizing a strong vacuum-like suction, impurities and debris are painlessly removed from the outermost layer of skin.
Hydrate – A specialized serum containing antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and peptides is infused into the skin providing a healthy, more radiant look.

One of the key advantages of the HydraFacial is its customizable nature. Our esthetician Jamie Popp can adjust the treatment to cater to a patient’s specific skin concerns and needs. Additionally, the treatment is often considered relatively gentle and comfortable, with minimal discomfort and downtime. Many people experience improvements in skin texture, tone, and hydration immediately after the treatment.

Based on your skincare objectives, the above can be customized and expanded upon for even better results. If you would like to experience the benefits of the HydraFacial, contact the skin care professionals at Lisa S. Ball, NP today.

For much of the summer, smoke from the Canadian Wildfires (and now Hawaiian) has brought air quality concerns into the national spotlight. Aside from the known risks of inhaling wildfire smoke, it can also pose a serious threat to the skin as well.

So how does the smoke from the wildfires affect the skin?

The microscopic particles and pollutants from the smoke land on the skin leading to potential inflammation and damage.

How does the skin damage present itself?

It can either be premature wrinkling, fine lines, or discoloration.

Is wildfire smoke the only environmental factor to worry about?

No, some others include sunlight, blue light, infrared radiation, air pollution, hot and cold temperatures, and cigarette smoke.

What are some ways to protect the skin from wildfire smoke or any other environmental factor?

Limit time outside when the air quality is poor
Wear sunscreen as a first line of defense
Use an antioxidant like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic to protect the skin
Wash the skin to remove any smoke particles that may cling to it
Apply a moisturizer after cleansing to maintain hydration

Even when the wildfires (hopefully) slow down and end, atmospheric aging never takes a day off. Next time you’re out, make sure to consider the health of your skin.

SkinCceuticals Products

When it comes to skincare, there are many different options available. From drugstore brands to luxury lines, finding the right products can be tough. That’s why we recommend one of the most trusted names out there in SkinCeuticals.

Founded in 1997, SkinCeuticals was developed with an extensive amount of clinical research and science. Suitable for all skin types and tones, their products are formulated with the highest quality ingredients that are proven to address a variety of skin concerns.

These products include:

Cleansers + Toner. Essential as a base for any skincare regimen. They help to lift impurities and oils while addressing the key needs of different skin concerns.
Products: Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser, Gentle Cleanser, Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, LHA Cleanser, Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, Simply Clean, Soothing Cleanser, LHA Toner
Antioxidant. Provides protection from environmental factors that can contribute to premature aging of the skin.
Product: C E Ferulic
Moisturizers. Provides nourishment, replenishes hydration, protects the skin’s barrier, and optimizes the health and appearance of the skin.
Products: Daily Moisture, Emollience, Hydrating B5 Gel
Sunscreens. The first line of defense against damaging UVA/UVB rays and helps to preserve the results from other products.
Products: Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen 30, Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50, Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50

As you can tell, SkinCeuticals is a comprehensive skincare line that focuses on high-quality results. To learn more about SkinCeuticals, contact the skin care experts at Lisa S. Ball, NP today.